At Schofield Macchia, students are given the opportunity to experience the practice of criminal defence at every stage of a case. Students work closely with the lawyers at the firm, gaining practical experience in the preparation and litigation of criminal matters while developing the research, writing, and advocacy skills that are central to the practice.
We hire both 2L summer students and articling students. Each year, we welcome a small group of students who are interested in developing a career in criminal defence and who want meaningful, hands-on experience in a busy litigation practice.
Our students work closely with the lawyers at the firm on a wide range of criminal matters. Students may be involved in:
Students have the opportunity to see how experienced counsel prepare for and conduct criminal litigation, and to learn from that experience. At the same time, students are given responsibility appropriate to their level of experience, including conducting their own set-date appearances and taking on assignments from beginning to end.
Practical experience is only part of the student program. We also set aside time each week for dedicated student education.
Throughout the summer and articling year, lawyers at the firm lead regular learning sessions with our students on different aspects of criminal law and practice. Topics range from substantive areas of criminal law and evidence to Charter litigation, sentencing, trial strategy, and the practical realities of appearing in court.
These sessions are intended to complement the work students are doing on their files and to provide a forum for questions, discussion, and the kind of practical learning that comes from working alongside experienced criminal defence counsel.
We look for students who are curious, hardworking, and above all demonstrate a genuine interest in criminal law. Strong research and writing skills are important, but so are judgment, initiative, collegiality, and a willingness to take responsibility for the work.
There is no single path into criminal defence, and we consider the whole applicant. We are interested in students who want to become excellent advocates and who are motivated to learn the practice of criminal law from the ground up.
We also view our student program as an opportunity to identify and develop the next generation of criminal defence lawyers. Our team has included many lawyers who began their careers at Schofield Macchia as summer or articling students. When there is a strong fit between a student and the firm, we are pleased to see that relationship continue beyond the student’s term.
