SpecterH

My firm has weekly webinars to update us on the status of the firm, reopening, etc. To date, our leadership has essentially said that they don't know when (can't even tell us what month) we'll start heading back to the office but, even when we do, it will not be an immediate "return to normal". We will likely be going back to work in phases, with ~20% of the firm returning to work at one time, no catering services, other limitations, etc. They have also confirmed that we will be in no rush to go back to the office even once we get the green light from the government. These have been "official" announcements. Unofficially, from what I've heard around the office, I can't see a situation where we return to work before September/October at the very earliest (due to child care concerns, transit concerns, large office concerns, etc.). I can envision an arrangement where working from home is encouraged and/or we're scheduled to be in the office physically 1-2 days per week for the foreseeable future.

I think you're correct in your approach. You should start your degree pursuing a program that you would be happy to complete if you didn't end up going to Ivey (either because you didn't get accepted or because you didn't end up wanting to pursue that option in two years). I believe those degrees (MIT does for sure) have dual degree options with Ivey's HBA program, whereby you can complete both degrees in five years (and get a BA in MIT and an HBA from Ivey). Something worth looking into in a couple of years, for sure. I studied developmental cognitive neuroscience.

I think a diagnostic test can be helpful because it'll highlight your intuitive strengths and weaknesses. It may help you prepare your study plan. Additionally, there are so many LSAT prep tests available (in contrast to other admissions exams, like the GMAT), so it's not like you're going to be "wasting" one on a diagnostic if you choose to complete one.

I can't compare big law to any other area of law since I've only ever worked in big law. I would suspect that the vast majority of lawyers work quite hard and some for far less pay than you'd see in big law. The high starting salary (and significant raises year over year) are what attract a lot of people to big law. For me, it's a combination of a bunch of things. Big law is also a really good stepping stone/foundation to other opportunities (eg., in-house legal counsel positions, etc.)

They're basically average. What specific questions do you have about them?

I didn’t even know those other firms did hireback yet. I’m clearly late to the party.

I know - that’s what I meant.

Rough numbers this year so far. I'm surprised to see that there are quite a few firms who haven't announced numbers yet (McCarthys, Dentons, Gowlings, BLG, etc.).

I completed the HBA/JD program. First, I feel obligated to point out that I think it's far too early for you to even be considering this program. Focus on doing well in high school and then in your first two years of university before you start the HBA program. Second, please don't "let go of all distractions". It's important to work hard but, in my view, it's even more important to have a life.

We have a candy room.

If your issue was time management, I'm not sure I see much value in simply re-reading the materials that you've already read. My suggestion would be to take the time to learn your index well and continuously work on practice questions (first untimed, then timed, then full exams, etc.) It's a lot of material and you've already read it once; realistically, you won't remember 98% of what you read and will have to look it up anyway (speaking from experience, perhaps excluding the professional responsibility questions). Practice the ability to recognize an issue in a question quickly and then knowing where to look in your index/material. The Bar exams do not test your ability to memorize - it's more of a complicated word search. Treat it as such and study accordingly.

Here's a tip: You might want to be careful how you talk to people on this forum because you have absolutely no idea who you're talking to.

Ugh. I really digress, but this is not a trend forming.

Lol, this is inaccurate (and also impossible to "agree with")

Likewise, feel free to send me a message.