Articling Students

Do you share our values and passion for helping people?

As an articling student there is variety of work that offers you a wide range of experience in the field. During your 12-month term, complete your four-month rotations in family law, youth criminal defence, and adult criminal defence. This includes duty counsel at the Alberta Court of Justice and JP Bail hearings.

Rotation between departments allows you to work with a wide range of lawyers, both in and out of the courtroom. The hands-on experience working in the courtroom gives you the skills you will need as a successful lawyer.

It will also give you the opportunity to work in multiple different areas of law, with lawyers that bring a different perspective to develop your own style. You will have many opportunities for client interaction, that will prepare you for your career. The connections you will make through these interactions will be become good resources for your future.

This program is offered in Edmonton and Calgary.

What our students are saying

“I really enjoyed the articling program with Legal Aid. It provided a unique opportunity to work with many lawyers in different areas of law. Each lawyer has a different perspective and has helped me develop my own style.” Bobbi Jo Hennigar

“The variety of work provided a range of experiences, offering multiple paths to start my legal career. But the best part was the unmatched volume of client interaction. Nowhere else does a student get to help this many Albertans.” Marcus Threndyle

Articling with Legal Aid has provided me with many diverse and exciting learning opportunities. The rotation between departments has allowed me to work with a wide range of lawyers, both in and out of the courtroom.” Desiree Syroid

What you’ll be doing

• Provide assistance to staff lawyers on client files along with management assigned client files to professional standards. This is to be done in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the Rules of Legal Aid Alberta. 
• Observe staff lawyers in their role as Duty Counsel, in this you will learn to perform the role as Duty Counsel to professional standards and in accordance with the Rules and Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta and the Rules of Legal Aid Alberta. 
• Conduct legal research and legal writing as requested by staff lawyers. 
• Practice negotiation of competent resolutions of files to achieve early, cost effective and lasting outcomes for clients 
• Provide support to the General Counsel and Advisory Services Team throughout the articling year term as needed. 
• Work on projects or initiatives as directed by General or Advisory Counsel. 
• Successfully complete your required CPLED (PREP) requirements throughout the articling year. 
• Participate in performance and staff meetings with our highly dynamic team as required. 

Perks of working with us

Attractive benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health and dental benefits
• Personal and health spending accounts
• 3-week vacation time
• RRSP contributions

Fees are covered

Alberta Law Society
CPLED Fees
CBA Membership

Networking opportunities

Meet leaders in the industry who will set your career in motion. We have more than 300 staff working Alberta-wide.

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