Western Law Internship Program (WLIP)

Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Student Internship in Mining Finance (with Newmont) – Madeline Cummings

This summer, I had the pleasure of interning with Newmont’s North American in-house legal team. Newmont is the world's largest gold mining company, with assets both across the country and around the world. The best aspect of working at a billion-dollar, multinational mining company was the wide exposure I got to different areas of law, across a variety of jurisdictions. Over the summer I worked on legal issues in property, commercial, contract, labor, and employment law in multiple provinces and across borders! I found my work very interesting and educational, and the company had a very warm and supportive culture. During my internship, I drafted various contracts including land access agreements and NDAs and conducted research on the business impact of evolving legislation in labour and employment law. The highlight of the summer was assisting my supervisor with two on-going labor arbitrations. Through this experience I was able to see the legal

process in action and how my legal research directly influenced our lead counsel's cross-examination and arguments. My legal research was updated throughout the summer as more decisions were published and our search became increasingly specific, and it proved to be instrumental in selecting an expert witness on short notice. This internship enhanced my legal researching skills, and has allowed me to grow as an independent, critical thinker. I highly recommend this internship to anyone interesting in advocacy, corporate, commercial or mining law, as I am confident that the skills I developed will serve me well in my future career. Thank you to Newmont, WLIP and Cassels Brock & Blackwell for providing me with such a memorable and rewarding experience!

McCarthy Tétrault LLP Business Law Internship (with CIBC) – Rachel Makkar

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at CIBC’s legal department. Given the flexible nature of the internship, I completed work in a variety of practice areas including wealth management, retail banking, employment, and litigation. Working in-house at a large financial institution provided me with invaluable insight into the legal framework that underpins the organization and governs stakeholder interaction. For example, I learned how in-house counsel utilizes the findings of their Bay Street counterparts to formulate strategic legal advice and advance business objectives. I was also exposed to legal strategies used to mitigate risk in the banking industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from extremely accomplished lawyers, along with the mentorship they provided me as I navigate

my legal career. This internship reaffirmed my interest in business law and allowed me to develop transferable skills which will serve me well in my future years of practice!

Thornton Grout Finnigan LLP World Bank Group Internship – David Zhang

My time as a World Bank intern has been a period of immense personal and professional growth. Professionally, many of the projects I’ve been assigned seamlessly built on existing skills I gained from my previous work experiences. The growth came in the form of seeing beyond the tasks at hand and understanding the implications of the work we’re doing in different economic contexts. For more developed economies, it might mean that our work keeps them on the path to prosperity, while for developing and emerging economies, our work forms the foundation our partners will use to build a thriving economy. Every day, I passed the following words emblazoned on the wall: “Our dream is a world free of poverty.” There is no greater motivator than that. Moving forwards, I know my experience at the World Bank will continue to have a profound impact on my career and shape who I will become. Improved legal research, writing, public speaking, and international relations skills are all wonderful outcomes of this internship. Most importantly, however, it’s knowing that the time I spent at the World Bank went towards moving the needle on one of society’s greatest challenges and will be something I reflect on fondly for years to come. For those seeking a truly unique and demanding challenge, I would highly recommend that you consider the Thornton Grout Finnigan World Bank internship opportunity at Western Law.

Thornton Grout Finnigan LLP World Bank Group Internship – Nadia Yehia

My summer internship at the World Bank Group as part of the Insolvency and Debt Resolution team has been highly educational, exciting, and fulfilling. In the span of two months, I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge on international bankruptcy and insolvency regimes. In addition, I have also practiced my language skills by analyzing legislation from various Francophone nations. As part of my internship, I was fortunate to join the team on a mission to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. During the mission, the team met with various stakeholders from the financial and governmental sectors to amend the insolvency regime of Kyrgyzstan. Moreover, I also got to participate in a study tour for a delegation from the Ministry of Justice of Egypt. During the study tour, I got to visit a U.S. bankruptcy court and gain in-depth knowledge of the bankruptcy and insolvency system in the United States. Lastly, the World Bank Group folks are as brilliant as they are kind and helpful.

LeClair & Associates South African Labour Law Summer Internship – Mikaela Cheslock

This summer I had the opportunity to participate in the LeClair & Associates South African Labour Law Fellowship. I worked with the South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW) in their Pro Bono team which meant plenty of opportunities to learn about labour law. I spent two days per week in the Pro Bono office at the Labour Court, and the other three days I was with a law firm in their employment department. During my time at the Pro Bono office I was able to assist attorneys with client consultations, which allowed me to learn about the labour legislation, court processes, and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) that South Africa has in place to provide expeditious dispute resolution to workers. I was able to learn a lot about workplaces and working conditions in South Africa through these consultations, especially the power imbalance between workers and employers when there is such a high unemployment rate. The firms that I worked with the remainder of the time provided a wide variety of learning opportunities within labour and employment law. I

was able to draft certain documents such as heads of argument (factum), letters of demand, and questions for disciplinary hearings. I also had the chance to sit in on CCMA matters, disciplinary hearings, a variety of court matters, and other interesting meetings that the firms had going on. This internship truly allowed me to learn more about labour law and how it affects workers and employers in varying ways while giving me the chance to help disadvantaged workers navigate the legal system. Having been able to learn about another country's labour legislation and enforcement of it, while comparing it to Canada's, gave me many ideas of how to develop our labour and employment sphere. It also left me with an even stronger passion for representing workers in the future. This internship gave me a solid background for future legal work, in labour law or otherwise. Thank you WLIP and LeClair & Associates for this opportunity.

Office of Senator Kim Pate through the Debwewin Summer Law Program – Grace Sarabia

My placement in the office of Senator Kim Pate through the Debwewin Summer Law Program was a fast-paced and engaging learning experience. I enjoyed working on incoming pieces of legislation that have the potential to improve the lives of Indigenous Canadians and represent tangible steps towards Reconciliation.  I was able to expand my legal research and writing skills in the context of the federal government. I also learned about the role of the Senate in improving conditions in penitentiaries through a visit to Collins Bay Institution. Listening to Senator Pate using my research briefs in Standing Committee meetings has been especially rewarding. Overall, this position has provided me with valuable insight into the policy side of law and how the worlds of private and public law interact and collide.

Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO) through the Debwewin Summer Law Program – Meghan Hawa

This summer, I had the opportunity to work with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) in their justice division. Throughout my internship, I was given research assignments that allowed me to learn about a variety of topics in the areas of criminal, family, civil, and constitutional law. I created legal education tools, provided literature reviews, and performed two legal education seminars for staff members at the MNO. Because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic my internship was remote; however, my supervisor and other team members were great about adding additional Zoom meetings and team building exercises to help make me feel included and teach me more about the organization and the services it provides. One of the most unique experiences I had during my internship was when I was able to participate in

a Métis beading workshop. The MNO mailed me a beading kit and I was able to work along with my team members as we learned the traditional techniques and about the history and cultural importance of Métis beadwork. The Debwewin internship improved my legal research and writing skills and provided me with a truly unique educational experience in Indigenous law. I know this experience will continue to benefit me as I continue in my academic and professional careers.

Six Nations Justice Department through the Debwewin Summer Law Program – Eric Lee

This summer, I interned with the Six Nations Justice Department through the Debwewin Summer Law Program. I was drawn to the opportunity to assist a group that had been historically facing systematic discrimination while also applying the legal skills and theories that I had been learning in classroom setting. Interning at Six Nations allowed me to partake in many projects including privacy law research, implementing Alternative Dispute Resolution services, and learning more about on-reserve property and home insurance. Furthermore, I supplemented my knowledge of criminal law by drafting an Indigenous Victim Services handbook. Through this internship, I have refined my legal research and writing skills, and I have also broadened my

cultural competency to contribute to diversity and inclusion in the legal field. I highly recommend this internship for those who have a strong interest in Indigenous and Aboriginal Law.

Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) – Meaghan Kenley

This past summer, I had the pleasure of interning at the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA). Throughout my internship, I focused on directly affecting climate change policy within Ontario, work that I never imagined I would be doing so early in my career. My projects focused on the intersection between climate change and equity. This involved drafting model by-laws and recommendations to be sent to governments within Ontario for adoption. In fact, I will have the incredible opportunity to present this work at the Low-Income Energy Network’s annual conference this fall. Through completing client intakes and drafting legal memoranda, I was able to work directly with clients. This further allowed me to refine my legal research and writing skills that I will continue to use throughout my career. I am so grateful for the mentorship and guidance that I received at CELA. Thank you WLIP, CELA and the Law Foundation of Ontario for an unforgettable summer!

Canadian Red Cross (CRC) – Nandini Nair

My internship with the Canadian Red Cross, as part of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) unit, was absolutely fantastic. Everyone on the team was very welcoming and supportive and allowed me to do work in various areas of IHL. I was able to work on IHL education initiatives, as well as write legal research memos on areas such as the use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA), and on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Through this work I have been able to combine my interest in both International law and conducting research and advocacy for vulnerable populations. I am very grateful for having been given the opportunity to do meaningful, and fascinating work with this team. I know that the IHL knowledge I have gained, the legal research and writing skills I have acquired, and the connections I have made will contribute greatly to my future as a legal professional. I highly recommend this internship to anyone interested in learning more about International Humanitarian Law, or International Law more generally as well.

Ontario Bar Association (OBA) – Justyna Zukowski

I am so grateful for my time at the Ontario Bar Association (OBA). The OBA runs continuing professional development (CPD) programs for Ontario lawyers in many different substantive sections of law. As a WLIP Intern, I assisted in completing research for numerous programs. A unique aspect of the internship was my involvement in the research of policy issues affecting legal practice as a whole. A major focus of my summer was post-pandemic access to justice. This was my favourite part of the internship as I explored cross-jurisdictional recommendations to tackling these unmet legal needs (i.e., turning to other law societies and provincial courts) and created a document to assist in the recruitment of lawyers in remote areas of Ontario. The OBA also provided special opportunities to attend CPD programs, including one with Supreme Court Justice Suzanne Coté as a speaker. A skill that I learned while at the OBA is adaptability. I had to learn quickly and familiarize myself with the different areas of law for which the OBA provides professional development programming. This will be helpful as I navigate articling at a full-service firm and figure out the area of interest for my future career.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Canada (UNHCR) – Jameel Manji

My experience as a legal intern with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Canada (UNHCR) was professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling. UNHCR works with governments and civil society to strengthen Canada’s asylum system in a way that guarantees access to a fair and efficient process for asylum-seekers and refugees. As a result, I was exposed to areas of public international law, and UNHCR’s role in ensuring Canada fulfils its international obligations. I drafted memoranda on various refugee issues, including refugee detention and refugee status cessations. A highlight of my experience was being involved in summarizing and analyzing facta submitted by intervenors to the Supreme Court of Canada for an upcoming case on the Safe Third Country Agreement. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with UNHCR’s team of passionate advocates, who provided me with the opportunity to consider career paths in international law. It was a privilege to work with UNHCR, and I would highly recommend this internship to future students.

McCarthy Tétrault LLP Business Law Internship – Sarah Chen

Throughout the summer, I was able to reach out to lawyers working in different areas of law at CIBC. Because of the internship’s flexibility, I was able to take part in numerous projects, including provincial cannabis and insurance research, implementing comments on an offering memorandum and identifying potential concerns in contract clauses. Working with an in-house team was also an immersive experience, in which I learned how various business departments in a financial institution rely on legal advice and solutions. Understanding the nexus between a company's strategic goals and legal prudence will prove helpful in my future career. This internship has helped affirm my interest in business law. In addition, as I was able to experience a wide variety of work, I narrowed down specific areas of corporate law in which I am interested in working during my 2L summer. This internship is a valuable experience for any student interested in business law who would like to learn more about practical legal issues! I am thankful to McCarthy Tétrault, CIBC and WLIP for providing a rewarding summer internship.

Canadian Red Cross – Rachel Hennick

My experience as an intern for the Canadian Red Cross superseded my expectations. I can honestly say that, despite the internship being conducted entirely remotely, I have gained invaluable experience and further developed my legal research and writing skills, and have had a fabulous time doing it! The Canadian Red Cross is part of one of the most prestigious humanitarian networks globally and maintains a robust internship program. Throughout my internship at the Red Cross, I had the opportunity to work in the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) division, an area of law that primarily deals with armed conflict. This experience was unique, as working with the Red Cross allowed me to discover an area of law that combines my ability to grow as a legal advocate and my passion for public interest work. Some of my favourite assignments included attending the United Nations annual event, Protection of Civilians Week, and assisting the legal team in researching and preparing a legal memorandum on the Arms Trade Treaty. Throughout my twelve weeks as an intern at the Red Cross, I gained invaluable exposure to a legal setting and further developed my legal research and writing skills by assisting in developing policy papers and legal memoranda. Each assignment also equipped me to acquire the tools and exposure to become a competent and diligent legal advocate and learn to balance a big-picture mindset with a detail-oriented one. This internship has shown me that I can combine my desire to have a promising legal career and make a difference. While it is unknown whether I will practice IHL in the future, I have gained important practice skills to achieve my goals.

Integrated Legal Services Office (Debwewin Summer Law Internship) – Jonathan Ng

This past summer, I was placed at the Integrated Legal Services Office (ILSO), a Legal Aid Ontario clinic located in Ottawa. ILSO provides eligible low-income people with services in areas such as family law, immigration law, landlord-tenant issues, and Ontario Disability Support Payment claims. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my internship was entirely remote, however I still had many opportunities to apply legal learnings in practical settings. Working on projects such as a Humanitarian & Compassionate application for a refugee family, an Ontario Disability Support Program appeal, and a workshop comparing Canadian and Indigenous legal traditions all presented unique challenges that were incredibly fulfilling. I also had the opportunity to work in a client-facing role as I called and interviewed clinic clients. This much responsibility was initially intimidating, but as I became comfortable, I gained confidence and was better able to identify relevant information and explain concepts. Being able to manage client relationships, as well as conduct legal research and write submissions, are all transferrable skills that I am sure I will be able to use throughout my career.

Permanent Mission of Canada to the World Trade Organization – Alexandra Walker

This summer I had the opportunity to intern with the Canada’s Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Interning at the Mission remotely allowed me to expand my professional skills and gain a window into international trade law as a career path. I was able to observe negotiations first hand, collaborate on drafting remarks and participate in discussions and research projects on some of the most vital current issues at the WTO. Learning about the legal architecture which underpins international trade law in a professional environment added a depth of understanding difficult to achieve through academic study alone. It was particularly compelling to see WTO Members grapple with issues raised by COVID-19 and plan for pandemic recovery. I highly recommend this internship for anyone who has an interest in government work or international law. It has been an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience.

Rama First Nations (Debwewin Summer Law Internship) – Valerie Cheng

I completed my internship with Rama First Nations through the Debwewin Summer Program this summer. I was drawn to the opportunity to gain practical experience to supplement the more theoretical Indigenous studies I had been learning. I was not only able to draft legal research memos, but was given the opportunity to draft leases, contracts, and various legal documents. I am confident that these experiences will translate to transferable skills in my future career. In addition, the internship allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of more grounded impacts that the justice system has on the Indigenous community. This has contributed to a wider perspective on how to contribute to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the legal field.

Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (Debwewin Summer Law Internship) – Liam Dart

This summer I had the privilege of being placed at Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services (NALSC). I worked primarily under the Staff Lawyer, conducting legal research and creating public legal education presentations. These projects not only gave me the opportunity to improve my legal research skills but allowed me to gain client-focused experience in addressing prevalent issues and improving legal education in Northern Ontario. Due to the ongoing pandemic, I completed my internship remotely, which presented some challenges that I did not anticipate. This pushed me to be direct when asking questions and to take initiative in asking for more work. I also worked on drafting a memorandum focusing on the use and development of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments in sentencing hearings featuring Black Canadians. This allowed me to learn and research an evolving area of the law that has been applied, much like R v Gladue, to address over-incarceration and systemic discrimination. The NALSC internship has not only fostered my interest in several practice areas, it has allowed me to become a better advocate by furthering my cultural competency and providing the opportunity to apply evolving legal concepts.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Canada – Hanna Downard

My internship with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Canada (UNCHR) was truly remarkable. Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to hone legal research, writing, and advocacy skills which I believe will serve me well in my legal career ahead. As an intern, I completed interesting and meaningful work. This ranged from analyzing trends in refugee claimants’ cases to better aid future applicants, to writing a variety of memoranda on topics such as statelessness, unaccompanied minors, and gender-based violence. A highlight from my experience was working to draft submissions reflecting UNHCR’s position on proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Board’s guidelines for deciding gender-based refugee claims. This project was gratifying as it will ultimately inform the IRB’s approach to gender-based refugee claims, aiding future refugees. Through my internship, by better understanding how UNHCR works to advocate for refugees and uphold international obligations, I have gained important insight into international refugee law, human rights law, and Canadian policy in practice. I have had the opportunity to engage with international and Canadian stakeholders while learning from foremost international professionals. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to develop as an advocate while contributing to meaningful work. I would highly recommend this internship to anyone with an interest in international, refugee, or human rights law.

Ontario Bar Association – Christine Phillips

My experience as an intern at the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) was an excellent complement to my legal training from my first year in law school. The OBA advocates for members of the Ontario Bar and provides continuing professional development programs across 40 different practice areas. As a summer intern, I drafted submissions in response to proposed legislative amendments, conducted research and wrote memoranda to inform advocacy plans, researched topics related to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in support of Charlene Theodore's ‘Work that Works’ podcast, identified topics of interest and potential speakers for professional development programs and prepared updates for members of the bar related to developments in court procedures and policy. Along with the opportunity to apply the legal research and writing skills acquired in my first year of studies at law school, the experience enriched my legal training by offering insight into the practical realities of keeping abreast of legal developments as a practicing lawyer. I learned about the current priorities of the legal profession such as pandemic recovery and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within the bench and the bar, how these priorities are promoted across the bar, and the support offered to the legal community to drive legal improvements. This experience was a great benefit during the 2L recruit in terms of assessing my own strengths and challenges and deciding which firms to apply to. I have no doubt that the experience will continue to be valuable during my job search and interview process, as well as over the duration of my career. Thank you to WLIP and to the OBA for this excellent opportunity.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – Sukhvir Singh Gill

This past summer, I had the pleasure of interning with the legal department at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)! While my internship was conducted remotely, everyone at CBC was incredibly supportive and accommodating throughout this experience. I worked with several lawyers in the business law and media law groups and on a wide range of legal matters. My work included contract review, due diligence, participation in client meetings and procurement negotiations, and extensive research and writing. Overall, this internship has given me an insight into the nature of business and media law work and allowed me to hone my legal, research, and writing skills.

Thornton Grout Finnigan World Bank Internship in Bankruptcy & Insolvency Law – Wendy Wang

My summer internship at the World Bank Group as part of the Debt Resolution and Insolvency Team was incredibly fulfilling. I was exposed to various aspects of insolvency law in a global context, different policy responses to COVID-19, and the ways in which the World Bank assesses and advises governments on their insolvency regimes. In addition to reviewing draft legislation and insolvency publications, I conducted research on a variety of topics such as online dispute resolution platforms and the effects of disruptive technology on the legal practice. I also participated in many meetings with foreign government officials and judges, which was a valuable opportunity to witness what great client management looks like. One of the highlights of my experience was preparing and presenting a judicial training workshop on mediation as a debt resolution tool, which was attended by 100+ Cambodian lawyers. Working alongside a diverse team of expert insolvency lawyers has been truly rewarding – not only have I improved my research and writing skills, I also know that my work is contributing to more financial inclusion in developing nations. The global perspective and transferable skills that I have developed during my internship will certainly be very valuable in my legal career. 

Canadian Environmental Law Association – Amanda McAleer

This summer I interned with the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) as part of the Healthy Great Lakes team. While my internship was conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had a wonderful experience getting to work with the many talented and creative lawyers at CELA who specialize in environmental law. Over the summer, I was assigned to lead the research for a novel water protection initiative that we hope to one day implement in Ontario, as well as summarizing my research into legal memoranda, blog posts, and oral presentations for community partners and academics. Despite my interactions being limited to Zoom, the team at CELA was very welcoming, and their constant support allowed me to strengthen my legal research, writing, and advocacy skills throughout my term. One of the highlights of my internship was getting to put together a virtual conference to share my research with numerous attendees, ranging from lawyers to community partners to Indigenous Chiefs. The experience allowed me to push myself to engage in an opportunity that I would have normally shied away from, but under the thoughtful guidance of my mentors, I was able to deliver a presentation that I was really proud of. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with CELA this summer, and for the valuable work experience that I’ve obtained under their guidance.

Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Student Internship in Mining Finance at Newmont Goldcorp – Patrick James Conlon

This summer I had the opportunity to work with the legal counsel at Newmont Corporation, the world’s largest gold company. I worked with several lawyers in the Vancouver office and gained practical legal experience in a variety of different practice areas including contracts law, employment law, securities law, privacy law, and litigation. My responsibilities increased throughout the summer as I learned how to apply creative legal solutions to complex problems. I enjoyed the challenge of addressing the legal issues that arise within a multinational company. The highlight of my summer experience was working alongside my mentoring lawyer to formulate tactics to negotiate favourable contractual terms with suppliers. Through this experience, I developed sharp attention to detail and an eagerness to explore different areas of the law. I am confident that my summer with Newmont will serve me well as I hope to embark on a career in corporate law. I am very grateful to WLIP, Cassels Brock & Blackwell, and Newmont for providing me with a unique and enjoyable 1L summer!