SB Interview Flashcards
Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in an articling position at Stieber Berlach LLP.
I completed my undergraduate degree in biology at Wilfrid Laurier University, where I developed a strong interest in making a positive impact. However, I soon realized that the healthcare field wasn’t the right fit for me. My passion for exploring new cultures led me to pursue law school in the UK, enriching my understanding of global legal systems. My love for law grew through volunteer work at Pro Bono centers and legal advice charities. Returning to Toronto, my drive to make a difference aligned perfectly with the values of Stieber Berlach LLP.
- Through my talks with Monica Tessier, who was part of the team when the firm first began, she spoke very highly of the firm’s culture and the supportive environment. Her positive experiences and the great things she had to say about Stieber Berlach LLP’s commitment to professional development have really inspired me to pursue my career here.
I see this firm as a place where I can make a significant impact while continuing to grow as a professional
- Why do you want to specialize in litigation, and what excites you about this field?
What excites me most about litigation is the dynamic and challenging nature of the field. Each case presents a unique set of facts and legal questions, requiring constant learning and adaptation. The opportunity to advocate for clients, craft persuasive arguments, and contribute to the resolution of disputes is incredibly fulfilling. I am excited by the prospect of being at the forefront of these changes with Stieber Berlach LLP, contributing to its continued success in this challenging and rewarding area of law.
I am particularly interested in practicing in the areas of Insurance Defence Litigation, Professional Negligence, and Medical Malpractice. My detailed analytical skills from my biology research and my experience at Support Through Court prepare me well for handling Professional Negligence and Regulatory Defence cases.
- What is your greatest strength?
- My greatest strength is my willingness to learn and adapt. Whether navigating complex legal scenarios or analyzing scientific data, my background demonstrates a commitment to expanding my skills and tackling challenges effectively. This adaptability will be a valuable asset in the fast-paced environment at Stieber Berlach LLP.
What is your greatest weakness?
- My greatest weakness lies in managing uncertainty. Law often involves interpreting statutes and advising clients in uncertain situations. While I prefer clear answers, I recognize that law can be open to interpretation. I view this as an opportunity for growth and am committed to using it as a learning experience throughout my career.
Can you give an example of a time when you had to explain a complex legal concept to someone without a legal background?
- During my volunteer work at Support Through Court, I frequently explained legal procedures and rights to clients unfamiliar with the law. I broke down complex concepts into plain language and used analogies to ensure their understanding, enabling them to navigate the legal system more effectively.
- How do you handle stress and pressure, especially when meeting tight deadlines?
- I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, allocating time and resources accordingly. During my law and science degrees, I balanced academic demands with extracurricular activities, honing my ability to meet deadlines effectively. This skill is crucial for handling the fast-paced environment at Stieber Berlach LLP.
Describe a challenging situation you faced during your work and how you handled it.
While working as a Staff and Patient Assistant at Providence Healthcare, I encountered a dissatisfied patient family who were frustrated with the level of care provided during the pandemic. To address their concerns, I actively listened to their grievances, escalated the issue to the clinical team, and facilitated a meeting to discuss and resolve their concerns. By prioritizing patient satisfaction and maintaining proactive communication, I was able to de-escalate the situation and ensure the family felt heard and valued. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, effective communication, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for handling challenging situations in a legal context.
- How would you handle a situation where you make a significant error in a document or filing?
- If I made an error, my first step would be to assess its impact and determine the necessary corrections. I would inform my supervisor and propose a plan to rectify the mistake. I believe in taking ownership of errors and learning from them to prevent future occurrences.
Can you share a situation where you had to work with a team member who wasn’t pulling their weight?
- During a group project in my biology course, I encountered a team member who was not fulfilling their responsibilities. I took on a leadership role, initiating a conversation to understand their challenges and offering support. Through open communication and task redistribution, we successfully completed the project on time.
- Talk about a project or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of and why.
- One accomplishment I’m particularly proud of is starting the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children club at Wilfrid Laurier University. This initiative allowed me to channel my passion for global health, organize fundraising events, and provide medical supplies to underserved communities, fueling my dedication to meaningful change.
- Discuss a project or task where you demonstrated leadership skills.
As the Faculty of Science lead for the Biology department, I demonstrated leadership by gathering feedback from peers and advocating for positive changes within the academic community. I addressed concerns in meetings and implemented effective solutions, such as course curriculum adjustments, enhancing the student experience.
- Can you discuss a time when you had to lead training programs or deliver presentations to promote awareness and compliance with legal regulations?
- As the Equality and Diversity Chair at Nottingham Trent University, I organized events to enhance the university experience for students. I led bi-weekly networking events, fostering discussions on promoting equality and diversity initiatives within the community.
How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively, especially when handling multiple tasks?
I use a combination of prioritizing tasks, setting clear deadlines, and utilizing organizational tools such as calendars and task lists to manage my time effectively. For example, during my internships and volunteer work, I often had to juggle multiple responsibilities, from conducting legal research and drafting documents to preparing clients for court. By breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and setting specific deadlines for each, I was able to stay on track and ensure that all tasks were completed on time. This method has proven effective in maintaining a high level of productivity and ensuring that I can handle multiple tasks efficiently.
What do you think are the key qualities of an effective advocate, and how have you demonstrated these qualities?
An effective advocate needs strong communication skills, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and empathy. I have demonstrated these qualities through various experiences. At Support Through Court, I provided end-to-end support to clients, helping them understand complex legal frameworks and preparing them for court. My role required clear and compassionate communication, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to analyze and explain legal concepts in a way that was accessible to clients.
Experience with Legal writing and research
I recently completed a legal writing and research course offered by the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED). This course was instrumental in honing my legal skills, particularly in the context of Canadian law, which was incredibly beneficial given my academic background in the UK.
I learned and was assessed on writing opinion letters, advocacy letters, legal memorandums, and legal briefs. I was able to strengthen my skills in drafting clear and precise legal documents, understanding common mistakes, and utilizing assessment criteria to ensure high standards. These enhanced skills will be directly applicable to my role as an articling student at Stieber Berlach LLP, enabling me to contribute effectively to the firm’s litigation practice and manage cases efficiently.
