Life skills and career tips for Canada's lawyers in training
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/50904
PRACTISING IN ST. JOHN'S STACEY GRANT McInnes Cooper + PROS: The bar in St. John's is relatively small and collegial. As a result, law- yers encounter each other much more frequently than in larger cities. This allows lawyers to be more social with each other, and often lends to more agreeable professional relationships and less confrontation on fi les. The opportunity to work and gain experience in a variety of areas. The size of the bar also lends to this advantage. There is a lot going on in St. John's right now, and a lot of practice areas are being covered. It is perfect for getting your feet wet and trying out different areas. Hours in St. John's are not as high as in Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver. They are tough but fair. The cost of living in Newfoundland is relatively low. The economy in Newfoundland and Labrador has really taken off. It is an incredibly exciting time in the province. Newfoundland has a distinct and diverse culture. The unique and inviting character brings people home and draws others in. - CONS: Practice is more generalized than specialized. Courtroom experience can be hard to come by for junior litigators. The good news is that there are other ways to glean experience during that time. This is becoming more of a reality for all levels of practitioners as we move more towards dispute-resolution and mediation measures. Weather. Bring your raincoat! Rain, drizzle, and fog will be your closest companions. Isolation and travel. Being on an island, and as far east as you can go in Canada, can lead to isolation from your mainland counterparts. Travel to and from the province can be diffi cult at times. THE PROS PRACTISING IN ST. JOHN'S PRACTISING IN COMMUNITY LEGAL CLINICS PRACTISING IN WINNIPEG PRACTISING HEALTH LAW 38 SEPTEMBER 2008 C ANADIAN Lawy er 4STUDENTS