How to Apply
Articling 2025/2026
The articling student hiring process for 2025/2026 articling positions will commence with the opening of the viLawPortal on May 13, 2024. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. MT on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
We will be conducting in-person interviews during the Law Society of Alberta's designated recruitment period, which runs from Monday, June 3, 2024, to Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The offer date and time is Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. MT.
Please submit your application through the online viLawPortal, which is accessible via our website. When applying through viLawPortal, once logged into the system, you can choose to apply to Bennett Jones' Calgary office. We will acknowledge receipt of your application by email. After reviewing all applications, we will further advise whether you have been selected for an interview.
Applications should include your:
- cover letter (please address your cover letter to Annaliisa Sando, Director of Student Recruitment and Programs (Alberta));
- résumé;
- undergraduate transcript(s)—a photocopy of an original transcript is acceptable;
- graduate transcript(s), as applicable—a photocopy of an original transcript is acceptable;
- law school transcript—a photocopy of an original transcript is acceptable; and
- reference letters (optional).
All recruitment activity and timing occurs in accordance with the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta.
Our students have prepared a guide to the application and interview process, titled My Future in Law: Student Recruitment Guide, to answer many of your questions.
Work Assignment/Rotation System
During articles, we employ a rotation system. In our Calgary office, you will spend time in: (1) our advocacy departments focusing on general litigation matters, commercial litigation, medical malpractice, regulatory matters, administrative/tribunal work, bankruptcy and insolvency, and labour and employment; (2) our business and tax departments focusing on mergers and acquisitions, securities, banking, structured finance, commercial real estate, tax law, environmental law, emissions trading, competition law, technology and IP; and (3) a final rotation of your choosing that will last several months. Students generally select the practice area they wish to return to as an associate.
Mentoring System
Each articling student is assigned one principal (a partner) and one mentor (an associate) whose job is to help you integrate into the firm and assist with your workflow and file management. In order to provide you with as much insight into the firm as possible, your principal and mentor will practice in different areas (one in business law and one in advocacy). Both the Director and Coordinator of Student Programs work closely with you to ensure that you receive individualized attention and career planning assistance/guidance.
Professional Development
Through our own Bennett Jones Academy, we offer a series of in-house seminars and programs to supplement your articles (read our Bennett Jones Academy: Professional Development guide). Your ongoing professional development is a priority. This begins with an in depth orientation and continues with regular programs designed to build your practice management skills and provide you with introductions to specific practice areas. We also encourage our students to attend BJA sessions designed for associates.
Feedback
We recognize that feedback is essential to your development. Our articling students receive regular informal feedback from assigning lawyers, principals and mentors, and also receive formal reviews during the summer and during each articling rotation.
Social Events
Our students are encouraged to take part in social events at the firm. Our events focus on our commitment to the community and building lasting relationships amongst the students. Past events have included BBQs, associate and practice group dinners, a family ski weekend in the Rocky Mountains and, of course, Stampede events.
Benefits
During articles, we pay all course fees and salary during the licensing process. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- extended health care;
- vision;
- dental;
- an employee assistance plan;
- short and long-term disability; and
- a health/personal spending account.
Start Date
Articling Program
Our 2025/2026 articling students will start during the summer/fall of 2025.
Bennett Jones