think: our new approach
Stewart McKelvey has a long history of being a leader in Atlantic Canada. And being a leader means embracing innovation.
We are changing the traditional approach to law student recruitment in Atlantic Canada. Typically, Articled Clerks wait for “hire-back” decisions well into their articling year.
Stewart McKelvey is thinking differently.
We believe that success in the practice of law requires making a commitment for more than one summer or one year. Our new approach removes the traditional “hire-back” decision-making process, typically done at the end of the articling year. A 2L Summer Student will advance to becoming an Articled Clerk, then directly to an Associate at Stewart McKelvey.
This allows Articled Clerks to focus on key competency development – strong legal analysis, developing a substantive knowledge base, writing, communication, and time management – all the skills required to develop the region’s best lawyers, on the path to becoming fully engaged Partners.
To support this innovative approach, Stewart McKelvey provides best-in-class professional development and training. Our Foundations of Practice Program extends well beyond the twelve months of articles and beyond traditional legal skills.
This program will not only focus on skill development, but will prepare new Associates to become leaders in their profession and communities, embracing the position of privilege that lawyers have traditionally held. As a Stewart McKelvey lawyer, you will be called on to sit on boards, lend your expertise to organizations, and become a future leader. Our program positions you for success in these areas, too, through training in governance, presentation skills, and leading others.
Your career with Stewart McKelvey
In law school, you learn the law. At Stewart McKelvey, you learn how to practice law and understand the business of law. We recognize it takes time to develop the skills and habits required for success in private practice and as a future business owner. If you are committed to seeing your career advance and your skills sharpened, Stewart McKelvey will commit to supporting your growth.
Starting with our extensive New Associate Orientation, we offer a rigorous foundational training program designed to set you up for success in practicing law in an ever-evolving industry.
Why? Because Stewart McKelvey is focused on long-term, sustainable growth – for you, and the Firm. How? We hire, train, and develop the best.
We are the only firm in Atlantic Canada that invests in a dedicated lawyer development and training team, focused on proactively supporting and guiding lawyers as they settle into, and move through, their practice. Some of the supports offered include:
- A robust training program with one-to-one support dedicated to building the skills and competencies required for success in private practice.
- Access to cutting edge practice management technology.
- Formalized mentorship from experienced Partners and Senior Associates.
- In-depth research support through our Library & Knowledge Services team, with access to the best legal research products on the market, including AI.
- The space to explore your own potential, interests, and opportunities within the Firm.
- Access to a variety of practice areas and complex matters with diverse client groups.
- A collaborative culture with an inclusive and welcoming team working together to innovate, achieve, and grow.
