Articling Program

2013-2014 Articling Recruitment Procedures

Loopstra Nixon will be accepting applications for two articling positions for the 2013-2014 Articling Term. Applications will be accepted after 5:00 p.m. on July 6, 2012 and prior to 8:00 a.m. on July 20, 2012. All applications should include cover letter, resume, transcripts and any reference letters.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Those selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you require any further information, please email us at articling@loonix.com.

At Loopstra Nixon, we are committed to attracting students who share our philosophy on the practice of law and who will help us ensure the continuing success of the firm well into the future. In making your decision that this firm is right for you, we encourage you to contact students currently working at our office for their input.

Meet our students:

The Articling Program

The Articling term is normally the first opportunity students have to experience the day-to-day aspects of the practice of law. At Loopstra Nixon, students are an integral part of the firm and are encouraged to participate in all major areas of the firm's practice. Students will work with a number of different lawyers within the firm during the articling term. We believe exposure to a variety of legal issues and professional styles facilitates students in developing the legal and business skills required of a practicing lawyer.

Rotation System

During the articling term, students will be involved in two rotations:

Litigation/Real Estate/Trusts & Estates
Corporate/Commercial/Administrative/Municipal

We hope to ensure that students gain experience in all areas of the firm and gain an understanding of the fundamentals of our practice. However, the program is flexible and students are able to become more involved in the areas that are of interest to them. The atmosphere and size of our firm allows students to quickly assume significant responsibility on matters and transactions.

Seminars

Each of the firm's practice groups conducts a seminar in a selected area of law during the course of the articling term with an eye to providing a broad-based experience. We also encourage attendance at the Canadian Bar Association seminars and participation in the Law Society of Upper Canada's Continuing Legal Education Program.

Principals

A principal is assigned to each student at the beginning of her or his articles. The principal's role is to ensure that the student receives the benefits from a broad spectrum of work and practical experience, and to ensure that the student has an appropriate workload both in terms of quantity and quality of work. Further, the principal provides advice, guidance and support to the articling student.

Evaluation, Feedback and Rehiring

Performance assessments are undertaken at regular intervals during the articling term and the results will be reviewed with the student. This is in addition to the formal evaluation of the Education Plan required by the Law Society of Upper Canada. When associate lawyers are hired by the firm, primary consideration is given to our articling students. Many of the lawyers at Loopstra Nixon articled with the firm. Students who demonstrate both strong academic abilities and very good interpersonal skills are best positioned to be considered for rehiring.

Social Activities

The atmosphere within the firm is quite relaxed, which facilitates the development of strong professional and personal relationships. A big part of success in law comes through informal interaction. Accordingly, special lunches, parties, and evening social events are scheduled for the lawyers, students and staff. The firm also promotes a sense of community spirit by hosting an annual fundraising barbeque. Many of the lawyers are sporting enthusiasts - golf days and racquet sports are often scheduled between lawyers and students. A subsidized health club membership is also available to the students.

Salaries and Benefits

Salaries paid to students at the firm are competitive with those paid by other Toronto-area law firms of comparable size. Students receive two weeks paid vacation during their articles and are given a comprehensive benefit package.

Bar Admission Course

Tuition for the Bar Admission course will be reimbursed to the student upon commencement of articles.

For more information, feel free to contact:
The Loopstra Nixon Articling Committee 
Michael McWilliams and Allan Ritchie  at articling@loonix.com