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Having joined the BLG team a few months ago, I can take a step back to share my articling experience and my first few months as an associate of the firm.
My expectations for choosing a firm were clear from the start. The firm's reputation was as important to me as the quality of the training that was offered (both during articling and regarding professional development) or its many practice groups. My objective was to get better acquainted with different legal sectors and to consult experts in all areas of the law. My first contacts with BLG lawyers quickly confirmed my decision to join the firm.
What were my expectations about working in the legal profession? Above all, I wanted to be closely involved in meaningful cases, which implied to be part of a team and assess the impact of my work with respect to the expectations of clients. I really wanted to work on interesting mandates that would stimulate my intellectual curiosity.
I knew from the start that all national firms handle important transactions for reputable clients. However, each office has a personality of its own if not its distinctive culture. As for myself, I made the decision to join BLG not only because the firm is recognized for the professional competencies of its lawyers, but also because the collegiality on which it is founded drew my attention.
What have I learned from my articling experience? I benefited from a high-level professional development program, which was adapted to my needs and offered learning opportunities in various practice groups. The ongoing co-operation from lawyers, including partners, and their commitment to my professional development made my integration to the firm easier. This being said, you need to take your rightful place.
At the end of articling, I again chose BLG… and the firm decided again to choose me. Ever since I was called to the Bar, I have been practising in the Corporate Commercial Group, as well as in the Intellectual Property Group, which includes information technology.
My first months as an associate? They were marked by continuity since I felt that, after articling, I was already part of a team. Learning is, however, like an exponential curve: every day brings new challenges and I am building every day on what I have learned during articling. What I cherish the most is the fact that my own efforts, combined with the energies mustered by my firm, have paid off.
- Jean-François Jutras |