Current and former students will be one of the best resources for you to find out what a firm is really like. Here’s what our articling students have to say about us and their experience at Aird & Berlis LLP:Jeremy Burke, 2007 Summer Student, 2008/2009 Articling Student (Osgoode Hall)“You have probably heard it before and you will probably hear it again (and again): It’s about fit. Having spent several years working before returning to school, I have grown to appreciate the importance of finding a compatible work environment. From my first impressions of Aird & Berlis during on-campus interviews to my last day of work last summer, I very rarely had to make any special effort to promote my compatibility. The lawyers and staff are a sincere group and, quite simply, easy to get along with. This does not mean that the work is not demanding or the environment never stressful. Rather it means that when conditions do become challenging, you can count on level-headed, collegial and agreeable lawyers and staff to help minimize those challenges instead of aggravate them. There are many reasons to choose Aird & Berlis, rest assured that its people are one.”Sarah Conlin, 2007 Summer Student, 2008/2009 Articling Student (Queen's University)“The summer program at A&B was an amazing experience for me and confirmed that my decision to choose A&B was the right one. Having now been exposed to many different areas of corporate law, my interest in the practice of law is now stronger than ever. The varied assignments that I was given exposed me to the many facets of the legal profession, and the lawyers I worked for helped me gain confidence in taking on responsibility. I was often challenged, yet the lawyers are helpful and available, while encouraging independence. Great mentors helped make my experience at A&B even more positive.”Amy Cull, 2006 & 2007 Summer Student, 2008/2009 Articling Student (University of Toronto)“Prior to interviews, I spoke to some of the students who had previously summered and were currently articling at Aird & Berlis. Based on these conversations, I had no doubt that A&B would provide me with excellent training and the skills necessary to become a good lawyer. However, the thing that really sold me on A&B was that, unlike some of the other big Bay Street law firms, it had a reputation that truly set it apart. As one fellow candidate put it, "they actually have photos of their families in their offices!" Both of my summers at Aird & Berlis exceeded all of my hopes and expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed working in a variety of practice areas on a variety of different assignments. The lawyers -- associates and partners alike -- are fantastic educators, colleagues, and role models. The student committee -- mentors included -- truly cares about the progress and well-being of its students. For those of us just embarking upon our legal careers, many challenges lie ahead. That being the case, it really helps to work in a law firm where you are surrounded by both talented and genuinely good people. There are some real gems at A&B and this makes a world of difference."Sidonia Loiacono, 2006 & 2007 Summer Student, 2008/2009 Articling Student (University of Windsor)“Words cannot describe the remarkable and invigorating experience I had during my summers at Aird & Berlis. A&B is a truly unique firm that provides students with a Bay Street firm experience while offering the congeniality and feel of a small firm environment. Each day, the people of A&B strive to provide the students with a supportive, enjoyable and caring atmosphere. I truly feel lucky to work with, and learn from, such an outstanding group of talented and passionate lawyers. The learning experience is incredibly flexible and allows me to work closely with a number of lawyers from different practice areas, while pursuing my own specific interests. My mentors have been instrumental in making me feel like a valued part of the A&B team and are very generous with their time to assist me in any way they can. Working at A&B has been tremendously rewarding. Looking back on both my summers here, I have grown immensely both personally and professionally. There is simply no better place to begin a legal career and I am thrilled to be a part of this team.”Andrew Magnus, 2006 & 2007 Summer Student, 2008/2009 Articling Student (Osgoode Hall)“I chose A&B for the opportunity to work with outstanding lawyers in a major full service firm where I would have a chance to gain exposure to a wide variety of work. When I was going through the decision making process, I was consistently amazed by how collegial and engaging each of the interviewers were, and I knew very quickly that A&B was the kind of place that invests in people and in building a supportive work environment. I was pleased to learn that A&B takes a long-term view of its young lawyers and it is evident that the firm takes great care in teaching and nurturing its students and young associates. Through my two summers at A&B, I have done a lot of interesting and varied work, and I have had a great time working with the other summer students and lawyers at the firm."
Ian Mathany, 2007 Summer Student, 2008/2009 Articling Student (Queen’s University)“When I was going through the interview process, A&B stood out as a firm that took a genuine interest in their students. Last summer, I came to appreciate how much A&B really does value their students. From day one, we were welcomed to the firm and provided with training and support to make our summer experience as rewarding as possible. The student committee, my mentors, the lawyers and the other students really make A&B a great place to work. Also, at A&B you get to choose what kind of work you want to do. For students who have not decided which type of law they would like to practice, this option allows you to work in a number of areas and have a broad learning experience.” David Sischy, 2007 Summer Student, 2008/2009 Articling Student (Osgoode Hall)“My summer at Aird & Berlis was a fantastic introduction to the practice of law. As a full-service firm without a strict rotation system for summer students, students are exposed to a wide variety of work and are encouraged to meet with a broad cross-section of the firm’s lawyers. This flexible format allows students who have a narrow focus to concentrate on their area of interest while allowing others with broader interests to indulge in the full range of the firm’s activities. While the work product at A&B is first rate, equally impressive are the people in the firm, from the partners and associates, all the way down through the staff and fellow students. The lawyers I worked with last summer, ranging from senior partners to junior associates, all proved to be approachable, reasonable with their expectations and committed to enhancing my educational experience. The work opportunities combined with the friendly and collegial atmosphere make me proud to be part of the A&B team.”Benjamin Wong, 2007 Summer Student, 2008/2009 Articling Student (Queen's University)“The summer experience at Aird & Berlis LLP could not have been more fulfilling - I could not have asked for a better start for my legal career. The firm was eager to immerse us in the practise of law and sought to accommodate the nuanced interests of all summer students. I was exposed to the areas of Real Estate, Municipal and Corporate law, which were all areas of great personal interest. My participation and level of responsibility on files astounded me because the level of independence far exceeded my initial expectations. My mentors and all the lawyers I worked for provided insightful guidance and were very gracious with their time and advice. While the files assigned to me were challenging, the intimate and collegial work environment, carefully fostered by the lawyers at A&B, made the experience all the more satisfying. At all times I was made to feel the work provided by the students was integral to the process, that our work was valued and that our opinions were carefully considered. It's amazing that in such a short time was I made to feel my work was an important contribution to the firm and I am proud to have started my career at Aird & Berlis LLP.”Diana Yeung, 2006 & 2007 Summer Student, 2008/2009 Articling Student (University of Toronto)“I chose Aird & Berlis because the firm's flexible summer program, lunch-and-learn seminars and mentorship program seemed like fantastic learning opportunities. Indeed, I have learned a lot during my two summers at A&B. I have had the opportunity to work on many interesting assignments from all of the practice groups in the firm. The lawyers that I have worked with have given me valuable feedback through their revisions to my work and by showing me what they ultimately send to the client. I have learned a lot from my mentors, who have been eager to answer my questions and share their own experiences with me. I have also received help on my assignments from the other students, the librarians, the assistants, the clerks and the firm's counsel, John Swan, whether it was by advising me on how to approach an assignment or by proofreading my work. This supportive and collaborative learning environment is what I like most about A&B. This firm is truly committed to teaching students and preparing us for our legal careers.”