Life skills and career tips for Canada's lawyers in training
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/552038
C A N A D I A N L a w y e r 4 S T U D E N T S F A L L 2 0 1 5 29 LEWIS ALLEN, Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP DOUGH FAWCETT, Fillmore Riley LLP Practising in Winnipeg Practising in Winnipeg PROS: + • e size of the typical fi les in Winnipeg provides junior lawyers with the opportunity to fi ll a higher- level role on fi les and work directly with the lead partner at a more junior career stage. It also means junior lawyers and students get direct exposure to clients and other lawyers earlier on. • Winnipeg's legal marketplace is large enough that it allows for some specialization in a larger legal area (e.g. corporate law or litigation), without requiring a very narrow specialization. As a corporate and commercial lawyer, this has allowed me to develop expertise in many diff erent aspects of corporate and commercial law. • Winnipeg off ers aff ordable living and recreational opportunities, including exceptional lake country within an hour or two of the city. • Manitoba's economy is stable and well diversifi ed, meaning that work fl ow for lawyers tends to be consistent and job stability is high. CONS: – • Because the volume of corporate activity in Manitoba is lower than in several other provinces, there is less work available on large and complex transactions. • Starting salaries in Winnipeg are lower than in other larger Canadian legal markets. • Winnipeg is known for long and cold winters. However, it's a dry cold, and with the return of the NHL, there is more to be excited about during the winter months. PROS: + • e Manitoba bar is a small and collegial community that provides for a positive work environment to resolve matters effi ciently. • e Manitoba business community is small but active including the agribusiness industry, which requires assistance with national and international legal matters. • Manitoba does not generally experience the "booms" of some other areas in Canada; however, it also does not generally experience the "busts" either. • e cost of living in Manitoba is a signifi cant positive. While housing costs continue to increase, the costs remain signifi cantly lower than in most other jurisdictions in Canada. • Manitoba summers are legendary and many Manitobans spend a signifi cant amount of time at the lake or cottage during the summer months. • Manitoba (and Winnipeg in particular) has numerous festivals including Folklorama, Fringe Festival and the Folk Festival, to name a few. • e Winnipeg Jets. CONS: – • Manitoba winters can be very cold. • e sizes of the transactions occurring in Manitoba are generally smaller as compared to other major centres.