Articling Program
Student Program At Simpson Wigle
Articling Program
Rotation
You will be on a predetermined rotation program while articling at the firm. Based on your expressed interests and the workflow at the time, you will get exposure to various areas of our practice by spending time in the business law, litigation and employment departments.
During your articles you should develop the basic skills necessary to ensure a good start to your legal career: research, drafting, client relations and basic advocacy, ideally through conducting motions or small claims matters on your own. Because of our size and philosophy you will learn by doing, but we will ensure that you don’t sink. We will provide you with the supervision, access to partners and guidance you need throughout this time.
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A Mentor
Students are quickly integrated within the firm. You will be assigned a mentor who will regularly meet with you to discuss how you are progressing plus provide professional guidance with your skills development. We're direct, open and informal – you will get the feedback you need to grow. Members of our Student Committee are always available to discuss concerns, and your interests to ensure that your time with us runs smoothly. A mid-term and final review will be conducted to supplement ongoing feedback.
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Professional Development
We provide an excellent arena for hands-on experience as the basis of your training. You will be given a great deal of responsibility for the files you work on and the opportunity to be exposed to or be involved in all stages of client work including client meetings. Our partners run work sessions on different legal and practice management topics to complement your professional development and to give you an insight to the practical realities of the profession. There are also opportunities for you to attend educational conferences, seminars and other events.
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What’s In It For Me?
As an articling student at Simpson Wigle, you get:
- Salary commensurate with other law firms in the Region;
- Reimbursement of one half of your Bar Ad tuition and reimbursement for the balance if you are returning to the firm as an associate lawyer;
- Two weeks paid vacation;
- Extended health care and dental plan, life insurance;
- Fun social events.
You will have access to the research and support resources you need to help you do your job. This includes access to on-line research tools.
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Student Program At Simpson Wigle
We Are Looking For Bright, Energetic, and Resourceful Students
Simpson Wigle LLP provides a full range of legal services and strategic advice to diversified emerging growth enterprises, mature companies, subsidiaries of foreign companies, family owned businesses, not for profit organizations, partnerships and business owners.
Through our focus on business and personal wealth management together with our extensive knowledge of the people and commercial issues driving them, we provide a level of service and guidance that are well considered, understandable and practical.
Working with our business clients, we design and provide assistance with the implementation of integrated plans for business expansion or down-sizing, changes in ownership, succession and management of private companies, ownership re-structuring to ensure that money flowing through the company is doing so tax efficiently and asset protection. We apply careful attention to the long-term health of the business and to the needs of the owners.
The industry sector spread within our client base is broad and interesting. A satisfying career in law is the ultimate ambition for all newly qualified lawyers. “Satisfying career” is very much in the eyes of the beholder, but in the end everyone seeks to balance challenging work with fun, family and friends.
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Rewarding Practices and Enjoyable Lives Outside the Office
At Simpson Wigle, we believe we have created a professional environment that serves our clients well and strikes a balance for our lawyers to have both rewarding practices and enjoyable lives outside the office. There is no question as to where our priorities lie. We all take our work, responsibilities and careers seriously. However, we just really enjoy what we do and we enjoy our workplace.
When we meet, ask us a lot of questions. Then compare your answers to those you have received from other law firms. The fit must be right for you. For more information, or to submit an application (including cover letter, resume, undergraduate and law school transcripts).
How To Apply
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Learn & Experience Sooner
We believe Simpson Wigle is a unique workplace where you can keep your individuality and personality while at the same time, become a member of a strong team of lawyers. The atmosphere challenges, supports and rewards. This is no stiff, formal institution where you will be shuffled anonymously around. From the get-go you will be exposed to real work (under proper supervision), you will attend client meetings and closings, observe and conduct discoveries, accompany lawyers to court, depositions and other meetings, as well as be part of negotiations and strategy planning sessions.
Please read the Practice Area section pages of this Website to get a sense of what we do.
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Why We Could Be A Better Choice For You
We know that we are competing for your skills. We want to give you an honest and accurate insight into Simpson Wigle -- so that you will be comfortable that you have chosen to build your career at a firm that will meet your aspirations, recognize your talent and suit your personality.
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A Good Grip On Reality
Because we have a good grip on reality, there are no pretensions. It’s a good environment that encourages you to do what you are here to do – learn to be an excellent all-round lawyer, discover and develop your niche and enjoy your time at the office. Students find this very attractive. Senior lawyers join us because they see that this is a law firm where they are able to create their own opportunities with support and encouragement.
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You Are The Driver Of Your Own Career
You will hear us say that you are the driver of your own career, and that we will help you on your way. Initiative is one thing we look for in students and lawyers. If you have drive, the smarts and an entrepreneurial mind-set, you will enjoy working at Simpson Wigle.
Our expectations are reasonable. We all work hard and because we are lawyers serving business clients and there may be some long hours. However, your commute to and from the office each day will be short – no major traffic snarl-ups, no crowded transit, and no long hauls. Years ago we made a career and lifestyle decision that we call ‘Balance’, and we adhere to it. Living and working in the Hamilton/Burlington area affords us this Balance.
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Giving
Our lawyers and staff are active in civic and charitable events. Lawyers have their area of active giving, and we encourage your participation in something meaningful to you.
We are looking for smart and energetic students. Tell us what you are looking for in a law firm.
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How To Apply
If you are smart, motivated and entrepreneurially minded, have excellent technical skills and/or strong academic credentials, and are looking for a surprising level of responsibility, send us your application!
Simpson Wigle complies with the guidelines of the Law Society of Upper Canada in conducting interviews for articling positions in Hamilton.
Applications should include:
- A covering letter;
- Résumé;
- A copy of your law school and undergraduate transcripts to date (a copy of your transcript is acceptable for the application but you should be prepared to provide an official transcript at the interview, if requested);
Reference letters are welcome.
The application should be submitted to:
Ron Danks, Partner,
SimpsonWigle LAW LLP
Suite 200,
1 Hunter Street East,
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 3W1 Canada |
Mail: P.O. Box 990
Hamilton Ontario
L8N 3R1 Canada
T: (905) 528.8411
T: (Toll Free): 1.800.434.4414
F: (905) 528.9008
 danksr@simpsonwigle.com |
