Kelly Santini LLP values the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe that it is a moral imperative that we pursue initiatives that will further these goals within and outside of the walls of our firm. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is a better, stronger and happier place to work, and adds to the collective strength of our community.

We Don’t Just Want Students. We Want Colleagues.

At Kelly Santini LLP we offer articling and summer students the opportunity to make themselves at home in the practice of law, with hands-on experience and an open-door culture.

We proudly offer an inclusive and supportive learning environment. At Kelly Santini, students are encouraged to explore their interests, step outside their comfort zone, and personalize the experience.

We hope to attract candidates who share our passion for client service, dedication to the practice of law and commitment to the community.

How to Apply

Summer 2023-24

Summer student applications will be accepted through the viRecruit Portal, or by email to leskola@kellysantini.com. Please include cover letter, resume, and current transcripts in your application package.

Articling 2024-25

Articling applications will be accepted through the viRecruit Portal. We will be recruiting for the 2024/2025 articling student positions in accordance with the Law Society of Ontario Recruitment Procedures.  For more information regarding the procedures and timelines, please see https://lso.ca/becoming-licensed.

FAQ

What kind of firm is Kelly Santini LLP?

We are a progressive and dynamic firm based in Ottawa. We are results-oriented and tailor our services to prioritize the needs of the individuals and businesses that make up our diverse client portfolio.  Our energetic environment and collegial atmosphere foster a culture of collaboration, encouraging us to invest in ourselves, one another, our community and our work.

What does Kelly Santini LLP look for in a student?

We are looking for students who are motivated, enthusiastic and excited by new challenges; Individuals who will support firm values and professional ethics while bringing fresh perspectives, diverse experiences and unique skills that will enhance our team. In addition to strong academic performance, we consider extra-curricular activities, personal interests, and wide-ranging work experiences.

What does the summer program offer?

Like the articling program, Kelly Santini summer students enjoy opportunities to learn from seasoned legal professionals through hands on experience. Summer students may be assigned to a specific practice area or may be quickly immersed in a variety of assignments, depending on the firm’s needs that summer. As a summer student you can anticipate opportunities for drafting, research, attending client meetings and observing litigation proceedings.

What will I be doing during my articles?

You will receive a variety of assignments directly from lawyers and students are encouraged to capitalize on opportunities of specific interest to them.

You will carry your own caseload of small claims court files. This means that you will find yourself in court, or involved in court-related proceedings. You will also be required to do research for lawyers on a variety of matters, but research only forms a part of the varied experience we strive to provide to our students.

You will also work on corporate/commercial matters, real estate transactions, wills and estate matters. We try to give you as much hands-on “lawyering” experience as possible.

Feedback is an essential part of the student experience, building confidence and positive practice habits. Formal feedback is provided at set intervals throughout the articling term and you can expect informal feedback on an ongoing basis.

It’s not all work! Firm social events are held throughout the year, providing students with opportunities to connect with the entire team. Kelly Santini is an active member of the Ottawa community and students are highly encouraged to join in a variety of charitable and community events during their term.

Do you have a rotation system?

The summer program is practice area specific, and we do not have a formal rotation system to articling. Through articles the breakdown of student participation between practice areas is evenly balanced between litigation and business law, but students may have the opportunity to weigh their experience more heavily in areas of particular interest to them. You will work with almost every lawyer in the firm at some point in your articles.

Will I have a life outside of work (or ‘what are the hours really like’)?

Work schedules are mostly driven by work volume. You will have the ability to determine your hours of work within certain parameters but students must be available during regular office hours other than when on leave. Like any profession, there are times when you will have to work late or work on weekends, but it should not become the norm.

How many students do you hire and what is your hire-back rate?

We invest in the hiring, development, and experience of our students in the hopes that they will continue to grow with Kelly Santini as associates, and eventually partners. While we cannot predict the availability of associate positions any given year, nor is there a set hire-back rate, we are proud to have many Kelly Santini lawyers begin their professional careers as students.

How much will I get paid? 

We pay our students at a rate that is competitive with mid-size Ottawa firms.  Articling students are eligible to join the benefits program and the firm covers the cost of LSO fees and registration fees for various approved training and development opportunities throughout the term.

Who can I talk to in order to get “the scoop” on your firm?

If you would like more information about articling, or about the firm in general, please contact Madelaine Thurston or Joshua Vickery who act as articling principals for the students.