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Insights

October 03, 2023

ARTICLE

BLG invests in future Paraprofessionals with a Paraprofessional National Student Program

Students are our future. That is why Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is committed to investing in students who strive to join the industry as the next generation of paraprofessionals. Paraprofessionals consist of paralegals, law clerks and other legal technical specialists. As the new school season has arrived, this article takes a look at BLG’s special relationship with the colleges and universities that provide paraprofessional studies.

To strengthen their commitment to the future of the paraprofessional, BLG has created a Paraprofessional National Student Program to support paraprofessional students across Canada. BLG is collaborating with top Canadian schools to encourage an open dialogue and to support paraprofessional students with placement/practicum studies, career opportunities and financial support.

Over the past year, BLG participated in panel discussions, guest speaking opportunities and student networking events at various schools. These initiatives were well received by students, instructors, and program coordinators and plans for supporting future events are underway.

In addition to BLG’s ongoing Scholarship Endowment Fund with Capilano University, BLG Law Clerk Awards were established with Durham College, Seneca College, and Algonquin College. These multi-year commitments provide financial support to paraprofessionals from underrepresented communities.

Kathleen Stewart Durham College Professor, Law Clerk Advance Program

“It has been wonderful to collaborate with BLG to help students understand the career possibilities that await them. This year, BLG came to the campus to participate in two important events: the employer panel and networking event.

The employer panel gave students the opportunity to hear firsthand about BLG, gather insights into the corporate culture and hiring practices, and ask questions that are on the minds of many graduating students.

That initial connection helped pave the way for more targeted recruitment conversations…”

Amreen Omar Seneca College Professor & Field Placement Coordinator, Law Clerk Diploma Program

“BLG has been a tremendous contributor to our paralegal and law clerk programs at Seneca College. Rose Kottis, Senior Coordinator, Paraprofessional Services at BLG, is a great supporter of our programs and has built a strong relationship with us... They have also established a BLG Law Clerk Student Award… (BLG is) committed to building a relationship between Seneca and BLG.”

Asfrah Syed-Emond Algonquin College Professor, Placement & Legal Studies Coordinator

“This last winter term 2023, BLG was able to host 4 of our students for placements. With one of those students being hired full-time. We are grateful to BLG for creating an award… for law clerk students. BLG’s commitment to mentor and support our law clerks is valued by Algonquin College.”

Learning does not stop when you get to BLG. BLG sets itself apart as an industry leader in innovation and career growth for its current and future paraprofessionals by providing a comprehensive suite of innovative continuing legal education opportunities and career growth programs. BLG believes in the importance of the ever-evolving paraprofessional role and has shown time and again their commitment to investing in its paraprofessionals. Mary Munro, BLG’s Executive Director, Legal Services Delivery, highlights this in the article, BLG equips paraprofessionals with Legal Project Management Certification.

A prime example of the success of the Paraprofessional National Student Program is Elizabeth Grenier, Specialist, Legal Operations. Elizabeth joined BLG in 2023. She completed her Algonquin College placement studies with BLG in 2022.

“I found the BLG student program to be well-rounded and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the IP group. Everyone I encountered was more than willing to take me under their wing and I learnt a lot over a short period of time. The firm culture I experienced on through the student program is a large reason why I now work here.”

BLG continues to develop their student program and further grow their affiliations with these schools with an intent to build new relationships with other key schools in the near future. If you would like to learn more about the paraprofessional role and opportunities at BLG, you can visit our website BLG Paraprofessional Services Group or reach out to BLG directly at [email protected].

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