Articling Student

Queen's University; Kingston; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, invites applications for an Articling Student who will receive practical training and mentorship under experienced lawyers to prepare for bar admission. You will gain exposure to diverse areas of law, client service, university administration and professional practice.

Key duties include legal research and writing, drafting memos and pleadings, assisting with client meetings, court and regulatory work, and transactional support.

Qualifications

• Strong academic standing and interest in public/administrative, privacy, labour/employment and/or commercial law.
• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to draft correspondence and legal documents.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively on multiple concurrent projects under strict timelines.
• Enjoy working independently, with minimal direct supervision.
• Professionalism, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Legal Research & Writing: conduct thorough legal research on case law, statutes, and regulations.
• Client Service: assist in preparing for client meetings and maintain professional communication with clients.
• Court & Administrative Work: attend meetings, witness prep, mediations, and court appearances where possible.
• Transactional Support: assist in preparation of contracts and agreements; support advisory, litigation and transactional practice.
• Professional Development: participate in training sessions, workshops, and uphold ethical standards.

Skills

Research & Writing

Independent Work

Time Management

Drafting Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Collaboration

Education

JD/LLB or NCA Qualification

Job description

Reporting to a member of the Office appointed as their Principal, the Articling Student will receive practical training and mentorship under the supervision of experienced lawyers, preparing the student for admission to the bar in Ontario. The Articling Student will gain exposure to diverse areas of law, client service, University administration and professional practice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal Research & Writing

• Conduct thorough legal research on case law, statutes, and regulations in a wide range of legal areas including administrative law, freedom of information and privacy, corporate commercial, intellectual property, charities law, human rights etc.
• Draft memoranda, pleadings, contracts, demand letters and other legal documents.

Client Service

• Assist in preparing for client meetings, interviews, and consultations.
• Draft correspondence and maintain professional communication with clients.
• Advise administrators and senior team on a variety of legal issues.

Court & Administrative Work

• Attend client meetings, witness preparation, mediations, discoveries, and court appearances (where available and appropriate).
• Assist in preparing motion records, affidavits, and other court/tribunal materials.

Transactional Support

• Assist in the preparation of contracts for purchase of goods and services, trademark licence agreements, commercial leases, student placement agreements and international mobility agreements.
• Support lawyers in all aspects of advisory, litigation and transactional practice.
• Apply policies and procedures.

Professional Development

• Participate in training sessions, workshops, and office events.
• Uphold ethical standards and comply with Law Society requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a Canadian law degree (JD or LLB) or an NCA Certificate of Qualification.
• Eligible to commence articling by August 2027 under the rules of the Law Society of Ontario.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Strong academic standing and interest in public/administrative, privacy, labour/employment and/or commercial law.
• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to draft correspondence and legal documents.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively on multiple concurrent projects under strict timelines.
• Enjoy working independently, with minimal direct supervision.
• Professionalism, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills.