The experience
Early responsibility and
meaningful court exposure.
From day one, you will work closely with partners and be included in the strategic thinking behind files. You will take ownership of discrete pieces of work, build confidence in advocacy, and gain exposure to discovery and court processes. Your input is welcome, your work matters, and the standard is consistently high.
What the work looks like.
In a typical week, you might be reviewing a record, contributing to strategy discussions, drafting materials, preparing for discovery, attending examinations, or attending court with a partner. You will be involved early and expected to think critically about the file, not just complete discrete tasks. The goal is to build strong judgment, excellent writing, and real advocacy skills through hands-on work and close support.
Mentorship that is close, practical, and consistent
We work in a British-style apprenticeship model, pairing juniors closely with partners and providing regular, direct feedback. Learning happens in real time, alongside lawyers who are invested in your growth and expect excellent analysis, drafting, and judgment. You will build strong foundations in advocacy while working on complex civil disputes and public law matters, including human rights and Charter issues.
Who you will work with
You will work closely with experienced litigators who take the time to explain their thinking, provide direct feedback, and involve you in meaningful work. Our team is collaborative and approachable, with high standards and a genuine interest in helping each other improve. You can expect a professional environment where questions are welcome, preparation is taken seriously, and the work is done with care.
Focus on excellence, not business development
We are not hiring you to build a book of business. We are hiring you to become an exceptional lawyer. There are no billable targets. The emphasis is on developing your craft, understanding clients and objectives, and producing high-quality work that advances matters efficiently and effectively.
A team that enjoys the work
Our lawyers take their work seriously, and they enjoy doing it together. You can expect high standards without ego, a supportive environment, and colleagues who are smart, kind, and genuinely collaborative. The result is better training, better work, and better outcomes for clients.
What we expect
You will be entrusted with real responsibilities from the start, and with that comes high expectations. We expect you to demonstrate strong work habits, thorough preparation, and a commitment to producing excellent analysis and writing. This is not a place for complacency; it is an environment where you will learn quickly, face challenges, and grow as an advocate.
“Gudmundseth Mickelson LLP offers students and new associates the ability to engage in an incredible variety of complex litigation matters. Students and new associates are encouraged to appear in court, attend examinations, craft arguments, and fully participate in the files they are working on, with the support of the partner on the file. There are endless opportunities to hone your skills in creative thinking, problem-solving, and advocacy. The firm also takes time to mentor junior lawyers and invest in their professional development. The firm has cultivated a group of creative, bright young lawyers who support one another and share a love of the law. I highly recommend the firm as an excellent place to begin your career as a litigator.”
— Former Student, Gudmundseth Mickelson LLP