Toronto Associates
An Associate's Point of View
Q&A With Justin Parappally, Fourth-Year Corporate Associate
Q: If you had to describe Stikeman Elliott in one word, what would it be?
A: Dynamic.
Q: What would you say are the top three reasons to join Stikeman Elliott?
A: In my view the top three reasons to come here are: 1) the quality and high-profile nature of the work you'll get, 2) the opportunity you'll have to seek out the work that you enjoy doing, and (last but not least) 3) the people (of course!).
Q: What surprised you most about the firm after you joined?
A: In order to answer that question, I first have to give you the reason why I came to Stikeman Elliott. I chose to come here because of the firm's prestige as a preeminent corporate law firm, the high-profile transactions that I would get involved in and the top-quality work that I would get to do on those deals. What has surprised me most, though, is that on all the exciting deals I work on, and with all the responsibility I'm given, the lawyers I work with are so supportive and nurturing. I can't say enough about the guidance and encouragement I've received from lawyers at all levels at the firm. The people here are my support structure and it makes such a big difference to work with such great people!
Q: How would you describe the atmosphere at the firm?
A: Team-oriented. There's no doubt that we all work hard at times, but it's a collegial and fun place to be. And everyone pitches in - no job is too big or too small for anyone here.
Q: What has been your best experience at Stikeman Elliott so far?
A: Believe it or not, it involved due diligence! When I was an articling student, I was on a deal in which we were acting for a potential investor of a major Canadian professional sports franchise. Two of my colleagues and I were sent out of town to conduct due diligence for a week. It was intense but we got such a rush from working on it. My colleagues and I went into the process as good friends and came out of it as great friends. And... to top it all off we got box seats to a great hockey game!
Q: What is your favourite social event at the firm?
A: Without question, the annual holiday party. Everyone comes out - partners, associates, students and staff members. The firm really goes all out for this and it's always a blast. Plus, the articling student skit is a riot.
Q: What myth about Stikeman Elliott do you most want to dispel?
A: I've heard people say that we work too hard. While we do work hard when it's needed, everybody here has a life outside the office and the reward you get for your commitment to this place is huge.
