Articling Program

The Program

The Black Sutherland Experience

At Black Sutherland LLP, students receive hands on experience that will form the foundation of a successful legal career. During their articles, students are treated as colleagues and are encouraged in every aspect of their professional development.

Black Sutherland LLP believes that people learn through practice. At Black Sutherland LLP, students learn the skills needed to practice law, skills that directly compliment their law degree. In addition to conducting research and drafting a wide range of legal documents, students are given the opportunity to assist on trials and appear in court to argue both contested and uncontested motions. Under the supervision of a lawyer, students are also given the opportunity to lead Small Claims Court files from beginning to end. Those students interested in learning about the business side of the legal practice will also have an opportunity to work with the firm’s experienced business lawyers and participate in a variety of transactional assignments.

Black Sutherland LLP is committed to creating a challenging and enjoyable work experience. By the end of the articling term, students are ready to enter the legal profession with confidence and a wealth of legal experience.

The Articling Program, Mentoring & Professional Development

Though there is an emphasis on litigation, students are encouraged to have a broad exposure to different areas of legal practice. Black Sutherland LLP also encourages its students to attend continuing legal education training events and seminars.

At the commencement of the articling program, students are assigned an interim mentor and will be encouraged to meet regularly with various lawyers to discuss file work, legal issues and professional development. Associates and Senior Partners provide guidance to all students. With their many years of experience, both Black Sutherland LLP’s Associates and Senior Partners have many decades worth of knowledge and are always eager to share with students. All Black Sutherland LLP’s lawyers are receptive to providing assistance with the many non-file issues that arise in the early stages of training to be a lawyer.

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Hiring Practice & Growth Philosophy

The Black Sutherland Experience

Although experienced associates are often hired to meet our growth needs, Black Sutherland LLP looks to its students as the main source of future growth. Over the past few years, the firm has hired many of its articling students based on their demonstrated work ethic, initiative and abilities. The firm’s approach to growth compliments the desire to preserve the existing positive cultural environment. Black Sutherland LLP aims to ensure that new members fit within this culture.

Benefits

In addition to the salary, which is commensurate with that of other comparable Toronto law firms, articling students at Black Sutherland LLP receive a generous benefits package that includes health, life and dental coverage.

Work-Life Balance

Students are encouraged to develop a sustainable balance between their careers and their own personal well-being.

Black Sutherland LLP is committed to promoting staff wellness and camaraderie. For this reason, the firm hosts a variety of social functions for staff and its students are always encouraged to participate.

Our Current Students

The firm’s current student(s) may be contacted for further information on the articling experience at Black Sutherland LLP. Prospective students are also welcome to contact any of our lawyers for more information.

The Application Process

Black Sutherland LLP typically hires two students each year for its articling program. The firm does not have a summer student program.

Black Sutherland LLP follows the guidelines set out by the Law Society of Upper Canada when recruiting articling students. Interviews are conducted during the summer months, and offers are made pursuant to the Law Society of Upper Canada’s regulations.

Students interested in joining the firm are encouraged to submit an application by email to [email protected] or to:

Pamela Briggs
Office Manager
Black Sutherland LLP
Suite 3425, P.O. Box 34
130 Adelaide Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 3P5

Please submit the cover letter and application in a single PDF or Word document.