Summer Secondments 2008
The following students have participated in external secondments as part of this year's secondment program:
Joel Payne - London Office
This summer I was privileged to spend my secondment at Fasken Martineau's London office, Fasken Martineau Stringer Saul. This amazing opportunity not only allowed me to observe the work conducted in our London office, but also to explore one of the world's greatest cities.
The first ever full service UK-Canadian law partnership established in 2006, Fasken Martineau Stringer Saul (FMSS) has almost 50 lawyers that practice both English and Canadian law. During my secondment, I assisted several lawyers in the corporate department. This work included preparing verification documents for an AIM offering, due diligence in connection with the purchase of a company operating in Africa, and a marketing assignment requiring me to catalogue transactions that involved assets in literally dozens of countries around the world. Working on these and other tasks, I quickly realized the global scope of the work performed at FMSS and how important London is as a hub for international business and finance.
Other significant experiences included attending a client's annual general meeting, attending a client's office to close the sale of one of their businesses, and observing chambers proceedings and both a civil and criminal appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice.
When I was not busy at work, I was busy taking in the countless sights and activities in and around London. Luckily, the stylish flat provided by the firm was about five minutes from everything.
Many of my evenings were spent just wandering around London's amazing galleries and museums. I particularly enjoyed the Tate Britain art gallery and the Imperial War Museum. London is also home to an overwhelming number of theatres and orchestras. I watched a great performance of King Lear at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and London's Philharmonic Orchestra was so good, I took the time to see them twice.
As if there were not enough to do in London, I spent a day exploring the colleges at Oxford, a day punting on the River Cam in Cambridge, and a day on the flashy pier in Brighton.
Looking back on this experience, I can say that it surpassed my expectations in every way. I could not have planned a better summer experience for myself, and for this reason, I am very grateful to everyone who made it happen. Thanks especially to Bibi Bysterveld, Claire Read, and Marina Sunjic for planning and arranging all of the details. I would also like to thank everyone at FMSS for their hospitality.
Back to top 
Mat Brechtel - Montreal Office
This summer I had the fantastic opportunity to spend a month at the Fasken Martineau office in Montréal, which meant that in four months, I was able to live in both of the best cities in Canada! Needless to say, I had an amazing time getting to know the lawyers and students, practising my French and searching out the best poutine in Montréal.
Despite my short time in Montréal, I was also impressed by the quality of work I was given. In the space of a month, I was involved with some very talented lawyers doing research and memoranda for a patent case, trial preparation for a copyright issue, a share assessment, and translations for an environmental hearing. Being in Montréal, I was also able to attend a conference presentation that I had helped to prepare for a Vancouver partner, which was being delivered at McGill. In every interaction the lawyers gave me the same respect and support that they gave my Montréal colleagues. More than the exceptional quality of work, this demonstrated to me just how clearly the entire firm is truly a national - and now international - team.
I am happy to say that Faskens was as friendly and collegial in Montréal as it is in Vancouver. As soon as my introductory tour was finished and I was given a desk, I was immediately offered homemade spanakopita that another student – Costa - had made and brought to share. Over the course of the month, I realized that his generosity was the norm, as I watched the students share an office, and help one another with every difficulty that came up - from challenging memos to romantic troubles.
To keep busy after work, I took part in the Fasken Martineau Inter-Firm soccer team. I have always been astounded at the skills that my colleagues have outside of law, and this team was no exception. During the month I practised and played with some highly talented players. The culmination of the summer season came on my final day in Montréal at the annual tournament where, with typical Faskens' brilliance, the team brought home the gold medal.
On top of all of this, I was able to spend a beautiful August getting to know Montréal. I sampled the delicious and diverse cuisine, including several trips for Montréal smoked meat at Schwartz's Deli. I explored the beautiful neighbourhoods on bike, including one particularly long ride up to the Chalet du Mont Royal. I even got to see both Radiohead and the Killers perform at Montréal's massive outdoor concert venue, Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Faskens Montréal exceeded every expectation I could have had, and I want to thank the firm for the opportunity, particularly Bibi and Marina for making the trip so easy and enjoyable, and everyone at the Montréal office for their generous hospitality.
Back to top
Tamar Meshel - Toronto Office
I was very excited to learn I would be spending a month of my summer articles at the firm's Toronto office. Having moved to Vancouver from Toronto, I considered my secondment to be an excellent opportunity to revisit my former home and experience the fast-pace Toronto life and its bustling business environment.
Fasken's Toronto office is located at the heart of the City's downtown business district, and since I expressed an interest in corporate law upon my arrival, my office was located in the centre of the firm's business department, with a breathtaking view of Ontario Lake to boot. During my secondment I was able to take part in projects in various areas of law, including securities, tax and real estate. I found everyone in the office to be extremely friendly and helpful. I felt at home instantly and enjoyed the privilege of meeting new and interesting people, whether lawyers, students or clients, on a daily basis.
Upon my arrival I was assigned two wonderful mentors, Graham Phoenix and Catherine Fraser, who made sure I was content with the work I was given and spoiled me with lunches at some of Toronto's finest restaurants. My four weeks in Toronto went by extremely quickly, and I was lucky enough to also take advantage of the great summer attractions and events the city has to offer. I enjoyed a variety of festivals and multicultural events such as the Chinese Lantern Festival and the Caribana Festival, and even had enough time to take a road trip east to the gorgeous 1000 Islands!
I enjoyed my secondment tremendously, and would like to thank everyone in the Toronto and Vancouver offices for their help and support, especially Bibi Bysterveld, Sally Woods, Sou Choi and all the Toronto students.
Back to top
|
|