student and lawyer perspectives
As a Cassels student you’ll gain insights into “firm life” and the professional practice of law through a combination of hands-on experience and meaningful mentorship.
Below, you can hear directly from our students and lawyers as they share their experiences, offer advice, and answer common questions about growing your career within an environment where students are heard, supported, and inspired.
Summer Student Testimonials
Here’s what some of our summer students have been saying about why they chose Cassels to gain first-hand, real experience working in a law firm and the support and mentorship they have received:
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Beyond Excited To Return
My summer experience at Cassels was exceptional. Beginning with the recruit, what drew me to Cassels was the kindness and genuineness of every one that I met, and the firm’s commitment to EDI initiatives. From day one, I consistently felt like I was valued as part of a team as I was meaningfully involved in projects and given opportunities to gain experience in a wide variety of matters over the summer. My formal mentors and informal mentors that I met through work assignments and affinity groups instilled confidence in me and reminded me that they were looking out for me, offering the encouragement that I needed to excel. Beyond this, the student group displayed this same collegiality and provided an excellent support system. I am beyond excited to return the Cassels team next year!
– Courtney Wong, JD University of Ottawa 2023
Toronto Summer Student 2022 and Articling Student 2023/2024 -
exceeded my expectations
I chose Cassels for the people, the true commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the firm’s innovative mindset. I wanted to be at a firm that allowed and encouraged all of its people to bring their whole selves to work everyday. I wanted to be at a firm that embraced change, new ideas and fresh perspectives. I wanted to be at a firm that was comfortable with trying new practice areas and being a leader in new and developing fields. The summer program has exceeded my expectations in allowing me to experience a multitude of practice areas, get involved in Affinity group programming, get access early on to meaningful work, learn a lot, and have fun doing it!
– Misha Apel, JD Western 2023
Toronto Summer Student 2022 and Articling Student 2023/2024 -
grow as a future lawyer
My summer at Cassels exceeded all of my expectations! The inclusive, friendly and open environment that initially attracted me to the firm is what makes the culture at Cassels unmatched. I had the opportunity to take on meaningful roles on files which included drafting court documents, corresponding with clients and attending hearings and meetings. The lawyers I worked with were quick to answer any questions I had and took the time to explain anything I did not understand. I got to take on challenging tasks and grow as a future lawyer, while always knowing that I had multiple people I could reach out to for support. The non-rotational summer allowed me to try numerous areas of law, interact with lawyers in all offices and gain new areas of interests. I cannot wait to return to the Toronto office for my articles!
– Rheanna Geisel, JD Western 2023
Toronto Summer Student 2022 and Articling Student 2023/2024
Articling Student Testimonials
Here’s what some of our articling students have been saying about our firm culture, the quality of their mentorship and their rich and varied work experiences at Cassels:
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Unique Culture At Cassels
My student experience at Cassels has been amazing so far. I have had the opportunity to be mentored by very impressive and talented lawyers, who have been nothing but kind and welcoming. Just the other day, I went for coffee with my articling principal, who emphasized the importance of not only doing hard work, but also making personal connections at the firm. This speaks to the unique culture at Cassels. I chose Cassels because I knew that I would get exposed to a variety of different work during the non-rotational summer program. Some of my favourite work assignments have been: drafting agreements for a private M&A deal, reviewing recording contracts for the entertainment group, and conducting research on the new Cannabis Regulations.
– Thea Lastman, Associate
Capital Markets Group (Articling Student 2020/2021), Toronto Office -
meaningful work and ongoing mentorship
I chose Cassels, because of the firm’s emphasis on providing students with meaningful work and ongoing mentorship. As a student, I am constantly encouraged to take the initiative on a wide range of tasks, from drafting legal documents to preparing client presentations. I am also surrounded by friendly and supportive lawyers, who are always willing to answer questions and offer feedback. At Cassels, I’m always learning something new and interesting!
– Grace Wu, Associate
Aboriginal Law Group (Articling Student 2020/2021), Vancouver Office -
genuine interest in getting to know me
What stands out most to me about Cassels is the culture of mentorship within the firm. Through the formal mentorship program, I have been paired with lawyers at different stages in their careers who are excited to offer me support and advice. I have also had the benefit of building informal mentorship relationships with like-minded individuals who have taken a genuine interest in getting to know me as a person while also helping me learn and succeed in my career.
– Shannon Scrocchi, Associate
Capital Markets Group (Articling Student 2020/2021), Toronto Office
Former Student Testimonials
Here’s what some of our lawyers have been saying about why they joined Cassels as law students and have chosen to continue to pursue their professional career as part of the Cassels team:
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The Draw Is The People
The draw for me to Cassels has always been the people—lawyers, administrative staff and students alike. I love the positive, team-focused environment we have within the firm from which we service the business needs of our clients on a daily basis. Having the opportunity to assist clients from a variety of industries while working closely with my colleagues at Cassels is very rewarding and keeps me coming back to face new challenges every day.
– Jay King, Partner
Capital Markets Group, Toronto Office (Articling 2003/2004) -
striving towards a common goal
Simply put, the reason I chose Cassels and the reason I choose to stay boils down to one thing… the people. Returning to law school after having worked for 4 years, I had a sense as to what type of work environment I desired so that I could thrive in my legal career. The sense I got from everyone as I interviewed was that the people at the firm were its not-so-hidden secret. And that has proven to be the case as I’ve continued to progress with my career. We have a great team, with everyone striving towards a common goal – but with a smile.
– Kwaku Tabi, Partner, Financial Services Group
Toronto Office (Summer 2014, Articling 2015/2016) -
supportive firm culture
Whether it was the first day of interviews or my most recent day at the firm, I chose and continue to choose to work at Cassels because of the people and the relationships that I have developed. I have had the opportunity, as a student, associate and partner, to work with and learn from exceptional lawyers on sophisticated and complex transactions. The supportive firm culture and emphasis on mentorship at Cassels creates an environment that allowed me, from an early stage, to simultaneously develop technical expertise, file management skills and foster new and existing client relationships.
– Jamie Litchen, Partner
Capital Markets Group, Toronto Office (Articling 2012/2013) -
thrive and learn to be your best
I knew little to nothing about practicing law or working in a law firm before participating in summer student recruitment (and likely even less than I thought at the time). As I met people at Cassels, it quickly felt clear to me that this firm was a friendly, congenial, and supportive community in which I could thrive and learn to be the best lawyer I could be. Fast forward to the present and those values continue to personify the culture at Cassels (and I know a lot more about practicing law).
– Christopher Selby, Partner, Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group
Toronto Office (Summer 2011, Articling 2013/2014)
Lawyer Testimonials
Here’s what some of our lawyers have been saying about what mentorship has meant to them and how it is ingrained in our firm culture:
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commitment and investment in your success
We believe that growth, success and longevity in this career is built around having a strong network of champions, and we are proactive in providing both the environment and the resources to build your personalized network. We understand the different objectives that are achieved by delivering formal and informal mentoring throughout your career, and we recognize that mentor relationships are mutually beneficial. The commitment and investment in your success that is embodied by the partners and associates at Cassels from day one provides the baseline for our programs. This is what truly sets us apart and allows us to foster these mentorship pairings into genuine and enduring relationships. Our formal mentor program provides structure and stability to guide you through the various stages of your career – it offers you a strategic pairing with targeted training based on the relevant stage of your development. The informal mentor relationships also evolve from this mind-set. We are looking to drive your growth, and people here are sincere in their willingness to help you achieve success.
– Jen Hansen, Partner
Capital Markets Group, Vancouver Office -
Key Part Of Our Culture
Mentorship is a key part of our culture at Cassels. We hire students to do real work for our lawyers and clients. We invest time in mentorship to ensure our students receive a balanced and rewarding experience. Our wellness and diversity programs help every student succeed. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mentorship at our firm. Often students just need a sounding board to email or call anytime to overcome challenges on a file. I’ve also met with students to discuss their careers. At Cassels we’re a high-performing team of lawyers, students and staff and we’re in this together.
– Jeremy Barretto, Partner
Regulatory Law Group, Calgary Office -
developing technically sound young lawyers
Cassels excels in its commitment to student development. Through formal and informal mentorship programs, caring lawyers, and internal continuing legal education sessions, Cassels is devoted to cultivating homegrown talent and developing technically sound young lawyers. This is clearly evidenced by our high levels of retention; the number of senior partners at Cassels that summered and articled here 20-30 years ago and have never left is truly astonishing. I sincerely hope to be the next one added to that list.
– Noah Leszcz, Partner
Franchise Law Group, Toronto Office
FAQ
Kim Bonnar, Chief Professional Resources Officer, answers your frequently asked questions on the Cassels student programs:
What is the hire back rate at Cassels for both summer students and articling students?
We aim to grow our firm through our student program. While we don’t offer guaranteed hire back for our summer students, we have traditionally taken all of our summer students back for their articling terms and have provided them with offers before the application deadlines in each jurisdiction. Associate offers depend on a combination of performance and market conditions – we usually offer associate positions to most of our articling students.
What does the Cassels mentorship program look like?
Our summer and articling students are each assigned two mentors during their student term. Mentorship ensures that each student receives a balanced and rewarding learning experience and has someone who serves as a personal sounding board. Members of the Student Committee also keep in touch with students on an ongoing, informal basis to offer support and guidance. You can read more about student mentorship program here.
How are mentor and office locations assigned to incoming students?
Students are asked to indicate initial areas of interest and those indications are used to inform mentor and office assignments.
What was your relationship with your mentor like?
Each relationship is unique and depends on the needs of the mentee. Please take the time to read how our students describe their experiences.