FAQ
What are you looking for in the students you hire?
We are looking for bright, engaged, self-motivated people who show a real interest in our practice, together with good team skills, judgment, strong ethics and leadership skills. We look for people who enjoy challenges and teamwork, work hard, enjoy a variety of interests and will add to the texture of our firm.
What distinguishes your firm from other firms?
We are a young firm both in age and in spirit. We have mandates of the highest quality. We are entrepreneurial and give our students and associates opportunities to work with stimulating colleagues in a team environment on national and international files. We encourage our students and associates to take on lots of responsibility early in their career, with the firm supplying top-notch support with a minimum of hierarchy and structure.
How many students do you hire?
The Vancouver office of Stikeman Elliott has four articling students during the 2006-2007 year. Generally, we hire two articling students. In the summer of 2006, the Vancouver office had two summer students.
What salary and benefits do you provide to students?
Our current articling student salary is $48,000 per annum. Our current summer student salary is $3,750 per month. We pay third year law tuition fees to our summer students, as well as a $500 book allowance. We pay all costs of the PLTC program for our students, as well as paying full salary during attendance at PLTC.
What sort of continuing legal education programs do you have for students?
Vancouver students are encouraged to attend a "boot camp" weekend in the Toronto office, in the form of a comprehensive CLE program which offers hands-on assignments, as well as seminars covering basic legal processes and issues students may expect to encounter. In addition, students attend in-house continuing legal education seminars offered by other firm lawyers, as well as selected educational seminars offered by the Canadian Bar Association and other organizations.
What's your Maternity Policy?
Associates may take leave up to the maximum period permitted by law. Stikeman Elliott will provide a 17-week salary supplement to the Employment Insurance maternity benefits to "top up" to 95% of an associate's regular salary, provided she has completed at least one year practice with the firm. Requests for additional leave, paternity leave and alternate work arrangements are considered on a case-by-case basis.
How can I find out more information about Stikeman Elliott's Students and Associates programs?
For more information, contact Ms. Argiro Kotsalis, Chair of the Students and Associates Committee, by e-mail to akotsalis@stikeman.com.
