Nathalie Elharrar
University of Montreal, Bar 1999

The very convictions that have given rise to the success of Spiegel Sohmer as a firm can be credited for the firm's unique program for law students. Vision, flexibility, dynamism, compassion; it is these fundamental principles that have enabled Spiegel Sohmer to successfully prepare its young attorneys for the proving grounds of the business world armed with the necessary skills, attitude and experience.

Vision…

At Spiegel Sohmer, partners and associates alike invest in the professional development and training of stagiaires.

Partners and associates work together to ensure that the necessary tools, resources and support are well within the reach of students as they begin their foray into the legal community. Stagiaires have access to many tutors capable of providing direction and counsel to meet their individual needs.

Nonetheless, supervision is far from stifling or restrictive. Rather, it manifests itself in the form of accessible and approachable partners and associates, and is typified by the open doors through which ideas and information flow. The result is an exhilarating experience whereby students are empowered, confident and rewarded as they progress up a steeply inclined learning curve.

Flexibility…

Front-line interaction of tutors and support provided by partners and associates is complimented by a free-form, non-rotational schedule. This allows the stagiaires the ability to pursue knowledge and gain experience on a schedule and in the fields best suited to their appetites and talents.

Dynamism…

Truly the corporate culture at Spiegel Sohmer, the firm appears at ease encouraging dynamic interaction between its clients and the firm's young lawyers, stagiaires and students. This is made clear from the very outset of each student's stage. A stage at Spiegel Sohmer immediately challenges the stagiaire to become involved in relevant, stimulating files.

Compassion…

Indeed, a stage at Spiegel Sohmer stands in stark contrast to traditionally held perceptions of the experiences merely "survived" by many young lawyers. Nonetheless, while "anonymous" and "abusive" are altogether foreign concepts, the challenges are abundant, the opportunities, numerous.

An integral part of the corporate culture is the recognition that with a career, all too often comes the expense of a healthy balance between home and professional life. Mindful of the dangers of stress and overwork upon the quality of work and personal relationships, the firm advocates moderate workloads (by law firm standards) and encourages amiable interaction between colleagues, even to the point of barbecues at the homes of partners. And, any given stage could reasonably expect to be punctuated with ski nights, rafting adventures, softball games, retreats and holiday parties.