The Application Process - 2014/2015

To whom do I send my application for a 2014-2015 articling position with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice or the Divisional Court?

Applications should be submitted to: The Manager of Legal Research, Superior Court of Justice, Office of the Chief Justice, 361 University Avenue, Room 621, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1T3.

May I apply for both the Divisional Court and the Superior Court?

Yes, but if you do, please indicate your order of preference between the two Courts.

What is the application deadline for the 2014-2015 articling program?

The deadline for the Superior Court and the Divisional Court is 5:00 p.m., Wednesday January 23, 2013.

What should be included in my application package?

Superior Court and Divisional Court applications must include the following documents in triplicate:

a cover letter indicating your preferred court location (or the order of preference if you are applying for more than one location);
a current curriculum vitae;
transcripts of law school and undergraduate grades (including first semester of second-year law);
one legal writing sample (maximum 15 pages);
two letters of reference referring to your research and communication skills.

Should I send everything in one package?

Your cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing sample, and transcripts should be sent in one package. Letters of reference may be sent separately if they are coming directly from your referees. If so, please indicate in your cover letter that the reference letters will follow. Letters of reference should be received by the application deadline.

Can I send my application by e-mail or fax?

No. Applications by e-mail or by fax will not be accepted. All applications should be sent by mail or courier.

Is there a page limit on the writing sample?

The sample should not exceed 15 pages. It is permissible to submit an excerpt from a longer document.

Do I need to provide official transcripts?

Official transcripts are not required. Photocopies of official transcripts are acceptable.

What if my fall marks are not available before the deadline?

If your fall marks are not available before January 23, 2013, please send us your transcripts without them and indicate in your cover letter when your marks will be available.

Can I apply if I am in third year?

Yes, you can apply if you are in your final two years of law school.

Can I apply if I am in third year and already have an articling position lined up for next year?

Yes, you can apply. However, clerkship positions fulfil the articling requirements of the Law Society of Upper Canada and preference may be given to those students seeking to use a clerkship at the Court as their articles.

Can I apply if I am currently articling in 2012-13?

No, we do not accept applications for 2013-14 clerkship positions from candidates who are articling in 2012-13 or from lawyers who have already been called to the Bar in any Canadian jurisdiction at the time of their application.

Can I apply if I am a National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) Student?

Yes, we accept applications from NCA students seeking a 2014-2015 articling position who will have completed their NCA requirements and obtained a NCA Certificate of Equivalence by the summer of 2014. The contents of the application package are identical for NCA students, although NCA students should also enclose a copy of the NCA Assessment of your qualifications as well as the results of any NCA examinations.

Do both of my letters of reference need to be from law professors?

We recommend that at least one reference letter be from a law professor who can speak to your legal abilities.

When and where do interviews take place?

Interviews usually take place in February or March, in person or by conference call. Interviews for positions in Toronto, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and for the Divisional Court typically take place in Toronto. Interviews for positions in the other locations typically take place in the respective regions. If a candidate cannot attend in person, interviews may be arranged by conference call. However, it is generally to the candidate’s benefit to attend in person if at all possible.

Can I be interviewed for clerkship positions in multiple regions?

Yes. If candidates indicate in their applications that they are willing to clerk in multiple regions, they may also be invited to interview in more than one region. Applications are considered separately for each region and each region conducts interviews on a different date.

Do you pay interview travel expenses?

No. The Court does not pay travel expenses for interview attendance. The Court tries to give candidates at least one week’s notice of the interview date.

What type of applicants does the Court seek?

The Court seeks applicants who possess strong academic records, excellent legal research and writing skills, and the ability to produce high quality work under strict deadlines.

Is bilingualism an asset?

There are three positions in Ottawa. For one of the positions, fluency in spoken and written French and English is required. For the second and third positions, and for all other positions throughout the province, bilingualism is an asset.

Who conducts the interviews?

Interviews are typically conducted by at least one judge and a counsel from the Office of the Chief Justice.

How long do the interviews last?

The interviews typically last 30 to 45 minutes.

Does the interview include substantive legal questions?

You may be asked how you might approach a legal problem. You will not generally be asked specific, substantive legal questions.

Should I consider applying for a position in more than one location?

Yes. Your chances of getting your first choice will not be hurt by applying for more than one location. The applications for each region are considered separately. If you apply for positions in various regions, please make your order of preference clear in your cover letter.

If you have questions about the clerkship program, please contact the Manager of Legal Research at 416-327-5005 or e-mail at Tariq.Awan.