MenuAt Kenneth Back LLP, we do things a little differently. We offer a friendly, diverse and dynamic work environment. A student at Kenneth Back LLP will be exposed to intellectual property, litigation, policy and government relations and regulatory and corporate commercial law. We're not a big firm, but we do attract big firm work.
We have created a unique workplace where everyone maintains their individuality while at the same time playing an important role on the team. Our firm is young, dynamic and aggressive. We opened in the summer of 2001. Our colleagues describe us as a 'funky' law firm. Our clients describe us as an outstanding law firm.
We are among the best when it comes to quality work product, supportive work environment, and the potential for personal development. There are no constraints on personal growth and career development at Kenneth Back LLP.
This is a great opportunity for the taking. Kenneth Back LLP students become directly involved in everything that we do. Students work with lawyers on all aspects of files, from strategy development and research, to attendance at client meetings and court appearances.
A student at Kenneth Back LLP will be exposed to intellectual property law, civil litigation, corporate commercial law, regulatory law, and government relations.
If these practice areas are of interest to you, please read on to find out more about us and our student program.
Living By Core Values
To understand us and what we're looking for in a student, you need to understand our core values. These are the things that drive our practice and our passion for the practice of law:
- The development of strong and lasting relationships (both inside and outside the firm);
- Respect for innovation;
- Making business sense of the unconventional; and
- Excellence and respect for the profession
Are these values interesting to you? Then read on!
Kenneth Back LLP Specialty
Kenneth Back LLP is a firm of advocates. We define advocacy as problem solving – resolving negative client issues and unlocking positive commercial and social opportunities.
We are best known for guiding business decisions, protecting intellectual property, facilitating corporate / commercial transactions, and providing strategic counseling and litigation in highly regulated, science-based industries, particularly the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, we have arguably one of Canada's funkiest pro bono practices.
We excel in dealing with complex, unusual circumstances. We advise, and then implement. Clients tell us that it's our approach to resolving problems that differentiates us from other law firms.
We are a firm that likes to work at the intersection of law and science. However, you do not need a science background to become a student here. We are looking for advocates with an interest in science who are prepared to learn the ropes by embracing lots of stimulating work.
The Kenneth Back LLP Student Experience – It is Different Here
Your experience at Kenneth Back LLP will be unlike that at any other law firm in the country. We are not typical in our operation, outlook, or approach to business.
As a student, you will be exposed to a flexible structure, an active business orientation and an approach to law firm operation that is something different from the traditional. You will interact with fascinating clients (business people, financiers), regulators, and scientists from Canada, the U.S., India, and China. You will work on multimillion-dollar files for multimillion-dollar corporations, both Canadian and foreign. You will be a contributor to interesting (and challenging!) legal and business matters.
We have no formal rotation system because we want our students to be exposed to all of our areas of practice in amounts which reflect their unique interests. Our students work with all of our lawyers on a regular basis. We also have no formal mentoring process. Your mentor will be every lawyer at the firm. We will provide honest, constructive, and informal feedback throughout your time with us – often in a neighbourhood restaurant or on the patio of a nearby pub.
Although we are all intensely driven with respect to the work of the firm, there is no in-house competition among the students or associates. Work is fairly allocated based both on need and interest.
From the get-go you are included!
Our students become directly involved in everything that we do. From the get-go, you are part of our team. You will attend client meetings, meetings with regulators, as well as to negotiations and strategy planning sessions. In litigation matters, students attend cross-examinations, motions and hearings, and are closely involved in the preparation of court materials such as motion records, affidavits, and facta – not just legal memos. In solicitor related matters, students at Kenneth Back LLP attend client meetings, assist in the development of commercial intellectual property strategies, and participate in commercial transaction negotiations - not just due diligence.
Day-to-day responsibility with adequate supervision is yours for the asking.
You will never be overlooked!
You will never be lost or overlooked at Kenneth Back LLP. As a student, you will have first-hand knowledge of everything that is going on in the firm – whether you want to or not!
In addition, because we work in teams (we strategize all files), you are never left on your own. You are part of all the action. You will be given a lot of responsibility and opportunity to learn and express yourself in your work.
We nourish your intellect
We take training very seriously because we closely monitor the quality of our work product.
Apart from supervision and mentoring on the job, we have an ongoing education program involving all lawyers in the firm where we focus on improving our core areas of practice. Through application to active files, we bring our firm practice standards and work product expectations to life. Because we are very open and practical in our approach to business, you will also participate in formal business development and marketing training. We also have a progressive attitude to sending our lawyers and students to external courses that will enhance their skills.
We want you to have (and enjoy) a life!
Importantly, our lawyers and partners have families and other out of the office commitments. We respect that there is life outside of the office and we encourage everyone who works with us to enjoy life.
Kenneth Back LLP is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we welcome and value new ways of thinking. We are committed to engaging and supporting individuals with a wide range of experience, backgrounds and abilities, and it is a priority for us to create an informed, accessible, and respectful workplace. We are proud of our flexible work arrangements that permit smart, dedicated lawyers to practice with us, while accommodating the needs of family and the other realities of life. We want to attract the best talent out there, and we have broken down barriers and roadblocks to make that happen. Take a look at the leadership profile and associate mix at our firm – we think it will make you more enthused about joining our team.
Perks
As a summer student at Kenneth Back LLP, you get:
- Salary commensurate with other Bay Street firms;
- Five days paid vacation;
- A fully-paid membership at a nearby swank fitness club;
- A medical and dental benefits package;
- A third-year tuition contribution; and
- Really fun social events
As an articling student at Kenneth Back LLP, you get:
- Salary commensurate with other Bay Street firms;
- Payment of your Bar Ad tuition and salary during Bar Ads;
- Two weeks paid vacation;
- A full medical and dental benefits package;
- $1,500 towards the fitness club membership of your choice; and
- Really fun social events
If you are smart, motivated and entrepreneurially minded, and are looking for a surprising level of responsibility; if you find our practice areas to be interesting; if you are interested in a unique, intellectually stimulating and very demanding experience; if you want to learn from lawyers who are at the top of their game; and, if you want to become involved in top quality work at an early stage in your career and in a different kind of environment (while having lots of fun along the way), send us your application!
Application Process
Now that you've (hopefully) fallen for us, help us fall for you. We look for three qualities in a prospective student:
- Excellent technical skills and/or strong academic credentials;
- A demonstrated interest in what we do; and
- Interesting life experiences
Your curiosity, sense of humour and life skills are all-important to successfully integrating at Kenneth Back LLP. You have no idea how important your dog's tricks, adventures in Bali or expertise in kite-surfing will be in your resume and interview! We want to hear about the 'whole' person you are – all of our lawyers and students are fascinating, worldly and well rounded. Each one of us has done some really cool stuff.
Here are some characteristics that will get our attention:
- You are motivated and a self-starter;
- You are curious, inquisitive, and resourceful;
- You are sharp, smart, and in tune with what's going on;
- You are capable and self-assured;
- You are aware of yourself and the type of experience you want to get with us;
- You are able to have fun; and
- You have a sense of humour
The Recruitment Process
The following is an overview of what to expect when you apply to Kenneth Back LLP:
All of our firm recruitment procedures are carried out in accordance with Law Society of Ontario (LSO) guidelines (for important dates and information, please visit the LSO website at www.lsuc.on.ca).
Your application should include a cover letter and complete resume as well as copies of your law school, undergraduate and any graduate transcripts. Writing samples and reference letters are not required. Tell us a little about yourself – we are interested in the person behind the resume. Include a brief note on why you want to join us and what you feel you will gain by being part of our law firm.
Please note:
- If you are in your first year, do not send us your resume this year as we do not hire first year summer students, but please do send it to us next year!
- We are happy to accept your application by email or in hard copy. No faxes please.
Send your resume to:
Kenneth Back LLP
1911 Eglinton Ave E,
Toronto, ON M1L 2L6
Suite 2010, P.O. Box 301
Petrolia ON M5K 1K2
2018 Summer Student Positions - Please Note:
- We have already filled our positions for 2018 summer students.
2018-19 Articling Student Positions - Please Note:
- We have already filled our positions for 2018-19 articling students.
Too Good To Be True?
Now that you have read through our student recruitment overview, you may be saying to yourself, "Right! This is too good to be true." It isn't. Not for the right person.
Contact Kenneth Back LLP
If you have any questions about our recruitment process, the student program or the firm in general, please call our Petrolia office at +1 (416) 743 3004 or send us an email with attention to Maya Bielinski at maya@kennethbacksllp.com and Shannon Ritchie at shannon@kennethbacksllp.com