General Information

Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP strives to recruit the best possible articling candidates. The continued success of the firm in the legal marketplace is directly related to the quality of students hired. We are a mid size firm with a comprehensive practice committed to providing the best legal training and experience possible in an energetic and dynamic setting. Our goal for our articling students is that by the conclusion of their articles, each will be a well-rounded junior associate with our firm.

Students typically commence their articles during the summer months (June through August) following graduation or after completion of their court clerkship. Our firm is generally able to select a commencement date convenient to both the students’ and the firm’s schedules.

Training

The articling program in Alberta consists of twelve months of articles, which includes completion of the professional licensing program for the Law Society of Alberta operated by the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education ("CPLED"). Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP pays the cost of the program for students as well as full salary throughout.

When students commence articles with Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP, they are assigned a principal who guides each student through the articling process. While principals are primarily responsible for the students’ education, the principals are only two of a core group of lawyers and support staff who assist the students throughout the articling year. Students work with all the lawyers and receive feedback from each of them. The firm’s lawyers also participate in formal and informal reviews with the students and their principals to ensure students are fully informed of their progress.

Structure and Rotation

Aside from the CPLED Course, the students at Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP follow a structured education plan. This plan is designed to fully prepare students for the legal profession by ensuring that most areas of practice are covered over the course of each student’s twelve month term. The twelve month term is divided into two 6 month rotations. One student begins in the Corporate/Commercial rotation and the other student begins in the Litigation/Family Law rotation. After six months, the students will switch rotations. Our goal is to provide access to all areas of our firm’s practice. In both rotations students experience daily exposure to clients, client files and lawyers, including opposing counsel. The students at Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP quickly learn that the firm places an emphasis on learning, developing skills, and quality work rather than billable hours during the articling year.

Work Support

Students are assigned a private office equipped with a networked desktop computer with QuickLaw, the internet and various other office systems. Each student is also given an orientation to the firm and access to various assistants, paralegals and other support staff as required.

Professional and Business Principles

Students are encouraged to fully participate in the firm. Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP takes pride in its sense of community, which includes all members of the firm. While doing work which is valued and meaningful, students are taught by example how to maintain a balance between work and personal life The expectation for students is they will also take advantage of continuing education programs to further their professional and personal growth.

Social Environment

Social events include a firm Christmas party, a family ski trip, golf tournament and Stampede party, a firm retreat, monthly firm dinners for all the lawyers and students, and casual Friday afternoon get-togethers for the students, lawyers and assistants. There are also a number of sporting teams on which lawyers and students participate. Everyone in the firm is encouraged to take part in outside social, athletic, philanthropic and community activities.

Applications, Deadlines and Information

Please be advised that Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP is not hiring for the 2011-2012 articling year. With respect to Articling, please direct any inquiries to: