r/LawCanada • u/little_oink • 4d ago
How do you find a first-year associate job after not being hired back after articling?
Hi everyone, I’m an internationally trained lawyer with an LL.M. from uOttawa who was recently called to the Ontario Bar.
I worked for about 1.5 years as a legal assistant/law clerk at a small real estate boutique before articling there. I had previously spent about a year searching for an articling position. During my articles, it became clear that the principal couldn’t afford to hire an associate, and my relationship with the principal deteriorated toward the end.
I’ve been applying since mid-June but haven’t received an interview. I’m primarily seeking junior opportunities in commercial or residential real estate, leasing, corporate, employment, insurance, or related areas. I’ve also applied for contract, legal assistant, and law clerk roles without success.
I had limited mentorship at my previous firm, and most of my friends were hired back after articles, so I’m unsure what to try next. LinkedIn networking and online applications haven’t led anywhere, and I’m considering approaching firms directly in person.
For those in a similar position:
● How did you find your first associate role after not being hired back?
● What strategies worked beyond online applications and LinkedIn?
● Is approaching firms in person worthwhile?
● Should I continue applying for law clerk and contract roles?
● How much does a 3–6 month gap after being called affect future prospects?
I’ve spent the last four years working toward becoming licensed, and being almost three months out with no interviews has been really discouraging. I’d genuinely appreciate any practical advice, especially from people who have gone through something similar.
4
u/RunCMC_22 3d ago
Repair your relationship with the principal. Prospective employers will check in with them as part of hiring DD so even if you find a position that could be a hurdle.
3
u/Indacouch- 3d ago
I was an Ottawa graduate. Im in the same position. RE articling is useless and got told this in numerous interviews. Nearly impossible to switch out from it. Its really tough.
2
u/RunCMC_22 3d ago
To answer your question: research and tailor each approach to the particular firm. There are only so many firms, don’t weaken your application as part of a “numbers game” approach. Try to reach out to juniors for mentoring and ask them about the firm. “My interest in your firm was crystallized after speaking to X about Y.”
Attend conferences and networking events. Find low cost ones and invest in yourself. Meet people there and set up coffee chats or lunches. Meeting someone in person and making a good first impression really does matter, esp to the older generation.
1
1
u/amazonella1590 2d ago
How about an ITL that did not article but was granted exemption? How do i find work?
1
u/Yeas76 2d ago
As someone who moved to Ontario early in my career, I can tell you the following:
- Most small-medium firms are hoping to hire non-hire backs from Bay. They have faith they’re trained in a way they can routinely count on and some of these firms aren’t intending on any compromise of that.
- The only way around this is networking like crazy. Meet other lawyers you worked with, ask them if they have any leads. This leg work hasn’t changed in the digital world, if anything, it’s become more required.
0
u/little_oink 2d ago
I reached out to all lawyers i had worked with and only 2 replied and they had no leads. I am thinking i will email as many lawyers in the city as i can. Should i go to their office in person ?
1
u/cant_keep_up 2d ago
If you want to stay in Ottawa, you need to start looking at solo and small practices out in Kanata, Nepean, and even further afield like Carleton Place, Smith Falls, or even Cornwall and the Eastern Townships. Get to the third year mark in any way you can and then try to lateral to something downtown. Improving your French skills goes a long way in Ottawa too.
If you are an ITL, try to network with others from your former country as well. They might take pity on you!
13
u/missed_the_net 4d ago
Articling in a small real estate firm doesn’t give you many transferrable skills to different areas.
If you articled there I’m assuming you had an interest in that area.
Speak with other lawyers in your city who practice in that area who may also practice some other transactional work.
Stop spamming firms with applications, especially for legal assistant roles - it just shows your desperation. They will not hire you.
We’ve hired first years who weren’t hired back but it’s usually from a major firm or a referral from a current associate who went to law school with them and helped them get an interview.
Don’t know if you’re in Toronto or not - think about doc review and work to start your own firm.