ARTICLING AT McCUAIG DESROCHERS LLP

Firm's View on Articling Students

McCuaig Desrochers LLP considers the recruitment and training of articling students one of our highest priorities. Our goal is to hire students who will become associates and, hopefully, partners.

Type of Work

McCuaig Desrochers LLP is a mid-sized, full service law firm. As such, our practice areas include aboriginal law, corporate/commercial law, employment law, immigration and citizenship, labour law, litigation, municipal law, real estate, administrative law, criminal law, family law, intellectual property, landlord and tenant, mediation and alternative dispute resolution, personal injury, wills and estate law.

The Articling Experience at McCuaig Desrochers LLP

Type of Articling

We expect our articling students to continue their formal education within the context of the law firm environment, and to become exposed to the highest possible range of legal subject matters, various alternatives for dispute resolution, appropriate business practices, and ethical standards. Students will receive assignments from all members of the firm, coordinated and closely guided by their principal. We pride ourselves on an "open-door" policy, and students will have the opportunity to develop their own skills and interests by drawing on the diverse expertise of all practitioners.

Because we look upon the articling process as one of making an investment in the firm's future as well as the student's, we place the focus on education and obtaining experience. The student will have considerable client contact and courtroom experience, as well as preparing research memoranda.

CPLED

We are also committed to providing the student with adequate time to fulfill the requirements of the Law Society, including the CPLED course. The firm's current articling student, Alanna L. Adamic, explains:

The time required to complete the CPLED assignments varies each week, McCuaig Desrochers' approach is perfectly suited. The flexibility and support received by all lawyers in the firm ensures that you manage both your work and CPLED commitments.

Continuing Education

We recognize that a professional education never ends. We have a formal mentorship program which matches all associates, following their admission to the bar, with partners of their choosing. Associates are encouraged to continue their legal education while engaging in general practice and perhaps developing one or more areas of concentration. We have universal membership in the Canadian Bar Association and encourage participation in sub-sections and pertinent seminars.

Candidate Qualifications

McCuaig Desrochers LLP is a firm deeply rooted in the Edmonton community. We are looking for students who either already have, or are willing to develop, strong ties to our community.

We are looking for potential future partners, colleagues who are intelligent, hard-working, and dedicated. Maturity is as valuable as youthful exuberance. Experiences outside of the law or formal education are important to us.

A strong academic record is equally important. Each year we find that those candidates chosen for interview, usually have an above-average academic standing.

Ability in another language or another discipline is an asset. We have several practitioners with an extensive Franco-Canadian practice, as well as staff to support that practice.

Court Students Welcome

Many of our partners and associates articled with the Alberta Courts or the Supreme Court of Canada. We encourage applications from those who have elected this option, and will tailor our articling program accordingly.

The Application Process

We subscribe to the Law Society's regimen for the recruitment process. In 2008, the prescribed interview period commences June 2nd.

We carefully screen each application we receive. We regret that we cannot grant personal interviews to all of our applicants, but in order to ensure some consistency in the application process, we request that ALL applications for an articling position contain the following minimal information:

• Copies of University transcripts, including undergraduate and Law School grades available at time of application

• A resume showing academic career; employment experience, other activity such as travel, unpaid work or community service

• A listing of significant achievements, awards, special skills such as languages or professional designations

• A description of any roots or connection to any community, and in particular the Edmonton community, noting any particular connection to business, cultural or social organizations

• Reference letters and contacts are often helpful. Please provide contact information for your references, and a note of their relationship to you

• One or more telephone numbers and an e-mail address where we may contact you

All applications should be mailed or delivered to the firm to the attention of Robert M. Curtis, Q.C. no later than Monday May 12th, 2008.