When is the appropriate time to look for an associate position during articling?

[lovehotbagel]

If we are certain that the organization does not hire back articling students, I am just wondering when we should start searching for our first associate position.

How challenging is it if I only have solicitor experience but want to transition into litigation?

[canuckfanatic]

8 hours ago, lovehotbagel said:

If we are certain that the organization does not hire back articling students, I am just wondering when we should start searching for our first associate position.

6-8 weeks before your articles end. Most firms won't consider you until you're almost done articling. Keep in mind that it's generally a tough market right now for brand new calls, so expect your job hunt to take a few months (meaning there will likely be a period where you're unemployed).

8 hours ago, lovehotbagel said:

How challenging is it if I only have solicitor experience but want to transition into litigation?

Depends on what you're looking for. For example, you'd have an easier time finding a role at a small firm that practices family/criminal/general civil litigation than a medium to large firm doing commercial litigation. 

[lovehotbagel]

Thank you so much for the information! 

 

Thank you so much for the information! 

[SNAILS]

If you have any networking contacts, start ASAP. This includes anyone in a position to influence hiring that you might know through work or school, even if you know them only casually. Send a brief email to them. Just make them aware that you do not have a job lined up where you are articling. They may make you aware of positions that are not advertised.

[lovehotbagel]

Thank you so much snails!