TKNumber3

Just a couple thoughts and cautions on the above: -memos are firm property, so shouldn't be used for any non-firm reason -pleadings aren't ideal, given they are often boilerplate -while written reps on a motion could work, there is major sensitivity, so make sure they were filed in open court and you've obtained permission (lawyer and client). That probably makes it a bit of a deal breaker. -for redactions, highlighting black and printing to pdf DOES NOT remove the information. If you don't have a way to scrub the data and need to redact for anything that way, print the blacked out word version on paper and scan it. In short, an article or paper is your best bet for a writing sample. If you have none from articling, and an interviewer wants more than what you had from school, you can always offer to brief up a case for them.

Yea no kidding. Maybe, MAYBE you could argue there should be some movement when the two parties are disputing a small difference, but when its large it shouldn't be improper to stick to your position. This is my problem with mandatory settlement/mediation. I know the court looks at it as getting things off the docket, but there are already settlement consequences in the rules that parties can rely upon (course, that assumes the Court properly considers them, but that's a separate issue). Settlement/mediation should only be on request of both parties.

Ugh, small claims is the worst.

They arrive well before you want them to

Basically every in firm social event repeats the following: Hey X, how are you. Good, you? Good yea How's work, busy summer? Yea lots on the go. Holiday plans? Nothing major, try and get a long weekend in. Great. Yea. Rinse and repeat until you get bored and spend the rest of the event talking to only the other students.

I think they had a summer clinic spot. There's also a course, and in upper years you can see about doing a self directed paper. They also host interesting talks on campus.

100%. I get to tackle big issues with big stakes. There's also an advantage of high stakes as you don't have to worry about small motions being too expensive. A motion to strike that's even partially successful can be worth the expense on large files.

Spier and Mackay has good offerings for both suits and shirts. Have had good experience with their shirts but no long term experience with their suits yet.

I think law school does prepare you for practice, or at least the litigation end of it. Fact pattern analysis, cause of action analysis, remedy-right interaction, argument and delivery, and many more things were at least addressed in addition to the black letter law (which is also helpful) in most of my courses. While I may never go back to class notes, I don't think it was a waste of time.

Plus, you generally get to do it in a passive aggressive way, which usually is the most hated response for that category of douche canoes. "I'm sure my friend didn't intend to misstate the record, but I should just note for the court..." "Notwithstanding the ample submissions of my friend, noticeably absent was any response to..."

To me there are hurdles with IT at larger firms. You'd likely need some pull to convince them to let you develop anything that'll interact with the core suite of approved programs. Unless you can do it another way, or it's less invasive than I'm imagining (no experience here, just know IT likes to keep the lid on even the most basic elements). A big plus is knowing enough for basics like excel macros. I've tried the odd one here and there and really need to up my game in that department.

You don't need a PhD to do IP work. You don't need a PhD to do IP work. You don't need a PhD to do IP work.

It's arguably personal preference, but the clearly correct answer is they should not be worn outside formal dress. Realistically don't be "French cuff guy" and it shouldn't be an issue. Try not to wear them on more casual shirts and don't wear them without a tie (again, personal preferences).

STEM can be a wide scope, but personally I didn't find any unique issues. The preferred writing approach in law mirrors STEM a bit. Objective->Summary->point by point analysis is consistent with how lab reports or papers are drafted (IMO at least). I found that prior exposure helpful in drafting summaries or memos, as well as exams. The rest is pretty self contained, so you're learning the same brand new stuff as someone from any other background.

Biglaw's problem (well, not exclusively big law), especially as a more junior associate, is always a general lack of predictability. Client decides late Thursday they want random request by Monday. Guess who has to rearrange weekend plans to get it done? (Hint, usually not the higher ups on the file). I think Ottawa has a good number of gov't and tribunal options. Obviously depends on your area of interest. Not too sure on in house, may be somewhat more limited with lots of larger companies being based out of the GTA.