Business Law Assignments

Business Law Assignment

While in my Business Law rotation, I was asked to conduct some regulatory and case research for a large client. Our client was seeking to expand a particular line of business, but wanted to know the legal considerations that had to be addressed. In addition to performing the standard journal and case reporter research, I was also encouraged to ‘play detective' and contact government agencies or retailers to get answers to my questions. The research matter was interesting, but more importantly, I was able to observe the client-service aspect of a McCarthy Tétrault lawyer's practice. It was about more than just legal problems. For our client, we needed to be knowledgeable and also creative in order to address some of their problems and offer solutions that would make sense for their business.

Erica Young, Summer Student 2010 and Articling Student 2011/12, Toronto

Right from the outset and continuing throughout my summer, I was involved in interesting and complex files, and was provided the opportunity to take on work that pushed me beyond my current abilities and challenged me to learn and progress as a developing lawyer. Furthermore, it was rewarding to see my work product put to use in a file in a meaningful way. McCarthy Tétrault pushes students beyond their abilities, while at the same time ensuring there are individuals and ample resources available to prevent students from finding themselves in over their heads. The hard-working, high-expectation environment is also balanced well by opportunities to relax and socialize both in the office and at outside events.

Within the first few weeks of my summer at McCarthy Tétrault, I became involved in a number of files from a variety of practice groups. One of the files I was involved in was an asset purchase deal with the Energy Group. Our client, a major oil and gas company, had entered into an agreement to purchase all the assets in Central Alberta of another major oil and gas company. I was pulled onto a team tasked with performing due diligence on the subject assets and the vendor company.

My days quickly filled up with assignments that included reviewing personal property security registrations, reviewing agreements pertaining to the vendor company and the subject assets, reviewing prior and ongoing litigation involving the vendor company, and so on. There was a significant amount of documentation to review, and given the size and reach of the vendor company and the relatively short timeline we had, I was required to adapt to a steep learning curve. The collaborative efforts of the team as a whole, a fundamental aspect of McCarthy Tétrault's approach to all files, is what allowed us to complete the due diligence on time. Seeing my work included in the report that was provided to the client confirmed that I was truly contributing to the file. Ultimately, the opportunity to observe the detailed workings of a major asset-purchase deal and to learn from hands-on experience is what made this assignment so memorable.

Scott Bergen, Summer Student 2010, Calgary

During the first two months of my business rotation, I was involved in a variety of financings for public companies. These financings included acting for both issuers and syndicates of underwriters. I had a wide range of responsibilities including drafting documents to comply with securities laws and regulations, organizing and executing closings, and interacting with clients and opposing counsels. Along the way, there were many partners and associates willing to take the time to help me understand the transactions and the related legal requirements.

The most challenging and rewarding experience was being involved in a reorganization and investment agreement that involved a non-brokered private placement of approximately $10 million and the appointment of a new management team and board of directors. Throughout the course of the deal and for many days thereafter, I was in constant communication with the TSX, investors, and most notably, the client. It was a great experience as not only was I highly involved in stimulating legal work, but I also was able to gain insight into the corporation and its business model. The transaction allowed me to further develop fundamental legal skills that I have carried forward to other transactions.

I was both surprised and appreciative of the fact that I was given a considerable amount of responsibility within such a short period of time. I learned a great deal from the experience, and I look forward to learning much more.

Hassanain Keshavji, Articling Student 2010, Calgary

When I decided to accept an offer from McCarthy Tétrault's Montréal office, like most students, I couldn't wait to see whether my first impressions of the firm were accurate. After a summer with the firm, I couldn't be happier with my choice.

The diversity of practice areas that I believed was one of the firm's strengths turned out to be the most important aspect of my summer experience. I never dreamed I would have the chance to work on so many different mandates in such a short time. Whether I was preparing conferences on labour law, working on medical or commercial litigation files, or organizing commercial transactions, I always got the sense that my help was greatly appreciated and valued.

I spent much of my summer working with the Environmental Law Group, where I had the opportunity to participate in a potentially litigious file as well as, in a major restructuring in the pulp and paper industry. I quickly realized that environmental issues play a big role in many commercial transactions I had the privilege of working with a group of highly-experienced environmental lawyers, who, despite their hectic schedules, took the time to explain case-related facts and strategically important issues to me. It was great to have frequent contact with the client and to feel that my opinions and suggestions on technical and strategic matters were taken into account in the group's decisions. After so many years at school, it was a real pleasure to work on concrete and practical matters.

The long hours would never have been as easy were it not for the great people at the Montréal and Québec City offices. Each student has diverse backgrounds and interests that make the experience at the firm even more enriching for a future articling student like me.

Jérôme Turcotte-Routhier, Summer Student 2010, Montréal

During my first summer at the firm, I was able to jump with both feet into a stimulating, challenging environment that allowed me to explore my interests. At the Montréal office, students get a chance to work in various areas of interest and dabble in fields with which they are less familiar since they are not assigned to a specific practice group. Since I have yet to decide on the type of law I want to practise, I was able to work in various fields and with different groups: corporate, including securities, technology, intellectual property, medical liability, litigation and real estate law.

The firm's open-door policy is not a myth! The lawyers really do want to talk to us about their work and give us mandates that we will enjoy. After attending a seminar about closings, I remember discussing the subject with my mentor. Two weeks later, she called me to help prepare a closing for a biotech investment. I was invited to the closing, where I learned a lot by watching the transaction unfold and seeing an experienced lawyer at work.

The training is optimal because the lawyers not only mentor and supervise us, they also give us the opportunity to be autonomous and take the initiative. The firm cares about mentoring and furthering the professional development of the students they hire. They show this in a variety of ways: a formal training program, working meetings held by the practice groups, meetings with mentors and informal conversations in the office or hallways.

During my second year as a summer intern, I was assigned to the legal department of one of the firm's clients, a large Canadian company. During my time with their commercial and litigation groups, I learned new things, including legal drafting specific to the industry. I gained a keener understanding of the client's line of business and can now better appreciate the company's organizational reality and needs. This educational experience “on the other side of the fence” will help me do my work more effectively.

Lastly, I'd like to add that besides the usual advantages that come with a large firm, McCarthy Tétrault's strength is its people. Students quickly get a sense of belonging to the firm as they are treated respectfully and the firm's team spirit is genuine.

Kim Nguyen, Summer Student, 2010, Montréal

There is no typical day at this firm. I was part of deals of massive scale and I worked one-on-one with an associate for a small local client. Out of all my experiences, the most memorable came from one of those small files. For one client in particular, I was able to draft multiple resolutions and agreements that were sent to the client largely as I had written them. One of the agreements was to be the company's standard waiver of liability form, which will likely be used hundreds of times. It was a moment of great satisfaction for me the first time my work was sent to the client, because I knew that what I had done would endure.

Robert Pinsent, Summer Student 2010, Vancouver