Articling at Cohen Highley

Articling students are an integral part of the process of growth at Cohen Highley LLP.  Our evolution as a firm depends upon a solid group of students.  The firm has developed an articling program that will benefit the student, while providing for our firm's future.  What follows is an outline of the program.

Our Articling Program

Cohen Highley LLP offers articling students a formal rotation system which gives them exposure to a wide variety of areas of law including:

• Bankruptcy & Insolvency
• Labour and Employment Law
• Business Law
• Municipal Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Native Law
• Environmental & Energy Law
• Personal Injury and Insurance
• Estate Planning
• Real Estate
• Family Law
• Residential Tenancy Law

Mentor Program

Each articling student is assigned to one of our associate lawyers for the articling year.  The program creates the opportunity for the student and mentor to meet regularly to discuss progress to date, student's expectations, the articling experience, as well as any questions or problems which may arise.

Student Lecture Program

Cohen Highley LLP conducts student lectures on a variety of subjects during the articling year.  The program, which begins early in the articling process, is designed to give the articling student insight into different areas of practice, as well as an overview of proceedings in these areas.  The lecture topics range from file organization, legal research and writing, to tactics on examinations.

Facilities and Support

Cohen Highley LLP employs a number of law clerks and a rent review consultant.  In addition, the articling students have access to experienced legal assistants.  There is an excellent library in the office and, when necessary, the University of Western Ontario Law Library and Middlesex Law Association Library are available.  Cohen Highley LLP is equipped with the latest computer technologies with access to local online resources as well as to Westlaw Canada. 

Our office is located on the 11th floor of One London Place, and all members of the firm have access to the London Life cafeteria and lounge situated across the street.

Student Responsibilities

Cohen Highley LLP recognizes that "hands-on" experience is an important part of the learning process.  Students are given the following responsibilities during their articling year at the firm:

• Complete carriage of Small Claims Court files;
• Attendance before Administrative Tribunals;
• Assisting and working with lawyers on files
• Investigation, interviewing and legal research;
• Drafting pleadings, motion records and other proceedings;
• Attending on motions;
• Conducting examinations and cross examinations;
• Incorporation of companies; and
• Drafting wills and assisting in estate administration.

Students also attend with lawyers on trials, appeals, examinations, motions, pre-trial conferences, preliminary hearings and other matters.

Every effort is made to accommodate a student's special interests in particular areas of practice, and to allow students to follow the progress of files they have worked on.

REMUNERATION

At Cohen Highley LLP you will find our compensation and benefits package among the best in Southwestern Ontario.

Articling students at Cohen Highley LLP are entitled to two weeks paid vacation during articles and the firm pays the full tuition fees for the bar admission course regardless of hire back.  Cohen Highley LLP also provides a comprehensive benefits package.

YOUR FUTURE

Cohen Highley LLP has grown substantially since 1974, and it is our intention to continue that quality growth in the future.

Articling students play a substantial role in our plans for the future.  It is our preference and practice to invite suitable students to join the firm as associate lawyers.  Our hiring history proves it and our future depends on it. 

Cohen Highley LLP is committed to providing an excellent articling experience to students - we take our teaching role very seriously.  We endeavour to provide a well-rounded and extensive program to students, which will stand them in good stead upon their return to the firm as associate lawyers, or in the pursuit of their careers elsewhere. 

APPLICATIONS

• Applications consisting of: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, letters of references, and writing sample are due by May 4, 2012
• Interviews will be conducted the week of May 28, 2012
• No communication of offers of employment or the intention to make such offers shall be made before Monday, June 4, 2012 at 8:00 am, except as noted below.  Offers made on June 4, 2012 shall be open until June 5, 2012 at 9:00 am.  All offers made on June 5, 2012 shall remain open for a period of 24 hours.  Offers made after June 5, 2012 shall be left open for a reasonable amount of time.

Commentary: Firms may communicate their intentions to make offers in accordance with these procedures to summer students employed with their firm in the summer months of 2012 at any time prior to this date. However, in no case may offers be made to any such students prior to the time set out in these procedures. Students receiving communications of intent may voluntarily communicate their own intentions.

Inquiries regarding the articling program at Cohen Highley LLP can be directed to the attention of:

Iain Sneddon, Hiring Committee
One London Place, 255 Queens Avenue, 11th Floor
London, Ontario  N6A 5R8
email: studentprograms@cohenhighley.com 

ARTICLING STUDENTS

2011/2012 Students:
Kelly Jackson (University of Windsor)
Kyle MacLean (University of Western Ontario)
Ben Blay (University of Western Ontario)

2012/2013 Students:
Alexandra Papaiconomou (University of Western Ontario)
Matthew Reid (University of Ottawa)
Mark Melchers (University of Manitoba)
Erin Burns (University of Western Ontario)

WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT OUR ARTICLING PROGRAM

"During my summering and articling experiences at Cohen Highley LLP I had the opportunity to work in all of the practice areas of the firm. I had a lot of hands on experience and appeared on matters before the Superior Court of Justice, and Small Claims Court, as well as administrative boards and tribunals. As an articling student I had full carriage of many Small Claims Court files, which allowed me to develop skills working with clients and in a courtroom. The atmosphere at the firm is very collegial and the size of the firm allowed me to get to know everyone. I would highly recommend the student experience at Cohen Highley LLP. "
 - Erin O'Leary, 2010/11 Articling Student

"Articling at Cohen Highley is nothing short of a diverse experience. The rotation program through different areas of practice is just the beginning. During my time here I have been able to reconcile what I learned in law school with the realities of private practice. Cohen Highley has treated me as both a professional and as a student with the right amount of balance. As a professional you are expected to manage your own clients and files, work as a team and a self starter, and you are encouraged to develop your areas of interest. As a student you are given an amazing support network of lawyers and support staff, you are never on your own. My time at Cohen Highley has been invaluable to my development as a young lawyer and as an individual."
 - Kelly Jackson, 2011/12 Articling Student

"My articling experience reflected the firm's ethos: professional, approachable and supportive. The firm has crafted rotations that provide in-depth exposure to every area of the firm's practice. Despite the thrust of articling being the student's education, the firm makes sure you know that you are making a meaningful contribution in the lives of the firm's clients. I highly recommend Cohen Highley to those students seeking a rich practical experience."
 - Benjamin Blay, 2011/12 Articling Student