Real Experience

Robyn Blumberg (Osgoode)

On a summary judgment motion, I was invited to attend the cross-examination of our client and the opposing party on a professional responsibility issue. From there, my involvement with the file developed: I did case law research on a variety of relevant issues used directly in the law section of the factum, prepared the book of authorities and created mini-summaries to provide an overview and principle of each case, which was used by counsel during presentation. The opportunity to go to the summary judgment motion and witness the practical applicability of each of these elements pulled the entire experience together.
 

Xi Chen (Osgoode)

I was given the opportunity to survey the state of a particular industry in Canada’s Northern Territories and to analyse the legal regulatory environment of that industry in order to assist a client in making an important business decision. The project allowed me to learn about a niche subject of law while at the same time broadened my knowledge about Canada’s Arctic North.
 

Jenna Clark (Dalhousie)

I worked closely with a small team of lawyers from our securities group on a bought deal financing in which we acted for a company. The lawyers involved me in all stages of the transaction, from beginning to closing, and introduced me to the clients. It was a great learning experience and I gained exposure to many different aspects of securities work.
 

Michael Garbuz (Toronto)

I had the opportunity to play a key role in a major real estate transaction. The most exciting part was getting to spend an afternoon with the client to close the deal, and subsequently attending the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting. It was exciting to see the immediate implications of all the work we had done.
 

Benjamin Goodis (Windsor)

I was involved in a matter involving the Canadian Competition Bureau, where we acted for a client that was being investigated for its alleged involvement in price-fixing. I helped prepare documents and was able to participate in the hearing with other lawyers from the firm, the client, and representatives from the Competition Bureau.
 

Lauren Grossman (Toronto)

One of my most memorable summer student experiences has been watching the trial of, and being involved with, one of the biggest bankruptcy cases in Canadian history. It has been so interesting to watch momentous events unfold in person and then read about them later in the news.
 

Arend Hoekstra (UBC)

I had the opportunity to work on a financing deal for a mining company.  I drafted certificates and resolutions, and coordinated with outside counsel from Switzerland, Barbados and Guatemala on the deal.  It was a wonderful opportunity with a lot of delegated responsibilities.   I was able to interact with almost everyone involved and felt like an integral part of the team.

David Kelman (Osgoode)

A major fishing equipment manufacturer was attempting to sign a professional fisherman to an endorsement deal and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to draft the endorsement agreement.
 

Noah Leszcz (Queen’s)

I worked on a major cross-border insolvency proceeding that received national media attention. I worked closely with the lawyers at Cassels Brock, as well as the American firm that had retained us. I assisted in trial preparation during one portion of the trial, and attended the trial daily during another.
 

James Lyle (Western)

The most interesting file I was a part of was a securities matter acting for a dissident shareholder in a proxy battle with a gold mining company. I completed a variety of tasks, including conducting extensive research on the company’s incumbent board of directors. It was fulfilling to be involved from start to finish on a fast-paced file that made national headlines.
 

Amanda Metallo (Osgoode)

I was involved in a bought deal transaction with the securities group. It was an interesting experience because I had the opportunity to participate in the entire transactional process – from the initial due diligence, to drafting some of the documents, to assisting with the final closing.
 

Alexandra Murphy (Queen’s)

One fateful evening at the beginning of the summer, my colleagues dared me to volunteer for a litigation matter. Little did any of us know that I would stay with the file all summer long, and it would lead to direct and extensive work with partners and associates, fruitful client strategy meetings and a newfound appreciation for pet food pricing.
 

Chad Podolsky (Toronto)

My most interesting experience this summer involved working on a shareholder buyout for a small entrepreneurial company. I was able to meet with the clients and hear their issues and concerns, and adjust agreements accordingly. I emailed with the clients directly and even spoke on the phone with them and the opposing counsel.

Cassels Chatter

Christopher HorkinsAugust 15

Just got back from commercial court with a judgment in hand for our client in a fraud case. Now just trying to wrap up a few things before heading on vacation for the rest of August.  

Jeffrey MikelbergAugust 11

I’ve been on phone calls all morning with clients and other counsel!

Christie E. GibsonAugust 9

Today I’m reviewing a couple of expert witness reports so have got my thinking cap on. One report is a noise study for an municipal by-law infraction hearing, and the other is a business loss report for an expropriation claim.

Carla PotterAugust 4

On a call with Peruvian counsel regarding a funding for a mining issuer.

Jeremy MartinJuly 31

Packing up from a week's vacation: from the beach to the courtroom in 24 hours!

Jeffrey MikelbergJuly 20

Drafting share terms in connection with a start-up’s Class B round raise.

Christie E. GibsonJuly 14

Coordinating a meeting with a municipality to discuss expropriation impacts on a property.

Carla PotterJuly 5

Working on a project financing transaction and excited for our annual Financial Services group outing tonight!

Jeremy MartinJuly 3

Down in Washington, D.C. for a class actions conference. If I don't get a selfie with the President, this trip will have been a massive failure.

Christie E. GibsonJune 28

Pulling together a development application with a client - so checking out lots of interesting reports and colourful maps and drawings!