Student Resources

Some of the resources available to Clark Wilson LLP students:

Principals and mentors:

Students are provided with a designated principal. Your principal will be a senior member of the firm. He or she will be available to answer your questions, provide advice and assistance, and help you "learn the ropes" of the business of law.

A typical principal / student relationship at Clark Wilson LLP is one where a unique bond is established. Your principal is responsible for monitoring your professional and ethical development, and is also charged with ensuring that you experience the full range of requirements to be called to the bar during your rotation.

If you stay with the firm to become an associate, you will be assigned a designated mentor, typically a lawyer outside your practice area. While the roles and responsibilities of principals and mentors are clearly different, they do fulfil some important common needs. Both are required to be very proactive and answer your questions, give advice and assistance, and generally provide you with support.

The firm’s culture of support is best summed up by senior Clark Wilson LLP partner Stu Wells:

"More than 30 years ago I stood in your place, considering the many options available for articling. I interviewed a number of firms and I chose Clark Wilson. It was a fortuitous decision. I've been here ever since. I was initially attracted by the honest, open and friendly environment. I was to find out that the firm had a long term perspective in its recruiting and that the people took a keen and genuine interest in helping me develop as a lawyer. We are proud of our continuing commitment to students and of our success in developing excellent lawyers. Every student who walks through our door has the opportunity to make a career at Clark Wilson. We look forward to helping you do that." - Stu Wells

Support from your peers:

It doesn't take long for "new arrivals" to feel comfortable. A core value of the firm is the spirit of mutual respect and support. We practice in a challenging profession that is extremely rewarding, but can sometimes be very demanding. Through triumphs and challenges, we make time to share ideas and experiences, celebrate our successes, and provide support when it's needed.

Skills Training Program:

Our firm-wide training program offers monthly luncheon seminars where all levels of lawyers receive training. Bonnie Elster, a member of the firm’s Training Committee, says:

"With this program, we are focusing on skills which enable lawyers to effectively run and manage the business of practicing law. This helps lawyers understand clients’ business issues, and provide legal service to support those issues." - Bonnie Elster

The firm provides regular instruction sessions. Each addresses one of four skill categories:

1. understanding business information and financial reports;
2. management and supervision;
3. marketing/ business development and;
4. law firm operations. Students are expected to attend these sessions.

Our Associate Training program was highlighted in a March 2008 article in the Law Society of British Columbia's Benchers' Bulletin, and in a June 2006 article in The Lawyers Weekly. Both articles include several quotes on the firm's commitment to providing legal and business skills training for associates.

Administrative support: