Articling Program
The RBS articling program allows students to develop a wide range of legal skills and abilities in a collegial and open atmosphere within this midsized downtown Vancouver firm. RBS articling students are chosen from law schools across Canada, to enter an articling program which provides access to a wide range of experiences in both litigation and commercial work. Our areas of service are generally divided with about 60% devoted to solicitors work and 40% in the area of litigation. In past years, students have assisted in all facets of this busy and dynamic legal practice, including meeting with clients, negotiating settlements, preparing documents, assisting in trial preparation, attending at chambers applications, conducting small claims court trials, reviewing and drafting contracts, and conducting legal research. When we hire our students, we look for a well-rounded education and employment history. Although grades are important, we seek students who maintain a healthy balance in life, with activities outside the field of law. RBS hires between 2-3 students per articling year. Salaries are reviewed regularly, and are competitive with downtown Vancouver rates. For other details on compensation and benefits, see our articling outline.
As an articling student with Richards Buell Sutton LLP, you will rotate through corporate-commercial, litigation, PLTC and a general practice area, all of which will expose you to challenging hands-on issues and skills in this full-service firm. Lawyers generally assign work directly to students, and each student has constant access to their principal, members of the articling committee and department heads. The lawyers have an open-door policy which allows students to benefit and learn from the well-respected and experienced litigators and business lawyers at RBS. Students with a particular interest are encouraged to develop their skills in that area and to attend continuing education courses during their year.
We have an experienced in-house Law Librarian who provides training and research assistance to students. Each student is assigned their own office, equipped with their own computer and internet access. Shared support staff is also provided to the students. A wide range of electronic and internet-based tools, including LexisNexis Quicklaw is available to the students as well as remote access to the firm's email, desktop applications and databases.
At RBS, social functions give students a chance to meet with staff and lawyers. As an integral part of the team, students will quickly become familiar with everyone at the firm -- lawyers, staff and fellow students alike.
Please note that RBS does not take applications for summer positions.