What kind of work do people who don't land Bay Street Biglaw get?

[Kobe]

I have been accepted into Queen's and am wondering about the question in the title. I am most interested in doing some sort of transactional work, I would love to get into Biglaw but I recognize that only about a quarter of the class will find this sort of work. I am not sure exactly what other areas of law will appeal to me. Tax, real estate, business law, labour, arbitration, wills and estates, all seem very interesting. 

Are there still plenty of opportunities for decent jobs off of Bay Street for a median student? Just wanting to know what to expect, as I always plan like I'll be in the middle and shoot for the top. Ottawa for instance would be an interesting landing place if there's interesting work to be had. 

Edited February 10, 2022 by Kobe

[QueensDenning]

15 hours ago, Kobe said:

I have been accepted into Queen's and am wondering about the question in the title. I am most interested in doing some sort of transactional work, I would love to get into Biglaw but I recognize that only about a quarter of the class will find this sort of work. I am not sure exactly what other areas of law will appeal to me. Tax, real estate, business law, labour, arbitration, wills and estates, all seem very interesting. 

Are there still plenty of opportunities for decent jobs off of Bay Street for a median student? Just wanting to know what to expect, as I always plan like I'll be in the middle and shoot for the top. Ottawa for instance would be an interesting landing place if there's interesting work to be had. 

Queen’s places pretty well in Ottawa big law, so there is that in addition to the 2L recruit. There are some good jobs available post recruit in business/corporate law as well. There seems to be lots of positions for civil litigation firms in Toronto as well, post OCI’s. I’m in 2L now, but I think at least 60% or so of the class ends up finding a decent 2L summer position. 

[Kobe]

9 hours ago, QueensDenning said:

Queen’s places pretty well in Ottawa big law, so there is that in addition to the 2L recruit. There are some good jobs available post recruit in business/corporate law as well. There seems to be lots of positions for civil litigation firms in Toronto as well, post OCI’s. I’m in 2L now, but I think at least 60% or so of the class ends up finding a decent 2L summer position. 

That’s good to know, thank you!