Professional Development

We pride ourselves in our forward thinking talent management approach. We care about the development of our people. We strive to help our students and lawyers achieve more than they ever imagined.

Discover how we will support you as we go forward together across an increasingly complex and quickly changing global environment. Working as a student at McCarthy Tétrault is not just a job, it’s the first step in building your career.

Our comprehensive professional development program includes (1) delivering best in class education programming that is practical and substantive including innovative e-learning modules which allow our lawyers and students to receive programming on a flexible basis, (2) applying best practices in the area of mentoring and feedback across the country and (3) delivering transparent formal and informal feedback to our people that facilitates goal setting for further development. We encourage you to explore the sections below to learn more about our firm’s commitment to the development of its people.

Training & Professional Development

Our goal is to provide law students and lawyers with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve excellence in practice at different career stages.

Our goal is to provide law students and lawyers with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve excellence in practice at different career stages.

McCarthy Tétrault's comprehensive education curriculum combines effective interactive teaching methods with formats such as national videoconference, intensive courses and regional/local teaching to ensure you acquire the skills you will need to progress in your career.

The Student Program team, together with the Education Team, work to provide a comprehensive curriculum for our summer and articling students. As a student, you will start with an orientation period designed to introduce you to the firm as well as to learn, in an exercise based workshop, research and memo writing techniques.

In addition, lawyers make regular presentations to the student group, providing exposure to practice skills as well as legal issues. Articling students are also encouraged to attend regular meetings of the various national and regional practice groups to discuss current legal issues.

The continuing education curriculum goes beyond traditional legal expertise to encompass interpersonal and practice management skills in the areas of client service, leadership, mentoring, work supervision, teamwork and the use of technology.

It includes programs that teach our law students and lawyers about our clients' businesses and industries, and that provide an understanding of fundamental finance and business concepts. In short, our curriculum is designed to assist our professionals in developing the knowledge and skills they will need at various career stages.

Mentoring

Our mentoring program evolves throughout your career at the firm and will enable you to progress at each stage.

The firm is committed to the mentoring and support of our students and associates. Our National Associate Mentoring Program focuses on the differing needs of associates at junior and senior practice levels.

The program begins with a traditional mentoring relationship focused on the skill development and experience necessary in the early years of practice. Our senior associates are paired with a "Career Mentor" to help guide their career development on the path to partnership.

Our Professional Resources Team  work with our lawyers to create the best possible mentoring experience for you by facilitating the first meeting with the assigned pairs. We encourage mentors and mentees to connect regularly to build an open and supportive mentor-mentee relationship.

Mentoring is not limited to formal mentoring, and all lawyers are expected to invest in talent development.

As a student, you will be assigned a principal and/or a mentor (depending on the office), who will provide general assistance, support and guidance throughout your summer and articling period. This approach allows you to pursue interesting and challenging work in various practice areas throughout the firm. The Professional Resources Team for your region will also assist you throughout your summer and articles, acting as your liaison to the Firm and student program activities.

Feedback & Evaluations

We believe constructive feedback and evaluations are an integral part of your professional growth.

In addition to performance evaluations that take place at regular intervals during the summer or articling term, as applicable, you will be encouraged to discuss any aspect of your articles with your mentor and other lawyers in the firm and to seek constructive feedback on your professional development. We also expect you to tell us whether the firm is providing you with work and experience consistent with your expectations.

Feedback is a critical investment in your growth and success. Training our lawyers in delivering feedback has been a priority. We also work with our students on their development by encouraging them to ask for feedback, and acting on that feedback.

What you can expect from us

• Opportunities to access a wide variety of work from our five leading core practice areas and to work alongside the leaders in each of these areas.
• Unparalleled commitment by our National Student Program to deliver the most thoughtful, innovative and comprehensive student program tailored to maximizing the professional development of our students.
• Industry leading mentoring and feedback practices. Providing guidance to help you become an effective mentee and facilitating your mentoring relationships.
• Collaborative team-based work environment in which our lawyers actively involve our students in everything from liaising with the clients, collaborating on due diligence teams, drafting transactional documents and advocacy materials, to leading pro bono files and attending client meetings.
• A variety of social and community events to help students bond with one another, integrate into the firm, and expand their network within the firm. It also allows our lawyers to get to better know students.

What we can expect from you

• Students and lawyers that are highly engaged and demonstrate a passion for their work and for servicing clients.
• Students who are interested in learning about our clients’ businesses and who enjoy the challenge of stretching their skills through exciting and dynamic work opportunities.
• Students who are strong team-players and thrive working in a team-based environment. Collaboration is key at all levels.
• Can-do attitude is a must. Our clients want solutions and expect the highest level of service from members of our firm.
• Leadership and pro-activity. We offer a wealth of learning and professional development opportunities. We also encourage our students to actively seek out work that interests them and to take on leadership opportunities where appropriate.
• Students who are open to feedback and relish the opportunity to improve their skills. Everyone has things that they can develop and improve. Even our senior leadership members have received 360 degree feedback at our firm!