Getting The Most Out of Temporary Articles
I had a great experience as a temporary articling student. Not only did I learn practical skills, but I also gained a great mentor. It was so nice to be able to get advice from an experienced lawyer. Check out the tips below that helped me get the most out of my summer articling position.
Check the Calendar
Whether you want to be involved in court proceedings, will appointments, or transferring the title on a house, look at the calendar to check what is going on. After you have honed in on what interests you, make yourself available and express your interest. It is so easy to participate in things other than your regular duties, if you just ask. You will learn so much by participating in a variety of different cases. All you need to say is “Hey! I noticed you are attending a mediation tomorrow at 10. Could I come with you?”. I got to do so many things by just asking. If you don’t show an interest, it is probably assumed you are content with what you are doing. Keep an open mind, try to experience as much as you can.
Take Notes
Don’t let the thought of being out of school fool you into thinking you are getting a break from taking notes. My notebook and I became best friends during the summer. I had everything-the firm’s address, fax number, what each colour of folder meant, what work I had done so far, what resources I used to find answers, and where documents I needed were found. This notebook was especially useful when I had to do something or find a document for the second time. My notes about where to go and what things meant, were right there for me. I was able to complete the tasks on my own. I also found that writing down my instructions was useful, that way if I forgot something I didn’t have to interrupt my principal. This notebook has been especially handy as I prepare for job interviews, I have a comprehensive list of everything I did over the summer.
“What Can I do to Help?”
Saved the best tip for last! While I don’t have a previous summer articling position to compare to, I believe I got the most out of my summer job with my go-to line: “What can I do to help?”. Let me explain why being proactive and asking this at the right time gave me such a great experience.
Picture this. You are doing some research and you notice your principal, or any other lawyer for that matter, is stressed out. They just received a client call and have to get documents ready for tomorrow. They are running around trying to get the file sorted out. Ask what you can do to help. Do not wait for them to give you instructions, ask how you can help. If they take you up on your offer, you are now at the forefront of a pressing legal issue. This form of assistance is so different. This is your chance to prove yourself and show what you have learned. Be part of the team, help out wherever you can. I was able to try so many new things by just asking what I could do to help.
