Throwaway account.

I am a 2L at an Ontario law school (Not UofT or Oz) and I am just feeling super dejected about my future work prospects.

For context, I struck out of the 2L recruit and I kind of just don't know how? I am top 10% of my class, I have won several moots, I am a research assistant to a professor and I am an executive member of several associations. I had over 20 OCIS and 5 in firm interviews, with all sisters, but I came out of the recruit with nothing. Not one offer.

I asked all the firms for feedback and they all said the same thing, that I was great and not to change a thing. They said I was a great interviewer and they thought I was a really nice person and were sure I would end up landing something else, but I did not. Am I missing something here, how did this happen? I was so depressed that I could not apply anymore, so I did not even get a 2L position. I have done nothing with the summer so far.

I feel terrible because I have heard of this happening to people who do not put in effort into applying or have a C average or something. But I did everything I possibly could, applied on time, I have great grades and references. I feel ashamed to be in this position. I see a lot of my peers in law school with less than stellar grades and reputation and they are all on Bay Street, so maybe there is some sort of political or social angle I missed?

Idk, I am basically writing this post to partially vent my misery anonymously because of how embarrased I am. But I am also writing to genuinely ask: What did I do? I do not understand how this happened to me given my grades, work ethic, dedication etc and why every firm was so interested during the OCIS and they all just didn't make me an offer. I am also just so sad. I see everyone at school posting in their cool offices, and cannot help but feel like a failure. It's one thing if I did not work hard or study, but I did everything I could to land those jobs and I do not understand why I was not chosen for ANYTHING. I am also scared that not articling or summering at a big firm or bay street means I will never get to work there, and will exponentially limit my future working opportunitites.

If you have any insight for how this might have happened, and if it's normal or unnusual for a law student or anything I can do now besides apply for the articling recruit (which I have) I would really really appreciate some guidance.

Also very sorry if parts of this post do not make sense, I am a big bundle of confused and sad rn lol

Hi! I’m a first year associate at a midsized private practice. Lately I’ve been extremely down and finding it really hard to care/focus/try. I’m seriously considering leaving law altogether. I know that might sound rash, but there isn’t really any aspect of the profession that I actually enjoy. I’ve tried to convince myself I like certain work or going to court but at the end of the day I know I’m kidding myself.

For some context about me, I used to be extremely high achieving and ambitious. I knew I wanted to be a lawyer even before high school and when I got to my undergrad I worked very hard, participated in lots of extracurriculars and still maintained a 4.0 GPA. When I went to law school my passion seemed to start dwindling. It was fine and I still got honours but I wasn’t trying as hard as I did in my undergrad and I wasn’t as interested in the course materials.

After law school I articled with the firm I’m still at and it was fine but it felt like I was kidding myself about what lawyers actually do. We’re a general practice so I do a bit of everything which is tough in itself. I don’t have a go to practice area because I don’t like any area. Since I haven’t really specialized I feel dumb across a bunch of practice areas and I always have to do hours of extra research to figure out what’s going on before I can even start.

During my time working as a student and as a lawyer, I’ve had multiple mental breakdowns, sleepless nights, and I’ve gotten sick on quite a few occasions because I wasn’t taking care of myself. I had all these grandiose ideas that I’d work really hard and genuinely help people, but it just feels like I take people’s money to barely do anything. I’ve also screwed myself over at times because I’ll take on files for friends which leads to me charging less but working more. Partners have talked to me about my hours and targets and they’re disappointed to say the least, but I almost don’t even care which is so unlike who I was before. I’m just apathetic. I am not even close to hitting the billable hours expected of me even though they’re not crazy high like in big law (I’m not undercutting, I think they should be pretty manageable).

I feel super burnt out even though I haven’t been working very hard lately. I’m acting like I have a backup job in place when I don’t and it’s stressing me out big time. Even so, I’m not really doing anything to change that other than trying to submit job applications when I can (which also takes so much time and effort). In my job hunt I can’t even bring myself to apply for other lawyer positions. I don’t doubt that it might be better at a different firm/in-house/government but I feel like I just have no drive anymore and I’d much rather a typical 9-5 type job where I can clock out at the end of the day and actually do things I want to do without feeling guilty that I’m not spending that time catching up or getting ahead on files. I don’t care about the potential pay cut (I’m not even getting paid much more than the bottom salaries of the jobs I’m applying to even though they’re not lawyer jobs), I just want something that isn’t going to fill me with dread any time I even think of it.

I’m also really stressed about finding a different job too. I’ve seen friends and family go through the job hunt cycle and I know how bad it is. I’m concerned I won’t be able to find a job before my firm fires me or I reach a point where I need to leave to stop myself from losing my mind/going into a deep depression (which also feels like a wimpy thing for me to do). I’ve applied for a few policy/analyst/advisor jobs with the government but I haven’t heard back from any yet. I’ve also heard that the government hiring process can take a really long time so I’m concerned about how long I’ll have to stick it out before something comes along.

Am I giving up too soon? Did I just get lazier over the years? If anyone else left law this early, how did things turn out for you? If anyone has any advice in general, I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

Hi - I’m trying to gage the market for in-house lawyers in Toronto.
I have 8 years of private practice litigation experience and 2 years of senior in house experience in a start up environment, with the focus on privacy, tech and data protection and still some litigation.

My current job is great in terms of hours, but leaves much to be desired in terms of compensation. I’m thinking of making a move to get better compensation, which likely means I would have to go to a bigger company. In house lawyers in Toronto (or other major Canadian cities) - what is a comp package that I should expect, in your opinion?

I am considering switching firms and I am wondering if I am overthinking things.

I have been at my current firm for close to 8 years and do general litigation work (commercial and civil). I have been approached by an ID firm. The target is quite lower (1400 vs 1600). Salary would be the same. Partnership is on the table, with a clearer path than at my current firm (partnership has been discussed, but the logistics still need to be defined, as I would be the first partner beside the current owner). Teams are of the same size (about 10 lawyers). Commute time would be the same.

My current firm has a strick in office policy where lawyers are expected to be in the office between 8:30-5:30. For family reasons, I get to the office more by 9:00 and leave around 5:00 and I have various appointments mutiple times a month where I either arrive later or leave earlier than that. I have been given leaway since my billables are way above target, but it always feels like I have been "granted permission", that "I have to earn the right to flexibility", and that it could be "taken away" if my billables were to drop. On the other hand, at the new firm, most partners have young children and actually encourage people to leave early and take time off for family matters. It seems more an integral part of that firm's culture.

There are objectively legitimate concerns that make me hesitate : first the stigma associated with ID; the fact that the new firm's named partner and main contact with the insurers is set to retire within the next few years meaning cases might dry out; the fact that I am at that point in my career that I am generating more of my own clients organically and I would have to give my cases up if I were to switch; and I wouldn't be able to practice in some fields I like.

But there are also objectively unimportant things that are holding me back, and those are the ones that actually make me hesitate the most: the new firm uses a CRM/CM software that I utterly dislike and does not integrate well with the MS' environment; I would have to readjust my everyday workflow because I couldn't use my Outlook scripts and my third-parties utilitary plugins for cybersecurity reasons imposed by the insurers (clients); I wouldn't be seen as the go-to guy for complex questions/appelate work, etc.

I think I don't like change and I don't want change just for the sake of changing. And I think that I try - too much - to project myself at that new firm, after the honeymoon phase is over, to see what I would really be like to switch. And I all see are workflow issues.

Again, I am probably overthinking things. But I am trying to see if anyone else had minor subjective issues refrain them from moving, more than I am trying to see if my anticipated issues are on their own good enough reasons to stay at my current firm.

New call here. Just started my job this week. I love it but feeling delusional. Asking dumb questions and seem overall delusional about everything. Also feeling tired with new commute and move from cities. Anyone have any advice or guidance? Been a little stressful and trying my best not to screw up.

What do counsel arrangements look like (transactional practice) at a BigLaw firm?

I like to do complex work and work hard, but am tired of stressing about hours of I have a slow month.

I moved back to Canada 5 years ago after living and working abroad for about 15 years. I've got dual nationalities, did my LLB internationally and practiced mainly in legal not-for-profits in the Land, mining, environment sector. Now that I'm back home for good (totally cured my itchy feet!), I'm finishing up my qualification requirements so I can work as a Lawyer here.

My question is, despite my foreign experience, I know I'll be coming into the profession as a new call are the job prospects as brutal as they seem? What can I expect as a person with minimal networks but an excellent ability to build and maintain them? Is cold-calling social/career suicide?

I got called in June and no luck with job search in Ontario. I’ve been searching from March. I just needed to vent. How are y’all landing jobs?

I’m currently in the law clerk program at Seneca College, originally enrolled because I wanted something “practical”, but now I’m not too sure if this is the career path for me. I don’t enjoy it in the slightest, and most of the entry level job positions are 40,000-60,000 a year, which is pretty low. A lot of graduates from my program are having a really difficult time landing a job as most firms want at least a couple years of experience.

I eventually want to have a place of my own and earn six figures, which seems nearly impossible for this job field unless you get lucky after 5-10 years of work. I thought about law school but I don’t think it will be worth it in the long run if I’m already hating the current program I’m in. I’m thinking of pivoting into social services- and work towards a BSW and hopefully a MSW. I’m passionate about mental health, and lots of BSW grads make pretty decent money in BC. Plus, if I get my MSW, I will have so many more opportunities and can make $100,000 within a couple years of graduating…

How many questions did people feel were hard/made mistakes on when they took the took it?

Anything that I should look out for, any advice, where to live, what clubs/societies to join.

I have already submitted applications in the Toronto Recruit OCI (65 apps). I submitted an addendum saying I had transferred to uOttawa, committed to Toronto Recruit.

I also want to participate in the Ottawa recruit, anything to keep in mind?

Hi!

I’m in my early 30s and I’m seriously considering enrolling in a Paralegal diploma program. It has taken me a while to figure out what type of work I actually enjoy because I’ve worked in a few different industries and found aspects of each that I liked.

My background includes:
-Pharmaceuticals (Patient Support Programs)
-Insurance (Group Benefits and Disability)

My current role is Medical Intake for physicians performing Qualified Medical Evaluations (QMEs), where I interview patients, review medical records, and prepare medical-legal documentation related to workers’ compensation injuries.

I’ve realized that what I enjoy most is the medical-legal side of things such as reviewing medical records, documentation, and understanding the legal aspects of injury claims.

The more I’ve researched the paralegal profession, the more interested I’ve become, particularly in:
Representing clients in WSIB/WSIAT matters, working at a firm specializing in personal injury, insurance companies or even potentially opening my own practice after gaining several years of experience.

For those of you who work in these areas, how are the job prospects? Is this a field you’d recommend entering today? How difficult is it to break into WSIB or personal injury as a new paralegal, and are there any things you wish you had known before starting?
I’d really appreciate any advice or insights from people working in these practice areas. Thanks!

I just completed my licensing requirement and selected administrative call on the portal. I took the oath, signed before my principal and uploaded the documents today. Does anyone know how long does it take before I get my LSO ID from this point?

Hey everyone,

I'm graduating from my legal studies program in BC this August, and I've started applying for jobs; however, I'm not sure if I'm looking in the right places.

I'm hoping to get my foot in the door somewhere in the legal field. I've been applying for legal assistant, receptionist, and admin positions, but I'm wondering if there are other roles I should be looking at too.

A few questions:

• What kinds of jobs should I be applying for with a Legal Studies diploma?
• Are there places outside of law firms that I should be looking into?
• Is it worth reaching out to law firms directly, or is it better to just apply through Indeed and LinkedIn?
• What should an entry-level legal resume look like? Are there things employers look for that people often overlook?

I'd also love to hear how you got your first job in the legal field and if there's anything you wish you knew when you were starting out.

Thanks in advance!

Exactly as the title says. When you add all your costs associated with running your solo practice including software, rent, (virtual office or physical) website, etc. how much do the costs add up to on average per month?

Extra curious if you primarily practice in Ontario & in family law.

Does anyone have any insight on what an articling interview looks like with Metrolinx, OPG, Infrastructure Ontario, TTC? Do they do one round of interviews or is it multiple?
Thank you!

Hey folks! I've been wondering which AI model actually performs best when it comes to Canadian case law, so I built LexBench!

It's a benchmark comparing the major frontier models on Canadian legal tasks to make it easier to see which one fits your needs.

Feel free to check it out: https://lexbench.ca/

P.S. It's free and open source. There is a specific page for lawyers to better understand how AI models perform in their practice: https://lexbench.ca/lawyers.html

Just finished 1L in a JD/MBA program outside Ontario with a B average (one C in crim balanced out by B-pluses). I have multiple simultaneous summer roles across corporate risk, boutique law and retail. Targeting corporate law and BigLaw but also applied broadly for the upcoming Toronto 2L recruit, I want to know if people think my background can successfully carry applications past the grade cutoffs.

Salary Range: $168,000 to $296,000.

Remote: Except for court, discoveries, and the occasion when being physically present remains unavoidable

We are a boutique Canadian tax litigation firm with a lot of work. We represent taxpayers in disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency and with BC-based tax authorities. Our work includes audits, objections, appeals, judicial reviews, collection disputes, and the stranger corners of the Income Tax Act and Excise Tax Act.

The position is remote, except where the work actually requires you to appear somewhere. That principally means court hearings, examinations for discovery, client meetings that genuinely benefit from being in person, and the occasional firm gathering.

The work

You would have responsibility for your own files, with the support available when you need it.

Your work will include:

• Advising clients during CRA audits and investigations;
• Preparing Notices of Objection and written submissions;
• Preparing Notices of Appeal and JR Applications;
• Prosecuting clients’ objections and appeals; and
• Explaining complicated tax disputes to people who reasonably wish that none of this were happening.

Compensation

The expected annual salary or wage range for this position is $168,000 to $296,000.

We are reporting the salary ranges in accordance with BC provincial pay transparency legislation. Individual salaries within the anticipated salary ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited, education, relevant experience, knowledge, the number of hours you want to work and do work, and applicable skill sets.

Who might enjoy this job

You may enjoy working with us if:

• You are genuinely interested in tax litigation;
• You have 6 years of Canadian tax experience;
• You can work independently with accountability;
• You feel a strong need to find the correct answer;
• You treat clients, co-workers, opposing counsel, court staff, and administrative decision-makers with courtesy;
• You can disagree without becoming disagreeable; and
• You care about the outcome of your files.

You must be a member of, or eligible for membership in, the Law Society of British Columbia and able to attend proceedings and discoveries in person when required.

How to apply

Please send us:

• An email with your resume to [[email protected]](or if you are senior enough we don’t need a resume -- it’s a small field and we have probably heard of you).

A conventional cover letter is welcome but not required.

Saw that this sub welcomes job posts. Thought I would post.

Accidentally listed 58 credits instead of the required 59 on my list of anticipated upper year courses for the recruit….

Will this matter/realistically impact my chances?

I have strong grades and a pretty unique resume w law experience…. But I’m tweaking

I'm coming up on 10 years of practice, all in private practice litigation. I don't know if I'm getting burnt out more because of stuff going on in my personal life, or if I'm genuinely just getting fed up.

I'm getting really sick of needlessly aggressive opposing counsel. Tired of fighting with them. Tired of them straight up gaslighting, pretending they didn't say things that they clearly did say it because I took notes from the calls before. Or slippery lawyers who twist the truth in front of a judge.

I feel like I'm getting more and more blunt with them and caring less and less how it looks. Recently I lost it on a guy who was telling me maybe I should take things under advisement instead of refusing, so that I could "collaborate" with other people in my office on it.

Really don't know what else I would do in this field. Anyone that can relate? Did you stick with it or jump ship?

Anyone currently working as a lawyer at Aviva Trial Lawyers can share their recent experience? I am considering applying.

I’ve applied to my “top choice” and a few others but unfortunately missed the deadline for a lot of the Toronto OCI firms. Didn’t work a firm job in 1L summer and was only an RA for it. Working an unpaid externship in the 2L year, but I really wanted a job next summer so I can get hired for articling later. How screwed am I?