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Articling

THE INTERVIEWING PROCESS

Our goal during the interview process is to get to know the student and to permit him or her to get to know us. The interview process is very much a two-way street in the sense that each student is interviewing Owen Bird as much as Owen Bird is interviewing the student. We encourage students to ask questions and we are prepared to answer questions that would assist the student to determine whether Owen Bird is the right law firm. Students are welcome to meet our current articling students, associates, shareholders and staff.

Our policy is not to play the "numbers game" in the sense of hiring ten or fifteen students with the intention of keeping four. We typically only hire three to four students and have historically kept on a significant percentage as associates. There is obviously no guarantee that a student will be kept on as an associate, since this depends on the student's fit with the Firm, the performance evaluations received, and the economy (which impacts on the availability of work for that student). However, our approach has resulted in a retention record that is significantly better than most firms in Vancouver.

In light of this approach, we conduct thorough interviews and make offers to those who we think have the potential to become successful associates and shareholders.

SALARIES AND BENEFITS

We pay top-tier salaries that are competitive with other major Vancouver law firms. In addition, our students are covered by a benefit package, which includes B.C. medical benefits, group life and disability insurance and extended health coverage. The Firm pays the fees for the Professional Legal Training Course ("PLTC") and call fees. Students receive their salary while attending PLTC. The Firm provides the same benefits to associates and as well pays their practice fees and liability insurance premiums. For female associates, there is a maternity policy. As mentioned above, senior associates participate in our "incentive" program which is a financial bonus system unique among law firms. Students and lawyers are encouraged to attend Continuing Legal Education courses and other legal seminars at the Firm's expense.

PRINCIPALS AND MENTORS

Each of our students and associates is assigned to a shareholder who acts as a principal/mentor. He or she is responsible for the personal and professional welfare of the student/associate. This responsibility includes ensuring that the student or associate is getting appropriate work and, equally important, that he or she receives appropriate feedback concerning that work.

THE ARTICLING PROGRAM

The Firm is divided into two practice groups, with approximately half the lawyers involved in litigation and half in solicitors' work. Students spend one-half of their articles in each group although the system is sufficiently flexible to take account of individual circumstances. With the assistance of his or her principal and with reference to a checklist, a student is able to obtain well rounded articles and to satisfy the articling requirements of the Law Society of British Columbia.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS

We hire fewer students than most firms our size for a number of reasons. First, we value our students and want the opportunity to get to know them well. Second, we do not want to create a situation which sees a large number of students competing for a limited number of positions. We consider it to be our responsibility to ensure that students develop as members of the Firm and the legal community. We believe that this is best accomplished by fostering support and cooperation among students, rather than competition between them.

STUDENT AND ASSOCIATE EVALUATIONS

Students undergo an objective written evaluation at least twice during the articling year, while associates are evaluated twice a year during their first two years of practice and annually thereafter. The process includes a feedback session which involves a detailed discussion of the results of the written evaluation.

In addition, we have a true "open door" policy that permits associates and students to seek guidance and advice from shareholders at any time, and to seek less formal feedback and evaluation on a task-by-task basis.

SUMMARY

Owen Bird looks for well-rounded, self-motivated individuals who possess a strong academic record, sound judgment, solid work ethic and good inter-personal skills. We take a close look at both academic achievement and extracurricular experience, and are attracted to individuals who demonstrate the personal qualities which are likely to make them compatible members of our Firm.

The strength of our program is reflected by the number and quality of students who have joined and remained with Owen Bird upon completion of articles. We encourage you to contact any of our students or lawyers and to ask them about the Firm and their Articles. In particular, feel free to contact members of the Associates/Articling Committee by calling us at (604) 688-0401.