One of the consistent comments we hear from lawyers who have articled with us, is how much they appreciated the support they received throughout their articles, and as they start their practice of law. Following is a brief description of some of the resources that will be available to you as a Clark Wilson LLP articling student and associate.

Principals and Mentors:

As mentioned under Principals, you will be provided with a designated principal. As 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.

You will also find the lawyers and staff at Clark Wilson LLP to be very helpful, and ready to assist you on your way to success. The firm’s culture of support is best summed up by senior Clark Wilson LLP partner David Buchanan, QC: "Our students at law are the lifeblood of the firm and the partners of tomorrow and, as a senior member of the Bar, I try to live up to the example set by those who trained me by keeping my door open, involving students in my files, and participating in their development into lawyers."

Experienced Secretarial Support:

Our students are assigned experienced secretaries who can help them with the questions that will arise on a day-to-day basis. Many of our lawyers say that the support they received from their secretaries, especially in the early days of their practice, was key to their development.

Support from your Peers:

It doesn’t take long for "new arrivals" to feel comfortable. A core value of the firm, evident from the first day you arrive, 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.

Practice Area Training:

Many of our practice groups have their own practice-specific training programs. On a weekly or monthly basis, the practice group will meet to talk about best practices, case law updates or legislative changes that affect their areas. In addition, both the Business Law and Litigation Departments have regular meetings to talk about more broadly relevant topics. Students are invited to attend many of these meetings.

Skills Training Program:

Clark Wilson LLP has recently undergone a major review of the various training programs available to our students and associates. As Bonnie Elster, a member of the firm’s Training Committee, says: "With this new program, we are focusing on business skills, which enable lawyers to effectively run and manage the business of practicing law, understand clients’ business issues, and provide legal service to support those issues." The firm provides regular instruction sessions on many different topics and presenters, each addressing 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 June 2006 article in The Lawyers Weekly. The article included several quotes on the firm's commitment to providing legal and business skills training for associates.

Research Support:

The firm's Knowledge Services department offers students access to the major legal research databases in Canada, as well as electronic access to business databases, newspapers, associations, and legal periodicals. Students are also provided with full access to the firm's extensive Intranet, which houses various internal collections. The department includes two full-time Law Librarians who provide formal research training for new students, as well as day-to-day guidance.

Systems:

Clark Wilson LLP’s utilization of technology is amongst the most advanced in Western Canada. From contact management and timekeeping software to case management and precedent systems, the firm will provide you with tools that will help make your practice as efficient as possible. The firm’s Systems department is always a phone call or an email away, should you have questions. In addition, Clark Wilson LLP has a dedicated Software Applications Specialist who will provide you with complete training when you arrive, and will assist you as you learn the "virtual" ropes.

Accounting:

Our students are all provided with detailed orientation to the firm’s accounting systems and procedures. Members of the department are always available to answer questions, or provide assistance, whether it’s handling funds, producing reports, or simply making sense of timekeeper and billing information.

Marketing:

Business development is an important element of our practice, and each practice group has a detailed plan for continual business development. From the beginning of your practice, you will have many opportunities to represent the firm, participating in seminars, publishing articles, supporting other lawyers in their initiatives, or simply interacting with clients and peers. Clark Wilson LLP’s marketing department will help you to develop your marketing skills, and assist you in putting your best foot forward with every marketing opportunity.