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What type of work will I be doing?
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Students attend client meetings, visit clients to gather evidence, perform discreet investigations, conduct research at the Great Library and at various other locations, and attend court proceedings. Students also perform a wide variety of file work from drafting applications to patent and trade mark prosecution.
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How many summer student positions are available?
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Bereskin & Parr offers positions to first and second year summer students. In the past couple of years we have hired between 10 and 15 summer students. We take hiring summer students seriously, since many of our current associates and partners started as summer students with the firm. Our students are exposed to as much IP law as possible, and are encouraged to attend our internal educational programs.
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How do I become a Patent Agent?
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Click here for details.
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How do I become a Trade Mark Agent?
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Click here for details.
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Does the firm offer a lot of social functions?
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The firm hosts or sponsors many social events throughout the year. In terms of sporting events, each year there is the B&P golf tournament, curling tournament, and bowlathon, and everyone is welcome to participate, from beginners to pros.
Each year we also arrange for a sunny summer day for our firm picnic, which is held in a different location each year. In December, the firm throws its annual Christmas party. We also have a week-long United Way campaign that includes various events and activities. We also support the Kids' Help Phone Bowlathon each year.
In 2002, Bereskin & Parr sponsored a firm team that finished in third place in the “legal” baseball league. In previous years, we have also sponsored an ultimate Frisbee team. Ideas for new team sponsorships are welcome.
Every Thursday, after 5pm, the firm hosts a social for professionals. This provides an opportunity to talk to colleagues about what you are working on, or just to relax and socialize over good food and drinks.
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Will Bereskin & Parr make special accommodations for health concerns?
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Bereskin & Parr will accommodate employee health concerns pursuant to its obligations set out in the Human Rights Code. The firm takes pride in providing a safe and healthy environment.
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Will the firm pay for my fitness membership?
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The firm will pay 50% of your health club membership for your articling term to a maximum of $600.
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Does the firm have a library?
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Bereskin & Parr has a large library of publications relating to intellectual property law in Canada, the U.S., and in other countries. Aside from standard legal and industry publications, Bereskin & Parr subscribes to the major computerized research services.
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What is the dress code at the firm?
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As with most law firms, Bereskin & Parr is business casual. The usual rule for dressing is “what would the client expect?”
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Will I have an office?
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Articling students will be assigned offices, usually one per student.
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Will I have an assistant?
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At least one assistant is assigned to work with the articling students. “Floaters” are also available to assist students when necessary.
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What is the ratio of male to female professionals in the firm?
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With respect to partners and associates, the ratio of men to women is about 1.4:1. Among associates, the ratio is about 1:1.
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What kind of computers does the firm have?
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The whole firm uses Macs, however, PC's are also used for some purposes.
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