Ontario for School, Nova Scotia for Articling

[weavil1000]

Hello there,

I am in 2L and attending law school in Ontario. My husband and I are relocating to Nova Scotia after I graduate, and I am going to attempt to secure an articling position in Halifax. I was wondering if anyone has followed a similar path, and what worked for you?

Most of my classmates are doing the 2L recruit for summer, and they mentioned their firms will also offer articling within the first week - month of starting this summer. Also, most firms taking place in the recruit mention they only want applicants who will want to stay on for articling.

Any advice for someone like me that will be attempting to arrange articling on their own from a different province?

Thanks!

[Eatable Bran]

I applied from Ontario to Alberta jobs. I assume that this is a somewhat comparable experience, but someone can correct me if I’m wrong.

You’ll need to have a compelling reason in your cover letter as to why Nova Scotia, because you may otherwise be perceived as a flight risk.  A sentence or two will do.

You should also be prepared to answer questions about it in your interviews, I was asked ”why Alberta” repeatedly in interviews. It was clear they were trying to assess whether or not it was likely that I was just fishing for articles only to return to Ontario once called. 

Acceptable answers may include: family or friends in the area, wanting a change in surroundings, etc. Think about what it is that is drawing you to Nova Scotia and be prepared to articulate it. If you didn’t apply in the Ontario recruits, tell them that, they’ll be interested to know. 

 

[weavil1000]

Thank you @Eatable Bran. We landed as permanent residents from the US, initially in Halifax. We only moved for law school, so I will be sure to explain that in my cover letter. Very good advice that I really didn't think about...so, thank you!

[Conge]

Contact the student coordinators/recruiters/professional development people at the large firms. Tell them your story and ask about their recruitment process. They are always looking for talent. They focus 95% of their recruitment efforts on Dalhousie, but if there is someone coming from another jurisdiction who makes an effort to show they want to work in Halifax (as opposed to just getting articles and leaving), they will be responsive.  

[weavil1000]

Thank you! I will do that!