Before starting my summer student position at Williams HR Law, I hoped to learn generally about the kinds of work management side labour and employment lawyers performed for their clients. I had the opportunity to be involved in so many aspects of the practice that my summer experience was even more intriguing and robust than I hoped. Besides preparing legal memoranda and blog posts on many fascinating areas of the law, I had the opportunity to draft several types of correspondence, including medical letters, employment letters, and responses to opposing counsel. I was also asked to draft sections of pleadings, policies, and proposals presented to incoming clients. I was able to work closely on files with all the lawyers. In addition to being exposed to a variety of legal tasks, I received insightful, constructive feedback throughout the summer, which allowed me to continuously learn and improve. I also had the opportunity to learn outside of the office. I helped to prepare for and attended client meetings, a workplace investigation, a Small Claims Court settlement conference, a hearing before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, workshops for clients, and the annual Williams HR Law and Williams HR Consulting seminar. The welcoming atmosphere allowed me to participate fully in the practice and culture of the firm. The summer just flew by, and the experience I had was invaluable.

Williams HR Law’s Summer Student program gave me invaluable experience in labour and employment law, as well as the unique opportunity to fully participate in workplace investigations. I was exposed to meaningful, hands-on work as a student, which included preparing for and attending mediations and examinations for discovery; drafting contracts and workplace policies; as well as assessing evidence and drafting investigation reports. Above all else, what stood out about my experience was the supportive and friendly culture, as it was a privilege to work with each member of the team. I can confidently attest to the fact that joining the Williams HR Law team as a Summer Student and then returning as an Articling Student meant I was surrounded by a support system that helped me build foundational skills to serve me for the rest of my career.

During my time articling at Williams HR Law LLP, I was able to learn and partake in meaningful opportunities across all aspects of management-side workplace law. This ranged from drafting pleadings and employment agreements to aiding in evidence assessment for workplace investigations and organizational reviews, which allowed me to gain a foundational understanding of labour and employment law. Beyond the substantive legal work, the lawyers at the firm provided me with insights into the administrative and business elements of legal practice. I also learned important nuances with respect to building client relationships. This has all proven to be invaluable to me as I begin my practice. Ultimately, culture drives firms, and Williams HR Law LLP embraces collaboration. Everyone has been incredibly supportive and personable, allowing me to feel truly connected to the team. I have felt welcomed into an environment that embraces individuality and actively encourages me to bring my ideas to the table. As a result, I was able to make meaningful contributions to various projects throughout my articling term. I could not have envisioned a better place to start and continue my legal career.

My articling experience at Williams HR Law LLP coincided with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a demonstration of its hallmark adaptability and forward-thinking ethos, WHRL navigated these novel circumstances with grit, thoughtfulness, and humour, integrating me into the firm’s newly remote working environment seamlessly. Incredibly, the camaraderie of the firm’s exceptional lawyers and support staff—all warm, down-to-earth personalities—was palpable, even as our interactions were parsed through computer screens. My mentors were incredibly generous with their time and kept me busy with a variety of meaningful, quality projects. When I found a passion for workplace investigations and reviews, they encouraged me to pursue more of that work. Now, as I’ve progressed to more of a leadership role in those areas, I realize this was a direct result of the deliberate, diligent efforts the firm invests in its people’s growth. I feel very fortunate to have started my career at WHRL, and am proud to be an alumnus of its student programs!

My experience as an articling student at Williams HR Law LLP undoubtedly provided me with foundational technical and professional skills. During my articling, I engaged in hands-on work relating to a wide variety of matters within the labour and employment law sphere, including litigation files, accommodation matters, employee handbooks, workplace investigations, and organizational reviews. I always felt incredibly supported when working on matters because all the lawyers took the time to meet with me to provide constructive feedback and share their own experiences navigating the legal field, which allowed me to grow and improve. In addition to the technical knowledge, conversations with my mentors allowed me to grow my professional skills, which is an important aspect of the legal profession. Importantly, the warm and supportive firm culture provided an encouraging atmosphere to explore my interest in labour and employment law as well as workplace investigations. The firm’s culture continues to be a contributing factor in my growth and development as a lawyer and workplace investigator.