Internship Review at Mamann Sandaluk

The Role

Role Description

Filing; Researching for cases; Preparing and Delivering Disclosures/Bundles; Meeting with clients; Scheduling appointments; Attend hearings (when permitted take notes); Aide either secretary or lawyer in any miscellaneous tasks.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I enjoyed my placement immensely. I had a great work space, supportive co-workers, and was challenged at my own pace. Very accommodating and extremely satisfying.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My colleagues were extremely friendly and approachable. If I ever had any questions, I knew I could count on them for advise and direction. They provided an environment where one can make a mistake, without fear of being discouraged or punished.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was not presented with a lot of guidance (a few guideline booklets and instruction on certain tasks), but a lot of independent work. However, if I had any questions I can go directly to the source - lawyers. They always made time for me.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

We were extremely busy. The lawyer I worked for had to take on a former lawyer’s cases thus his work load doubled, effectively mine did as well. However, I enjoyed being challenged and consistently busy. Kept me on my feet. Never a dull moment!

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I started with a few responsibilities, preparing disclosures for cases. Then it progressed to meeting with the clients on my own, and doing follow-up, preparing them for the upcoming hearings and even sat in a few cases. My boss left on vacation for two weeks and in those two weeks he gave me the responsibility to take lead on his cases.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

This internship allowed me to realize the extent of how well suited I am for a position as a lawyer. I realized what my strengths and weaknesses are and how to strengthen my weaknesses i.e. I struggled the most with interacting with difficult clients, I was tested by them and I had to learn to maintain a strong front, not take it personal and communicate not just effectively but with the ability to control the conversation. Let them know I was capable, strong, and could handle any obstacle. It takes a lot of practice, and I am still learning.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Never a dull moment. Always busy. Running between court hearings, meeting clients, preparing disclosure, or just answering the phone (which never stops ringing).

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

As organized as lawyers can be. The filing and scheduling of clients and appointments was in a computer system. This was convenient - once you log on you have the schedule and summary of each client, this is extremely helpful, because of the volume of clients you tend to either confuse the story or client. Helps keep you in check.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The lawyer was very patient. Every time I come in we dedicate 20min to an hour (depending on the cases and the challenge) to go over any questions or concerns I have and what is upcoming and expected of me and what do I expect of him.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

• Flexi Time
• Working from home

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Employment opportunities in this firm are very promising. In fact I was given the opportunity to pick up a couple of cases over the Christmas holiday, since once again they are slammed, and I am accustomed to the work and familiar with the people.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 0/10

There were none working in our department!

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

This firm is located in Toronto, Canada, and my home is just outside the city centre. Therefore I would commute to the city (30 min subway). I am very familiar with the city since it is my home.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The firm is located right in the heart of the city. Nightlife, restaurants, shopping and even transportation is easy accessible and very efficient. (even an airport has opened downtown)

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

I am not aware of any.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

I am aware of Christmas party (have not attended, seen photos), and it is very common to go out for meals with co-workers, in fact it would be usually if you did not socialize. Drinks after work is occasional, takes planning, since a lot of us have prior commitments after work and such.