FAQ

All firm sites can be the same - you must have your own questions - let us help you make the decision to continue your education and begin your legal career with RBS. If you don't see a question and answer below that satisfies your curiosity - send us your own question and we'll do our best to answer it for you.

Who is on the student committee?
Answer: Sharon White, Mark Baron, Rick Montens, Christopher Lennon, Joe Chan, Nicole Mangan, Bob Waterman, and Cindy Hildebrant make up our student recruitment committee. However, because choosing the right individual is important to everyone at the firm, others members assist during the interview process, as well as at formal presentations and events.
Can I talk to current students at the firm?
Answer: Absolutely, in fact we encourage it! Click here to meet our current students.
What does RBS look for in a student?
Answer: 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.
How many students does the firm hire?
Answer: RBS hires between 2-3 summer students per year, with the hopes that these individuals return to complete their articles with the firm following third year.
What is the student salary?
Answer: Salaries are reviewed regularly, and are competitive with downtown Vancouver rates.
Will the salary be paid during my rotation at PLTC?
Answer: Definitely. Benefits are also paid during this time as are law society dues and CBA memberships.
What benefits are provided to students?
Answer: Click here to see a complete list of benefits. Medical, dental and vision benefits are provided, as are a full range of legal memberships. In addition, firm members have access to a full gym at no cost and a transit pass can be arranged for a discounted rate.
What is the partner/associate ratio at the firm?
Answer: Approximately 17 to 21 is the ratio of partners to associates.
How many lawyers at the firm are women?
Answer: 12 lawyers of our firm are women, including two partners.
How many support members are there?
Answer: There are between 55 and 60 support members in the firm at any given time. This includes our registered trade-mark agents, legal assistants, paralegals, administration and office services.
What is the role of my principal?
Answer: Your principal is expected to ensure that you fill the obligations of the Law Society's requirements for completion of your articles. In addition, your principal is also a resource for you. They can provide guidance, offer advice and support, and help with the development of your legal career at this early stage.
What can I expect my first day?
Your first day will be the first of a 3-day orientation and training. Generally, you'll be in systems training most of the day with a lunch scheduled with either your principal or another lawyer(s) from the firm.
What will my first week look like?
The first 3 days will be scheduled for orientation and training; lawyers are generally asked not to assign work or files to students during this time unless it is a matter of some urgency. Depending on how busy the lawyers in your rotation are, you may be automatically given work, but typically you'll need to go file hunting by seeking out lawyers in person and letting them know you're available to help with files.
What is involved in the training/orientation week?
Students are scheduled for 3 days of training and orientation at the beginning of their articles where systems training, research training, orientation to various departments, lunches and tours are scheduled from 8:30am-4:00pm.
Who can I expect to receive work from?
Answer: The student program at RBS is based on a rotation system, allowing each individual to experience various areas of law for a set period of time. During rotations you can expect to receive work from the lawyers of that practice area and obtain an exposure to a broad variety of subject matters. We do not expect you to drop a file that you have worked extensively on because that rotation is over; in fact we encourage our students to get involved and really take control of files that really appeal to them - get their fingerprints all over files that excited them.
How are work performances evaluated?
Answer: Students are evaluated and provided feedback after each rotation. Lawyers are also encouraged to provide feedback on any projects or files that the student has assisted with. However, we encourage the student to also actively seek feedback on their own.
What kind of social activites are there?
Answer: RBS holds a number of social activites and gatherings on a weekly basis and throughout the year. In addition to a summer social and a winter party for all firm members, the lawyers gather for pizza or sushi on a weekly basis, the associates meet as a group six to eight times a year for business development sessions, and a group of firm members volunteer at the food bank on a monthly basis. We also have an active social committee that organizes food drives, bake sales, running groups, and other "friendly" competition around the office at various times throughout the year. While attendance is encouraged, it is not expected that you attend all events unless you would like to.
How do I apply for a student position with RBS?
Answer: Send your cover letter, resume and transcripts to:

Richards Buell Sutton LLP
700 - 401 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC, V6B 5A1
Attention: J. Robert Waterman

If your transcripts can be attached electronically, you may also e-mail your application to bwaterman@rbs.ca. Please provide all documents at the same time, preferably as one PDF attachment. Please note, we may request originals at the time of your interview.
What can I expect during the interview process?
Prospective candidates can expect a conversational interview process with two members of the firm. During the interview, questions are asked of the candidates about their education and work history, extracurricular activities and potential interest areas for the practice of law. There may also be some situational questions if time permits. Candidates will be encouraged to ask any questions they have pertaining to the firm, its culture and the practice of law generally. We place great importance in assessing a candidate's suitability to both integrating into and enhancing the firm's existing culture. A guided tour of the firm, conducted by a current student, will usually follow any interview that is conducted in our offices. After the tour, the candidate will have the opportunity to speak with the current student about the student's experience at the firm in a less formal setting.

A second interview may be scheduled so you can meet another partner and associate on the Student Committee. Students are notified of offers in accordance with Vancouver Bar Association Guidelines.
What is the hire-back ratio?
Answer: RBS prides ourselves on attracting talented students who want to develop their careers with us. As a result we have a great record for hire-back. Unfortunately, recent economic years would not represent this number accurately. While we cannot guarantee an associate position following your articles, we would not have extended the offer to article with the firm if we didn't have a good feeling from the on-set. In addition, what we are proud of is the number of long term employees we have and the number of returning employees (both staff and lawyers) who have looked for greener pastures and returned to BC's Oldest Law Firm. Check out some of the testimonials.