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[TommyBratton]

Thanks everyone for the answers! They are all very helpful. 

[PzabbytheLawyer]

On 1/27/2023 at 1:58 PM, whereverjustice said:

1) "after articling I'll be on contract for a few years" - you may already understanding this, but just to be clear, this is not automatic. There isn't a simple default of hireback like there is some of the big law firms. As your articling term comes to its conclusion, you will be applying for counsel jobs, and will have to compete for those jobs. Generally you should expect contract jobs to be more "in reach" than permanent jobs at this point, because contract postings are more plentiful and because there will be more experienced lawyers (i.e. yourself in three years) competing for those permanent jobs.

2) The process described in the provision linked by @Kibitzer above is called "conversion". I understand there are some significant nuances to this (particularly around what events can 'reset the clock') but I expect they'd be explained to you either by HR or by your bargaining agent during your articling term.

To add onto this: you should be willing and open to working at other branches. If your goal is to work at MAG, this is the deal.

Finding counsel positions at MAG is very difficult as a junior lawyer. You will compete with lawyers with years of experience under their belt. Interviews are substantive, and sometimes to a degree where unless you worked at that branch, you simply won't have the requisite knowledge to be successful.

People do it. But you have to be very flexible with your ministry and practice area desires.

 

Edited February 6 by PzabbytheLawyer

[Olive]

Hello everyone, 

I am hoping for some advice in deciding which law school to attend. I am from Toronto and have 4+ years work experience in the public sector. I worked for 3.5 years in the federal government (law enforcement agency, FSWEP + Full-time employment), and last year I moved to Vancouver to work in a policy role in the BC provincial government. My goal after graduating law school is to work in Toronto as a federal or provincial crown (prefer federal), or I also have international interests (such as UN, international human rights, etc.). 

I have narrowed down my options to UBC and uOttawa. I am posting here in hopes that some government lawyers may be able to provide me with some insight into hiring practices, employment prospects, etc. for these two schools. I feel that UBC is a better choice for me for the following reasons: 

- COST: tuition is significantly lower and UBC seems to have a good bursary program. Also, I would not have to incur the expense of moving to Ottawa. Overall, it would cost me MUCH less to attend UBC.

- LOCATION: I currently live 10 mins away from UBC law building; as well the facilities at UBC are much nicer than at Ottawa

- REPUTATION: I feel that UBC has a prestigious reputation and may provide greater international opportunities. What I don't know is how well this reputation translates to the Toronto market, especially for government jobs. I know that few UBC students are hired in the Toronto OCI recruits, but I am wondering if it is because only few are interested in returning to Ontario? Or is is it the case that employers are not interested in hiring UBC students over Ontario students? 

In summary, I would prefer to attend UBC but not if it would block me from securing my desired employment in the future. Any insight would be greatly appreciated to guide me in this decision!

 

[PzabbytheLawyer]

UBC would not block you from your employment goals.

The DOJ has an office in Vancouver. Note, it is limited to litigation.

The international work you seem to want would be in Ottawa. You can find that from UBC or Ottawa. I would prioritize cost.

Note, for the truly international work in the federal government, you are very likely to have to relocate to Ottawa forever.

Otherwise, you would be limited to the DOJ Vancouver, or the BC government (which I've heard great things about regarding both).

[rugz]

This might be a long shot- Could anyone speak to their experience with the sales tax policy branch at the Department of Finance?