Canadian Law Students
1L Summer Student Program
Mintz hires 1L students who seek a highly personalized summer experience for our Summer Student program. Our Summer Students will be immersed in our Corporate section for the duration of the program. Summer Students work on an array of matters, often staffed on cases or deal teams, where they can gain real, hands-on experience working side-by-side with our lawyers. Our small class size, coupled with our Partner and Associate mentorship program, allows students a broad range of opportunities and experience, customized to their individual goals and interests. After spending thirteen weeks at the firm, our Summer Students will know our lawyers, understand what we do, and be well positioned to complete their law degree.
Toronto Summer Students will also have the opportunity to spend two weeks in our Boston office. Students will attend trainings, professional development sessions, and social events with the cohort of Boston based Summer Associates.
The application for the 2024 1L Summer Student Program has now closed.
If you have any questions regarding policies, procedures, or timing of the recruit, please review the Law Society of Ontario 2025 Summer Student Recruitment Procedures.
A Day in the Life of a Toronto Summer Student
2024 Toronto Summer Student, Grace McColl, takes us on a day in her life in the Mintz Toronto office.
Recruiting Events
We look forward to visiting the following law schools during the 2024-2025 academic year:
- McGill University Faculty of Law
- Osgoode Hall Law School
- University of Toronto Faculty of Law
- Western Law
If you do not see your law school listed above, Mintz does host a variety of virtual events throughout the academic year that are open to students from law schools across the country. Please email Caroline Lauria-Sheehan, Legal Recruiting Coordinator, at [email protected] to be added to our email distribution list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mintz offer a 2L summer program or articling program?
At this time, we are only offering a 1L summer program. If this changes, we will update students accordingly.
How long is the summer program, and when does it begin?
Our summer program will be thirteen weeks long and begins in late May.
When and how do you recommend applying?
Our application will be open from mid December 2024, until January 22, 2025. We recommend applying when you feel ready as we will not begin reviewing applications until the deadline passes. You should apply directly through our website or via viLawPortal.
I haven’t received my fall grades yet. Should I wait to apply?
If you expect to receive your fall grades by January 22, 2025, we encourage you to wait to apply until you have all your materials. If you don’t expect to have your grades by January 22, you can apply without them and submit your transcript when you receive it. Please send your grades to Caroline Lauria-Sheehan at [email protected] if you receive them after you apply.
What materials should I include in my application?
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Copy of law school transcript
- Copy of undergraduate transcript
- Copy of graduate transcript (if applicable)
- List of Upper Year Courses
To whom should I address my cover letter?
You can address your cover letter to Caroline Lauria-Sheehan, Legal Recruiting Coordinator.
After applying, when should I expect to hear from the firm about interviews?
We will reach out to students about participating in interview week on Call Day which is February 4, 2025.
If I’m invited to interview, what can I expect?
Interview week will take place from February 18 – February 20, 2025. You will have a series of 30-minute, one-on-one interviews with both Partners and Associates over three days.
Can I be reimbursed for my interview travel expenses?
We will not pay for travel expenses for out-of-town candidates participating in interview week. We will offer virtual interviews for students located outside of the Toronto area on a case-by-case basis.
How does the assignment process work for the summer program?
Summer Students’ work assignments are curated by attorneys in the Corporate section. Though assignments will come from the Corporate section, there is variety in subject matter, industry, and clients. The section provides the opportunity to work in venture capital & emerging companies, securities & capital markets, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, and licensing & technology. Summer Students are encouraged to participate in our extensive pro bono opportunities, which include immigration, sexual violence, veterans affairs, housing, transgender discrimination, and access to justice.
How does the evaluation process work?
After an assignment is completed, the assigning attorneys evaluate the Summer Student’s work. We strongly encourage attorneys to provide feedback directly to Summer Students after each assignment and we encourage Summer Students to proactively ask questions and seek feedback. Summer Students receive formal reviews at the mid-point and at the end of the program.
What types of training sessions will I attend as a Summer Student?
Our professional development team (MLPD) organizes many training opportunities through the summer. A sampling of the programs we typically host include numerous substantive training sessions, programs on the business of a law firm and legal ethics, and a business lunch etiquette training. We also have a legal writing program that runs throughout the summer. Summer Students are invited to attend all Associate training sessions and monthly practice group meetings, as well. MLPD hosts over 200 training programs annually, so there are many topics available to meet your interests.
Are Summer Students expected to be in the office every day?
Mintz Associates are expected to be in the office, in-person approximately 60% of the time. To maximize the experience, Summer Students will be required to be in the office Monday – Thursday with the option to work virtually on Fridays.
Will there be opportunities to visit other Mintz offices?
Our Summer Students will have the opportunity to spend two weeks in our Boston office. Students will attend trainings, professional development sessions, and social events with the cohort of Boston based Summer Associates.
What if I’m interested in an area other than Corporate?
At this time, our summer program is only being offered in our Corporate section.
What if I’m interested in applying to both the US and Canadian summer program?
While you can apply to both programs, we ask that you only apply to one. Please think about where you see yourself fitting best and apply to that program.