Excellence in Training and Development
Team Player:
Our students work with Minden Gross LLP lawyers as part of a team. That means all lawyers, whether they are senior partners or associates. We are proud of our non-hierarchical atmosphere, where all members of the firm work closely with one another at all levels. And, more importantly, students are given substantive work to demonstrate they truly are a respected and integral part of the team. Working on a corporate deal means that our students are right in the trenches with the other lawyers. Whether it be drafting documents, gathering information, or attending client meetings, students are an integral part of the actual closing.
The Client is Always Right:
Minden Gross LLP students are exposed to clients from the very beginning. Client relationships are highly valued here, and part of a student’s training involves learning to develop and nurture client relationships. This means students will attend client meetings, help in closings, and go to court with clients.
“Your Honour”:
Students do not have to wait until they are a 2nd- or 3rd-year associate to get the opportunity to go to court. Our students conduct their own small claims trials and attend at court to speak to motions, whether ex parte or contested.
From A to Z:
It’s our hope that our students are able to see the end product of the files that they have worked on. Not only do they get to be a vital part of an ongoing file, but they are part of the grand finale, whether this means attending court for a trial or participating in a corporate closing. Although our program involves a rotation system, if a student has been actively involved in a litigation or corporate file that won’t finish until after they have changed rotation, we do our best to let the student enjoy the experience of the trial or closing, despite the rotation. Because, truly, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing your hard work materialize at the close of a file.
No Homework, We Promise!:
We offer a series of student-oriented continuing legal education seminars throughout the year on various legal issues, including Tax 101, How to Draft a Pleading, How to Review a Minute Book, How to Draft Shareholders Agreements, etc. Our own Minden Gross LLP lawyers put on these seminars.
Quick Tip: Our lawyers like to top each other with who can put on the best seminar (i.e., who has the best food!). Our students do their best to keep that threshold high!
Congeniality at the Office
Monumental Mentors:
Our students benefit from mentors, who are there to assist students in any way possible, whether it is to help manage workloads, offer guidance in a specific area of law, or even if it is just to have a lunch buddy.
Breaking Down the Door:
Through the pandemic, our open door environment is still a reality. Our lawyers (even senior partners!) and legal service professionals look for opportunities to listen, offer advice, and regale you with “war stories” – which can make time fly. We check in with you regularly, but we also encourage students to reach out to any of us by any method, as often as needed. As more people work in the office, our doors will remain open and we want you to walk through them – virtually or in person.
All that and fun, too?:
All work and no play can get quite tedious, so we have a fun social calendar aimed at the students throughout the articling year. One night you could be centre court at a Raptors game or hobnobbing at the various legal social events in the city. Another day might find you scavenger hunting on Centre Island or checking out new wines at a private tasting. We also pride ourselves in putting together social events aimed at all members of our firm, whether it is our Winterfest party or soaking up the sun at our annual Family Firm Summer Event.
Not just Sandwiches:
Every Thursday, the firm holds an internal CPD lunch in the main boardroom and virtually by Zoom for all lawyers and students. It’s a chance to get to know everyone and, if you go in person, have some tasty lunch, while also learning about the latest cases, the business of law, or statutory updates.
TGIFs:
After a long week, our lawyers and students enjoy a little downtime on Fridays at 5 pm with drinks and goodies, even virtually. It’s a chance to wind down, enjoy a drink, and chat about that great file you got to work on.
Community Involvement
Minden Gross LLP’s commitment to the community is demonstrated by our continued partnership with various charities and programs. We encourage our students to also get involved at this level and have been proud of the great contributions we’ve achieved over the years. Our firm supports numerous programs and charities, ranging from Camp Ooch, to Lawyers Feed the Hungry, to the LAWS Student Job Program (a program for marginalized high school students who have an interest in law).
We support firm members, as individuals, in giving back to the community and are proud that many offer their time and expertise on a pro bono basis, serve on various boards, and participate in various fund-raising activities. Our students are also encouraged to take the lead in student-specific events such as our United Way fundraiser, Daily Food Bank Law Challenge, and 40 Oaks Community Clothing drive.
Inclusivity and Diversity
Minden Gross LLP is and always has been committed to providing equity in the workplace. We have developed our procedures and policies integrating principles of employment equity and inclusion in our hiring practices, business practices, and community involvement. This is not only the right thing to do, but with a global network of clients, it makes good business sense.
Global Point of View
Minden Gross LLP is the Toronto member of Meritas Law Firms Worldwide. What is Meritas? It’s a global alliance of leading independent law firms, representing every major city in the world. In fact, Meritas has over 180 firms in more than 90 countries. We represent clients from around the world who are doing business in Canada or who are here in Canada and do business overseas. As the Toronto member affiliate, we are the Canadian gateway for incoming referrals from across the globe. And from our clients’ perspective, we are only an email or phone call away from connecting our clients with global representation.
Our students are involved in all sorts of files that originate through Meritas connections. This translates into international exposure in all areas of law, whether it is cross-border structures, cross-border M&A or financing files, international employment issues, or litigation issues that transcend Canadian borders.
Minden Gross LLP is well-represented within the Meritas organization, with many of our lawyers in key leadership roles, including Chairman - Worldwide, Section Chairs, Directors, and Leadership Institute Members. Minden Gross LLP was also the first non-American firm to host the Meritas Annual Meeting attended by over 300 lawyers worldwide.