Calgary Associates

An Associate's Point of View

Q&A With Kerri Howard, Fourth-Year Corporate Associate

1. If you had to describe Stikeman Elliott in one word, what would it be?
Dynamic.

2. What would you say are the top three reasons to join Stikeman Elliott?
The top three reasons I joined Stikeman Elliott were (1) the reputation of the law firm both within Calgary, Canada and internationally; (2) the focus in Calgary on developing a strong commercial energy law practice; and (3) the size of the office and the people I met during interviews. There is no doubt that it was the right choice. Big firm work, small firm atmosphere.

3. What surprised you most about the firm after you joined?
What surprised me most about Stikeman Elliott was the level of comfort around the office. Students and junior associates are often intimidated by their more senior colleagues. At Stikeman Elliott, I have always felt comfortable going to partners and senior associates with my questions, concerns or just to chat. 

4. How would you describe the atmosphere at the firm?
Friendly and comfortable. Stikeman Elliott has done a great job collecting a wonderful group of lawyers and staff in Calgary. We are a small enough office that everyone knows everyone and there are ample opportunities to participate in the variety of firm activities from treats in the lounge on Fridays to Calgary Corporate Challenge events. 

5. What has been your best experience at Stikeman Elliott so far?
I doubt I could answer this question by limiting it to one best experience. I am always impressed at the level of responsibility I am given and the ability to be involved in large deals and have direct client contact. Given the size of the transactions we do and the size of our office, there is ample opportunity to dig right in and participate in a transaction from start to finish. As a junior associate, I felt this was the best way to learn. As a mid-level associate, I feel very comfortable getting juniors involved at an early stage.

6. What is your favourite social event at the firm?
There are many social events in the Calgary office that I love. The annual golf/spa weekend in Banff is always a favourite, as is the Holiday lunch in December with lawyers and staff. This year, Stikeman Elliott hosted its third Six Shooter Saturday during the Calgary Stampede. As always there was great food and drink, excellent entertainment, our own fireworks display and the mini doughnut truck. It was a great party and I have had a large number of clients tell me how excited they are for the Stampede party next year.

7. What myth about Stikeman Elliott do you most want to dispel?
When I was looking for a job there was the myth that Stikeman Elliott was an old school, conservative law firm. I definitely do not think that is the case. We are a young, dynamic law firm with a progressive firm culture.