Build Your Own Experience

At Kelly Santini LLP, we believe the best way to learn how to practise law is to be given the opportunity to actually practise it, with the guidance and support of experienced lawyers around you.

Our summer student and articling programs are designed to give students both freedom and responsibility. We do not have a formal rotation system. Instead, students work with associates and partners across the firm and take an active role in shaping their own experience. If you arrive with a strong interest in a particular area of law, you can pursue it from day one. If you are still figuring out where your interests lie, your time with us is an opportunity to explore different areas of practice and discover what fits.

As a mid-sized firm, Kelly Santini offers students the opportunity to work on sophisticated and challenging matters while benefiting from the accessibility and personal attention of a smaller practice. Students work directly with partners and associates, develop meaningful professional relationships and gain exposure to a broad range of clients and files. Our size allows students to assume responsibility early while benefiting from the resources and experience of an established full-service firm.

That flexibility does not mean students are left on their own. We place a strong emphasis on mentorship, professional development and learning by doing. Our lawyers are approachable and invested in helping students develop, providing regular guidance, feedback and support as students take on increasingly challenging work.

Real Work. Real Responsibility.

Our students are not here simply to observe. They become contributing members of the legal team and are trusted with substantive work and meaningful responsibility.

Depending on the files they work on, students may conduct legal research, draft memoranda, pleadings, affidavits and motion materials, review evidence, attend discoveries, assist with legal opinions and participate in client matters. Students may also have opportunities to take carriage of their own files, attend court, argue motions and represent clients at settlement conferences.

The result is an experience that helps bridge the gap between law school and practice. Our goal is for students to develop not only their legal skills, but also the judgment, confidence and practical understanding needed to succeed as lawyers.

We view our student programs as an investment in the future of our firm. Our objective is not simply to provide students with a rewarding experience, but to develop lawyers who have the opportunity to build their careers with Kelly Santini. We take pride in seeing our students return as associates and continue to grow professionally within the firm.

Support from Day One

We provide students with training and support to help them develop the skills and confidence needed for practice. For articling students, this includes a series of training sessions during the first six weeks of their term, introducing our practice areas, software, practice tools and the practical skills needed for day-to-day work. We also arrange for students to attend continuing legal education programs and encourage them to take advantage of additional professional development opportunities as they arise.

Members of our Student Committee also meet regularly with students at the beginning of their term to discuss everything from docketing and managing assignments to workload and wellbeing. That support continues throughout their time with the firm, with students encouraged to ask questions, seek feedback and learn from lawyers at every level.

Just as importantly, students learn from one another. Our students work as a team, creating a collaborative environment where they can share experiences, ask questions and support one another.

Be Part of the Firm

Working at Kelly Santini LLP is about more than the files you work on. We take our work seriously without maintaining an overly formal workplace. Our culture is collegial, approachable and collaborative, and students are encouraged to be themselves, ask questions and develop relationships with lawyers and staff throughout the firm. Students are fully immersed in the life of the firm and encouraged to participate in social events, community initiatives and volunteer activities. They can also join firm committees, including our Social and Diversity Committees, providing opportunities to contribute ideas and help shape the culture of the firm.

Student Recruitment

Kelly Santini collaborates with law schools to promote summer and articling opportunities and participates in established law student recruitment processes.

Second-year law students are encouraged to consult their law school’s career office and the applicable recruitment platforms for information regarding available positions, application requirements and recruitment timelines.

We also encourage first-year law students interested in summer employment with our firm to apply directly by submitting a cover letter, résumé, first-semester law school grades and undergraduate transcripts to studentrecruit@kellysantini.com.

If you have any questions about summer or articling opportunities at Kelly Santini LLP, please contact one of the firm’s Student Committee lawyers – André Munroe, Christine Powell or Mark Friedman.

Meet This Year’s Articling Students

We encourage prospective applicants to connect with our current summer and articling students to learn more about their experiences and life at Kelly Santini.