Written from the perspective of someone with insider knowledge, this book provides insight into the way Canadian law firms recruit. Wendy Griesdorf, former director of career services at Osgoode Hall Law School, reveals everything aspiring and new lawyers need to know about securing summer, articling, or associate positions, including how to research a law firm job, how to apply and interview, and how to succeed once hired. The book offers detailed information on the different recruitment cycles in Canada (including on-campus interviews), guidelines on the preparation of an effective resumé and cover letter, strategies for developing successful interviewing techniques, and tips on networking. It includes resumé and cover letter samples, examples of interview questions, as well as a personal workbook designed to help students and associates analyze their skills and interests and formulate their career goals.

A must-have for law students and new lawyers.

Wendy Griesdorf holds an Honours B.A. from the University of Toronto and an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1995. From 1995 to 2001, she practised estate litigation at Brian A. Schnurr & Associates in Toronto. In 2001, she was appointed director of Career Services and adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School. In 2003, she moved to Kingston, Ontario, and joined the firm Good Elliott Hawkins LLP as their estate litigation counsel. In addition to practising law, she is also a sessional lecturer in the Faculty of Law at Queen`s University and teaches professional responsibility, legal writing, advocacy, and estates at the Bar Admissions program for the Law Society of Upper Canada. She lectures and publishes in the field of estate litigation.

Wendy Griesdorf's profile page

“I found Wendy Griesdorf’s book to be an extremely thoughtful, comprehensive, and well-organized guide to the recruit­ment process for students. It is filled with a vast amount of sound, practical advice that demonstrates quite clearly that the author understands what is important to us as lawyers and student recruiters. I highly recommend the book to any law student who wishes to perfect his or her job search and interview skills.”

Robert M. McLennan, Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang

“Law Firm Recruitment in Canada: Job Search Advice for Law Students and Associates provides revealing and honest advice to law students entering the recruitment process and associates searching for legal positions. Wendy Griesdorf draws on her considerable experience as the Director of Career Services at Osgoode Hall Law School, as well as her experience as a practising lawyer, to walk the reader through the preparation of resumés and cover letters, recruitment processes, interviewing skills, and practical tips. The excellent advice and information are presented in an easy-to-read, chronologi­cal manner and provide a comprehensive resource for law students and associates who are making important choices concerning their career paths.”

Nancy J. Stitt, Director of Student Programs, Goodmans LLP

“Wendy Griesdorf’s book on law firm recruitment is like having a law school career development office, an outplacement service, a law firm director of students and associates, and your mother all rolled into one neat, little, portable package. It is a terrific resource for law students and lawyers who want to control their professional career paths, providing very practical advice on the logistics of keeping their careers on track.”

Anne Mundy-Markell, Director of Student & Associate Affairs, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP

“This is an excellent resource for law students. It is packed full of useful information and tips and contains a practical personal workbook. Through this book, law students will gain a better understanding of Canadian recruitment processes and an edge when they apply for competitive articling and summer positions.”

Maryanne Forrayi, Career Advisor, Faculty of Law, University of Calgary