The following students have elected to participate in external secondments as part of this year's summer program:
Laura Achoneftos – Canadian Civil Liberties Association As part of my experience as a second year summer student at Faskens, I was seconded to the
Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), an organization that has passionately defended the human and civil rights of all Canadian citizens since 1964.
During my secondment, I worked with the CCLA's Equality Program, which focuses on protections for migrants and refugees, healthcare, LGBTQ rights, race and gender issues, mental health and prisons, and generally the rights of persons who are marginalized or disadvantaged. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a discrete research project where I explored pressing issues facing temporary foreign workers in Canada, reviewing the current Canadian regime and performing a comparative review of other countries approaches to migrant workers.
Thank you to everyone at the CCLA for welcoming me to the organization. A thank you also goes to Fasken's Student Committee for organizing this beneficial secondment experience.
Gordon Akilie – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Over the final four weeks of my summer at Faskens I enjoyed the privilege of being seconded to the
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada's largest mental health facility. More specifically, I worked with the Queen Street site's Law and Mental Health Program, which provides forensic psychiatric services to patients who have previously intersected with the criminal justice system. Under the Criminal Code this traditionally results in one of two findings: Not Criminally Responsible ("NCR") for one's actions, or mentally unfit to stand trial. These dispositions must be reviewed annually before the Ontario Review Board ("ORB") - it is the Law and Mental Health Program's lawyers who ultimately represent the hospital's position before the panel.
Much of the work I completed at CAMH related to preparation for and participation in these hearings, either at the initial or review stage. Prior to an NCR review hearing, for example, I would read and highlight specific elements of a patient's history, their prior disposition, the hospital's latest report as well as any other relevant background information. I would then speak with the treating psychiatrist and counsel for the Crown and defendant, in efforts to understand their positions and how to better articulate and frame our own. During hearings I would set out an introductory position, lead evidence from the treating psychiatrist, cross-examine witnesses when required and make closing submissions. Aside from hearings, I also wrote memos to patient files, researched potential Constitutional appeals (and how the hospital could counter them), attended Consent and Capacity Board ("CCB") hearings and watched Superior and Appeal Court proceedings.
My time at CAMH offered me insight into Mental Health law I could not have gleaned anywhere else. I was afforded unparalleled opportunities to watch other lawyers in action and to also hone my advocacy skills in a less formal environment. More importantly, my secondment reasserted mental health patients as people while re-establishing that law needn't always prove adversarial. In fact, some of my most memorable moments occurred during hearings that proceeded as joint submissions by all parties.
My endless thanks go to Jean Buie and Jay Hammond, Counsel for CAMH, and to Bill Lightfoot of the Attorney General's office for their support, insight and friendship. I would thoroughly recommend a CAMH secondment to any student looking for a "real" lesson in advocacy, but moreover, the human condition.
Back to top 
David Babin – Fasken Martineau Vancouver OfficeThis summer I was fortunate enough to spend my secondment term at
Fasken's Vancouver office.
While in Vancouver, I was able to gain valuable perspective on the differences and commonalities between Canadian jurisdictions. My projects included labour research into which factors should be considered in determining notice periods, as well as research into the operation of force majeure clauses, and the implications of BC's Frustrated Contracts Act operating on a frustrated contract. I was even given the chance to go and speak on a lien cancellation application in the BC Supreme Court.
Vancouver was also an incredible city unto itself. I was able to stay close to downtown throughout my secondment, and so taking in sights of both downtown Vancouver and the natural beauty of the city's beaches and mountains was just a part of my average day. I was also able to venture out to Vancouver Island to see Victoria and the Gulf Islands, and I would highly recommend the trip to anyone who plans to visit Vancouver.
I would like to thank the Toronto Student Committee, Bibi Bijsterveld, and Karam Bayrakal for organizing a fantastic summer secondment. As well, I'd like to extend a special thanks to the Vancouver lawyers and summer students who made visiting the office such a pleasure. This was a truly exceptional secondment, and excellent opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about how Fasken's operates across Canada.
Back to top
Stephanie Clark – Pro Bono Law Ontario For the last four weeks of my summer experience with Faskens, I was seconded to Pro Bono Law Ontario's
Law Help Ontario project. Law Help Ontario operates advice centres for low income self represented litigants appearing before the Superior Court or Small Claims Court. At each centre, clients are able to meet with volunteer lawyers to discuss legal problems. Clients may also access other resources including using the computers to create basic court documents.
During my time with Law Help Ontario, I spent time at both the Superior Court and Small Claims Court centres. From the moment I walked into the centre I was made to feel very welcome and I quickly became part of the team. Most days involved me meeting with clients to complete a "triage" assessment. This process helps assess the client's situation, identifies issues and develops strategies to assist in resolving the matter. I also was involved in meetings with the other lawyers in the centre and was able to refine my drafting skills while preparing a variety of court documents.
Throughout my amazing month at Law Help Ontario I was able to broaden my horizons and understanding of the workings of the court system especially for the self represented litigant. I was able to work with a dedicated team as well as volunteer lawyers. I would like to thank Matt, Brian, Valerie, Ashley and Laurine for being so welcoming and making my time at Law Help Ontario such a positive experience. Hopefully, in the future I will have an opportunity to volunteer at Law Help Ontario.
Back to top
Reid Crombie – SouthGobi MinesNeih hou,
Summer in Hong Kong, what more can you ask for? The heat and humidity levels were high, as was my excitement. I had the pleasure of spending a one month secondment from Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP at
SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (SouthGobi) a Canadian coal mining company, with operations in Hong Kong and Mongolia. Working with in-house legal counsel, I engaged with issues that face public companies daily and was particularly exposed to the overhauling of a country's regulatory system.
The depth and diversity of work that I became involved with was extraordinary. I researched how an international mining firm should proceed with operations while operating in different jurisdictions to ensure proper multi-jurisdictional procedures are established and followed. Furthermore, I gained hands-on experience with mining-specific agreements, aided with foreign regulatory development and was immersed in the integral role of legal counsel in the day-to-day decision-making of a multinational company. Spending one month at SouthGobi gave me insight into a mining company's business risks and what is required to mitigate them.
My final night with SouthGobi was particularly memorable as it coincided with a presentation of their second quarter and half-year financial results. SouthGobi hosted current and potential investors as well as business analysts. The presentation involved interesting discussions about mining-specific risks the company and industry were facing. I learned about the company from an operational vantage point, and have gained a better appreciation for the role of the legal system to ensure the operational issues of the company are resolved properly. Mitigating potential risks, both operational and financial, is an integral element of the mining business. Further, ensuring the legality of decisions is of particular importance as many companies operate in multiple jurisdictions.
My secondment in Hong Kong also provided me with the opportunity of experiencing the culture and understanding life as an expat in Hong Kong. Hong Kong offers an opportunity to be exposed to the largest deals in Asia – as the city is seen as a hub for international companies looking to expand in the region. Hong Kong is a fast-paced, exuberant city that is filled with many activities and wonderful tourist attractions. It also has world-class entertainment, restaurants and nightlife. A lengthy stay allowed me to venture into the beautiful wilderness that surrounds the small island, something that quick visits to the city do not afford. Through the numerous hiking trails, I traversed the entire island and dove into unique cuisine the island offers.
I would like to thank the Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Student Committee, Professor Valerie Oosterveld and Andrea Streufert from The University of Western Ontario's Faculty of Law ILIP Program, and Andrew Work of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong for facilitating this unforgettable and unique experience. I would also like to thank Sarah Armstrong of SouthGobi for her mentorship and hospitality throughout my stay in Hong Kong.
Back to top
Eowynne Feeney-Scott - Refugee Law Office of Legal Aid
This summer I was able to have the incredible opportunity to work on and learn about the legal issues facing refugee claimants at the
Refugee Office of Legal Aid Ontario (RLO). The staff at the RLO were welcoming, helpful and extremely informative. By my second week I was already meeting with clients and was responsible for my own files.
For one month I worked along four impressive lawyers, community support workers, and paralegals. I learned about how international law can play a role in the domestic refugee law. Hearing the clients' stories at the RLO was extremely motivating. Some had travelled in destitute conditions for a year to make their refugee claim in Canada.
While working on personal information forms and humanitarian and compassionate applications at the RLO I was also able to hone my argumentation skills. Using administrative and international case law, the client's personal evidence, and country condition reports I developed an argument for why asylum should be granted. The experience was especially rewarding because this work was sent directly to the Immigration and Refugee Board.
I would like to thank my hosts at the RLO for their guidance and assistance, they welcomed me into their office, and even though I was only there for a short period of time, they did everything they could to make me feel part of the team - they truly deserve all the thanks in the world for hosting me and the work they do every day.
I would also like to thank Faskens for providing me with the opportunity to give back in such a meaningful way - the secondment opportunities at Faskens are not only unique but are demonstrable proof of the firms' commitment to their summer students and the community they
Back to top
Nick Gefucia – Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.
For my secondment, I spent four weeks with the Legal and Business Affairs Department at
Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc. My experience at Sony showed me the heart and soul of the Canadian music industry and provided an invaluable learning experience that I hope to carry into my legal practice.
Working alongside lawyers Judy Naiberg, Thiago Kurtz and Sylvana Chan, I immediately began projects that provided hands-on experience and foundational teaching of the innerworkings of the music industry. One of my most interesting assignments was a comparative analysis of the regulatory environments of Canada and the US with respect to music licensing. I also had the opportunity to draft and review contest rules and regulations, co-sponsorship agreements, waivers and artist agreements.
The people at Sony were welcoming, friendly and helpful in every way. Their enthusiasm and passion for music entertainment was contagious. I immediately felt comfortable to approach anyone with my questions. As a result, I learned a great deal about an industry that has always fascinated me.
I joined Faskens with the ambition to work with the most successful and respected companies in Canada. By working at Sony, this ambition was realized early on in my legal career. To all those at Sony and the Student Committee at Faskens, thank you for a great experience.
Back to top
Aidan Hyde – Ontario Securities Commission
There was never a dull moment during my summer with Faskens. I had the privilege of working on a number of substantive legal projects, all the while under the thoughtful guidance of interesting and encouraging people.
During my summer term, I gained exposure to a wide array of practice areas, spending the bulk of my time working with the Business Law group on various corporate transactions. Accordingly, I was extremely fortunate to complete my summer experience on secondment to the
Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), where I was placed in the Boiler Room Unit within the Enforcement Branch.
During my short tenure with the OSC, I had the privilege of experiencing a different side to corporate transactions. Along with working on a number of novel research projects, I was also able to attend hearings with senior OSC litigators and take part in first hand information gathering exercises with senior investigators.
I would like to thank Hugh Craig, John Humphreys, Kevin Brown, Eden Williams, Jon Feasby, Donna Sinclair and Cameron Watson for providing me with such a fantastic experience at the OSC. I would also like to thank Faskens for providing me with a practical, interesting and unique secondment and for a truly enjoyable summer.
Back to top
Robert Iaccino – Bell Media Inc.
For the final month of my summer at Fasken Martineau, I had the privilege of being seconded to work with the in-house counsel at
Bell Media Inc. With very little knowledge in broadcasting or mass media, this four week period was an exciting opportunity to witness the inner workings of one of Canada's premier multimedia companies.
Immediately upon my arrival I was welcomed as a contributing member of a legal team that wanted nothing more than to ensure I had the most enjoyable experience possible. During my time at Bell Media, I was able to work on a variety of challenging and exciting corporate assignments including contracts involving advertising and sponsorship, Canadian broadcasting content, privacy and regulatory issues, digital media guidelines, property disputes, and television programming rights. As a bit of a sports aficionado, I also had the pleasure of participating in the negotiation and drafting of broadcast rights agreements involving various sports properties.
While the work was both interesting and exciting, what particularly made this secondment an enjoyable one was the talented legal counsel that I had the privilege of working with. They challenged me on a daily basis and were kind enough to sit down with me and share both their knowledge and experience in the media industry. I am sure that the advice they provided and skills which I learned during my secondment will be greatly beneficial to my legal career.
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to Kevin Assaf, David Bross, Alexis Wiseman, Toby Lang, Jay Howard, Carlyn Klebuc and Tracey Pearce for their guidance and efforts in providing such a memorable experience. I would also like to especially thank Roxanne McCormick, corporate partner at Faskens, and the Student Committee for their support in providing this amazing opportunity.
Back to top
Michelle Johnston – Ontario Human Rights Commission
This summer I was fortunate enough to spend my secondment at the
Ontario Human Rights Commission. From the moment I entered the office and was assigned my first file I knew I was beginning a once in a lifetime experience. I could tell from the start that I was surrounded by a highly intelligent and extremely kind group of colleagues. Furthermore, the work being done at the Commission touches upon the crucial issues of our time in a manner that consistently advocates for a fair and just outcome.
During my time at the OHRC I was able to observe several hearings before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario as well as the Divisional Court. This was brought to life as I was given the opportunity to contribute to the behind the scenes work and preparation that comes with such hearings. I was also fortunate enough to attend a conference organized by the OHRC which educated adjudicators on issues of mental health. This gave me a tremendous opportunity to learn as well as to meet and discuss these issues with tribunal adjudicators from across the province. Finally, I became extremely familiar with the application process for the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario by contributing to a wider effort to create a simplified "E-Learnings" step by step guide to the application and response process.
In one short month my work dealt with a wide range of issues such as racism, disability, sexism, poverty and religious persecution. I gained a tremendous amount of respect for the Ontario Human Rights System and witnessed first hand the concrete beneficial impact that the OHRC has on the lives of everyday citizens. I would like to thank my hosts for the wonderful opportunity to observe and learn first hand about the OHRC and human rights in the province.
Back to top
Heather Michel – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
This summer I had the opportunity to spend four weeks on secondment at the
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), working in the Law and Mental Health Program. The Program provides forensic psychiatric services for individuals with mental illness or addiction who have either been found unfit to stand trial, or not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (NCR). The Program also conducts assessments for individuals in the criminal process regarding issues of criminal responsibility and fitness.
One of the primary roles of the lawyers in this Program is to represent the hospital's position at hearings before the Ontario Review Board (ORB), including initial fitness and NCR hearings, annual reviews of dispositions, and any other hearing that arises under the Criminal Code. The hospital typically leads evidence at the hearings in the form of an examination-in-chief of the treating or assessing psychiatrist. The legal issue in an annual review hearing where a patient has previously been found NCR, is whether the patient still remains a significant threat to the public, and if so, what the least onerous and least restrictive disposition would be. The primary legal issue at a hearing for someone who is unfit is whether they remain unfit, and if so, what the least onerous least restrictive disposition is.
During my time at CAMH I was able to participate in several ORB Hearings. This involved preparing the examination questions, canvassing the Crown and defence counsel about their positions, making an opening statement that outlined the disposition being recommended by the hospital, conducting the examination-in-chief, and making a closing submission. Participation in the hearings provided me with a great opportunity to practice my oral advocacy skills.
While at CAMH I was also able to observe a hearing of the Consent and Capacity Board where determinations are made as to whether an individual has the capacity to consent to medical treatment. In addition, I summarized a number of Reasons for Dispositions written by the members of the ORB.
My sincere thanks to Jay Hammond and Jean Buie, as well as Fasken Martineau, for providing me with such a great learning experience!
Back to top
Nicholas Robar – Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.
I was fortunate to do a secondment with the Legal and Business Affairs Department at
Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc. Having an interest in intellectual property, I was especially excited to work with a key player in an IP-driven industry. As an avid music fan, my behind-the-scenes look at a major Canadian record label was enlightening and unforgettable (admittedly, I spent much of the first week staring at the platinum and diamond records that line the office walls, as well as the Juno awards that adorn the reception area).
While at Sony, I drafted rules & regulations, co-sponsorship agreements and waivers for promotional contests and reviewed artist agreements. I prepared a number of research memoranda on issues and opportunities associated with quickly evolving creative industries. In addition, I was able to attend meetings with record label executives where they developed business strategies. Because my desk was located in the licensing department, I learned a great deal about how labels generate revenue by allowing their music to be used in other media. Although much of the work that I encountered was unique to the entertainment industry, I am confident that I will draw on my experience with Sony throughout my legal career.
My secondment at Sony was a fascinating addition to what had already been a memorable summer at Faskens. Their staff was friendly and I enjoyed being surrounded by people who share my enthusiasm for music. My sincere thanks to Sony's in-house legal team – Judy Naiberg, Thiago Kurtz and Sylvana Chan – for making me feel welcome in your office and providing varied and interesting work. In addition, thank you to the Student Committee at Faskens for making this opportunity possible.
Back to top
Deanne Sowter – Equality Effect
For the last month of the summer I had the privilege of being seconded to
Equality Effect. Equality Effect is a human rights organization that uses the law to achieve change in the lives of women and girls in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi. It is a network of human rights advocates spread across many countries that are involved in several projects. I spent my time on the 160 Girls Project. It focuses on 160 girls in Kenya who have been raped and are seeking justice, and protection against rape for all girls in Kenya. In Kenya, every 30 minutes a woman/girl is raped.
I was supporting the team of lawyers who are seeking to initiate litigation to secure legal remedies ordering the state to enforce the existing rape laws in Kenya. My time was spent on a massive research project involving research on Kenyan, South Africa, English and Canadian law. The work required me to juggle many competing avenues of possibility and to write the longest memo I've ever written! I also spent time researching some smaller evidence issues requiring me to delve into British law. The work constantly taught me something, and certainly left me with a better understanding of how the pieces of international law fit together, as well as a broader awareness of socio-economic issues facing many African communities and how those issues are discussed and addressed by the courts.
I would like to thank the Fasken Martineau Professional Development Committee for their time in setting up this fantastic opportunity. I had no exposure to working in human rights prior to this experience and am grateful to Fasken Martineau for this unique chance. I would also like to thank Fiona Sampson at Equality Effect for this memorable experience, and for her endless passion and dedication to the work and the girls.
Back to top
Jeffrey Warnock – MTS Allstream
This summer I had the opportunity to spend my secondment in Ottawa, working for
MTS Allstream, in their regulatory affairs department. MTS Allstream is a leading, national telecommunications company, providing, among other offerings, local and long distance telephone services, television services, internet services, and wireless services.
The regulatory department at MTS Allstream addresses a wide variety of legal issues stemming from the CRTC's regulation of the telecommunications and broadcasting industries. Having had little prior experience in the world of government regulation, the learning curve was steep. However, the on the job training I received from my colleagues at MTS Allstream was second to none, and shortly after my arrival I began to receive a broad array of interesting and challenging assignments. I had the opportunity to observe regulatory proceedings, draft memoranda, and assist in the preparation of materials for filing with the CRTC. While the work was challenging, the issues were engaging, and my time in Ottawa was a wonderful learning experience.
I would like to thank Teresa Griffin-Muir, VP Regulatory Affairs, for her expert guidance; Pauline Jessome, Regulatory Analyst, for always being available to answer any questions I may have had; Monica Song, for giving me a wide variety of very interesting assignments; all of my colleagues at MTS Allstream, for creating such a warm and welcoming environment; and Barbara Miller, a senior partner at Faskens, for arranging this opportunity and assisting in my preparation, so I could hit the ground running when I arrived in Ottawa.
Back to top
Jack Yu – Pro Bono Law Ontario
I absolutely loved my four week secondment at the Pro Bono Law Ontario's
Law Help Ontario centres. Law Help Ontario has two locations in Toronto: one at the Superior Court and one at the Small Claims Court. Everyday there are two volunteer lawyers working at each location, providing free legal help to unrepresented, low income litigants in non-family civil matters. The clinics are staffed with amazing people and equipped with convenient tools to assist clients in the most efficient manner. Most of the clients at the clinics do not possess any legal knowledge, so when faced with litigation they are overburdened with stress, frustration, and confusion. The centres serve the specific purpose of helping those litigants to represent themselves in Court, thus removing the cost and technical barriers to access to justice.
My role as a student at Law Help Ontario involved many interesting tasks. I interviewed clients to narrow down the legal issues and determine whether seeing a lawyer would be truly helpful to them. I assisted clients with filling out court forms and drafting certain court documents. I also shadowed lawyers when they spoke to the clients, so I could learn from them first hand.
My experience at Law Help Ontario was invaluable. I became very familiar with court procedures and the different steps in the litigation process. I learnt various client counseling skills from sitting in on client interviews with the lawyers. The opportunity to interact with clients face to face was also something that's hard to obtain when working in a firm as a student. More importantly, the people there, including the staff and volunteer lawyers, were always a pleasure to work with. Fasken Martineau sends a lawyer to the Small Claims Court once every week, and the close relationships that I developed with them came back with me to the firm. I will definitely volunteer at the clinics in the future as a lawyer.
My secondment at Pro Bono Law Ontario was a highlight of my summer. I was able to try something totally different yet equally enjoyable to working in the firm. I wish to thank everyone from Faskens and PBLO for enabling me to have such a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this secondment opportunity to future students, whether you are interested in litigation or not.
Back to top