The following students have participated in external secondments as part of this year's secondment program:
Amanda MacNeill - Toronto Office
I was delighted when I found out my name had been drawn to spend a month as a summer student in my hometown of Toronto. Having spent my undergrad downtown at the University of Toronto, I was very eager to experience the city from an entirely different perspective.
To announce my arrival, I was greeted with a small hailstorm. Fortunately, that was the only "chilly" reception I experienced! Upon entering the Faskens Toronto office, I was immediately welcomed by Sally Woods and the rest of the student committee. They worked hard to make me feel at home in my office on the 35th floor, nestled within the litigation department.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but it didn't take long to find work that needed to be done. During my time at the Toronto office, I assisted with both litigation and corporate files, and spent a significant time working in global mining. I was thrilled to see my work being put to use in a client meeting that I was fortunate enough to attend.
I was also able to participate in the Student Client Services Initiative which included a seminar at the Toronto Hunt Club where partner, Rosalind Cooper, provided advice and guidance to students in the area of client service and how to develop your networking skills. As part of the same program, students participated in an incredible tour of our client's, CTVglobemedia, studios on Queen Street and enjoyed a Q&A lunch with their general legal counsel.
Outside of work, Faskens kept the party going! We had a student outing to eZone where we had the run of the place, playing everything from whirlyball (if you've never played, you must!) to Rock Band and laser tag. It was great to discover that Faskens summer students are fun-loving and sociable regardless where they're from!
Aside from work and events, I was able to meet up with friends and enjoy the great nightlife that Toronto has to offer. I also had a wonderful time with family and enjoyed many a backyard barbeque.
I had a fabulous month in Toronto, and I would not have had this opportunity without the efforts of the wonderful Student Committees in both Vancouver and Toronto. Thank you for everything!
Sarah Kalil - Montreal Office
This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Montreal for the first time, and spend one month working at the Fasken Montreal office. To all those people who told me how great it would be, I just want to let you know that you were all wrong. It was way better!
First of all, the lawyers, students, and staff in the office were hospitable and generous, and excited to welcome both Kathryn (from the Toronto office) and myself to the Montreal team. Following breakfast and an office tour, we were given desks in the student room, where we were made to feel at home immediately, with invitations to join the office soccer and softball teams, enjoy dinners and nights out with the students, and be taken on tours of Montreal. I am happy to report that this summer marked the first Fasken Annual Karaoke Open (F.A.K.O.), which can only be described as legendary, and is sure to become a Fasken tradition.
Second, despite my short stay in the office, I was excited with the quality of work I was given. I wrote memoranda on experimental use of patented products, assisted with research on a tax file, and was even asked to research ways to use BC common law in Quebec civil law courts. I also made significant progress on a joint Montreal-Vancouver climate change project that I had been working on all summer, and it was great to connect with the Montreal team members. Every lawyer and student I worked with demonstrated collegiality and respect, and made my stay in the Montreal office enjoyable and memorable. I firmly believe that the people you work with make all the difference, and nationwide, Fasken has demonstrated a commitment to hiring talented, team-oriented and friendly individuals.
Finally, the city of Montreal is simply fantastic! I can't rave enough about the food – I couldn't wait until the next time I got to eat! Schwartz's Deli served me the best pickle I have ever had, and Pizzeria Napoletana earned a return visit for its mouth-watering, authentic Italian margharita pizzas. Old Montreal is beautiful, Tam Tams is a must-see spectacle on a Sunday afternoon, and the shopping is incredible. One month is not enough time to experience everything this beautiful city has to offer, and another trip (next summer's F.A.K.O?) is definitely in order!
Thank you to the firm for giving me this opportunity, and a special shout-out to Bibi, Marina, Nadine, and the Montreal students for helping to create an experience I'll remember forever.
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