Andrew Kent McMillan LLP, Toronto
1. My advice for junior lawyers is to have fun, make the most of the resources available, and continue to give back to the community, for example, through teaching, mentoring, and pro bono opportunities. Junior lawyers should also continue to ac- cess their external networks, by attending conferences and events and keeping in touch generally, as former classmates and professors will now be your colleagues and it is important to develop good contacts
and build relationships early on in your career. 2. There have been lots of people, both within and outside of the profession. It is amazing how many people can teach you very useful things about trying to lead a good professional life as well as a good personal life. 3. We are very fortunate at McMillan to have a team-based approach to practice. Working on sophisticated and complex matters like the CanWest restructuring is much easier when you have a dedicated and capable team working together. The firm has also invested significantly in technology, which helps me to work more efficiently and remotely when necessary. But
staying physically active, keeping things in perspective, and getting away from it all from time to time are vital steps. 4. McMillan seeks students who are motivated to succeed, have strong interpersonal skills, and intellectual ability. The practice of law is demanding, requires teamwork and is service-driven, so these qualities are very impor- tant for success as a lawyer. 5. I enjoy travelling and spending time with my family.
Alan Farrer Thomson Rogers, Toronto
1. You should use your first five years to learn the basic skills of your craft. That foundation will support all the learning and growing you will do in the next 40 years of practice. 2. My partners and associates at Thomson Rogers. I have spent 30 years here because of them. 3. Perspective is everything. 4. Willingness to learn and people skills.
5. Turn off my BlackBerry and enjoy the time with my family. n
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