Discover how we will support you as we go forward together across an increasingly complex and quickly changing global environment. Working as a student at McCarthy Tétrault is not just a job, it’s the first step in building your career.
Our comprehensive professional development program includes (1) delivering best in class education programming that is practical and substantive including innovative e-learning modules which allow our lawyers and students to receive programming on a flexible basis, (2) applying best practices in the area of mentoring and feedback across the country and (3) delivering transparent formal and informal feedback to our people that facilitates goal setting for further development. We encourage you to explore the sections below to learn more about our firm’s commitment to the development of its people.
Our goal is to provide law students and lawyers with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve excellence in practice at different career stages.
McCarthy Tétrault's comprehensive education curriculum combines effective interactive teaching methods with formats such as national videoconference, intensive courses and regional/local teaching to ensure you acquire the skills you will need to progress in your career.
The Student Program team, together with the Education Team, work to provide a comprehensive curriculum for our summer and articling students. As a student, you will start with an orientation period designed to introduce you to the firm as well as to learn, in an exercise based workshop, research and memo writing techniques.
In addition, lawyers make regular presentations to the student group, providing exposure to practice skills as well as legal issues. Articling students are also encouraged to attend regular meetings of the various national and regional practice groups to discuss current legal issues.
The continuing education curriculum goes beyond traditional legal expertise to encompass interpersonal and practice management skills in the areas of client service, leadership, mentoring, work supervision, teamwork and the use of technology.
It includes programs that teach our law students and lawyers about our clients' businesses and industries, and that provide an understanding of fundamental finance and business concepts. In short, our curriculum is designed to assist our professionals in developing the knowledge and skills they will need at various career stages.
Our mentoring program evolves throughout your career at the firm and will enable you to progress at each stage.
The firm is committed to the mentoring and support of our students and associates. Our National Associate Mentoring Program focuses on the differing needs of associates at junior and senior practice levels.
The program begins with a traditional mentoring relationship focused on the skill development and experience necessary in the early years of practice. Our senior associates are paired with a "Career Mentor" to help guide their career development on the path to partnership.
Our Professional Resources Team work with our lawyers to create the best possible mentoring experience for you by facilitating the first meeting with the assigned pairs. We encourage mentors and mentees to connect regularly to build an open and supportive mentor-mentee relationship.
Mentoring is not limited to formal mentoring, and all lawyers are expected to invest in talent development.
As a student, you will be assigned a principal and/or a mentor (depending on the office), who will provide general assistance, support and guidance throughout your summer and articling period. This approach allows you to pursue interesting and challenging work in various practice areas throughout the firm. The Professional Resources Team for your region will also assist you throughout your summer and articles, acting as your liaison to the Firm and student program activities.
We believe constructive feedback and evaluations are an integral part of your professional growth.
In addition to performance evaluations that take place at regular intervals during the summer or articling term, as applicable, you will be encouraged to discuss any aspect of your articles with your mentor and other lawyers in the firm and to seek constructive feedback on your professional development. We also expect you to tell us whether the firm is providing you with work and experience consistent with your expectations.
Feedback is a critical investment in your growth and success. Training our lawyers in delivering feedback has been a priority. We also work with our students on their development by encouraging them to ask for feedback, and acting on that feedback.