Careers

As an articling student at Dutton Brock, you can expect an exceptional hands-on experience and a high degree of responsibility in all aspects of the litigation process. You’ll be assigned a designated articling principal, work closely with experienced litigators, receive opportunities to work in your specific area of litigation interest, and enjoy an open and positive work environment.

Dutton Brock welcomes applications from all qualified applicants and is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment comprised of individuals with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures.

The firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities during all stages of the recruitment process. Please notify us to request accommodation.

During your articles you will be involved in every stage of the litigation process and will:

• meet with clients and write opinion letters
• draft pleadings, Affidavits of Documents and pre-trial memorandum
• assist lawyers at examinations for discovery or review discovery transcripts and follow up for undertakings
• draft and argue motions in court frequently
• assist lawyers at pre-trial, mediation, trial or arbitration and at appeals in order to observe different styles of advocacy and negotiation
• participate in trial preparation including briefing of expert and lay witness
• have full responsibility for Small Claims Court files from investigating, negotiating to conducting the trial
• schedule pre-trial and trial dates in court and resolve trial management issues
• examine a judgment debtor in Aid of Execution
• perform legal research on a wide variety of procedural and substantive issues and see how the results are used to resolve claims.

But it's not all work. We enjoy each other's company both at work as well as at firm social functions such as the Holiday party and a summer event. Students also participate in firm seminars and social events for clients.

We want your articles to be a positive experience for both you and the firm. We provide the training and support you need to have a successful articling year.

• Introductions: You’ll have a chance to meet the firm lawyers and current students on two occasions before you arrive, during a visit in January and at a party for the articling students in June.
• Facilities: You’ll be assigned a large corner office with windows, the services of a dedicated legal assistant who you will share with the other articling student, and the services of an IT specialist to address any technology issues.
• Training: We encourage attendance at continuing legal education events, such as those offered by the Ontario Bar Association, and our lawyers present informal seminars internally to get you quickly acquainted with litigation topics, from the Assessment of Damages to Trial Preparation. We also hold regular litigation lunch meetings to keep us all up-to-date on the latest litigation developments that apply to our practice.
• Support: You will be supervised by an articling principal who will provide feedback and guidance on your assignments – and is there to support you throughout your articling year. In addition, all lawyers have an open door policy, operate on a first-name basis, and are there to provide advice and guidance whenever you need it.

We pay a salary that is competitive with other insurance defence firms of a similar size. In addition, we will pay your Licensing Process fees, whether or not you are hired back. We also provide you with a comprehensive health plan that provides medical, dental, disability and life insurance for you and your dependants.

Our firm has doubled in size over the past 10 years, and we have a strong tradition of growing from within. Many of our current partners articled with the firm – and our articling students receive first consideration when hiring new associates.

Dutton Brock LLP abides by the Law Society of Ontario's guidelines for firms in Toronto in the recruitment of articling students. These guidelines contain information such as the deadline for applications for the next articling term and can be found at www.lso.ca.

We look for students with a strong academic background, a demonstrated interest in litigation (such as through extra-curricular moots), legal clinic or pro bono work, related experience at a law firm or insurance company and involvement in activities that demonstrate confidence and leadership.

We also look for individuals with an interesting background and an ability to balance work or studies with their personal life. The completion of a course in Insurance Law is considered an asset but is not compulsory.

We accept applications by the viLaw Portal or email. Your application should include:

• a cover letter indicating the position for which you are applying
• a resume
• copies of undergraduate and law school transcripts (be prepared to provide an official transcript at the interview, if requested)
• any reference letters (optional)
• a brief writing sample (optional)

Please address your application to:

Chad Leddy or Stephen Mullings
800-150 York Street
Toronto ON M5H 3S5
cleddy@duttonbrock.com
smullings@duttonbrock.com