Although students spend a portion of their articles in each of the three general practice areas-Solicitors' Work, IP and Advocacy/Litigation, our system is sufficiently flexible to address individual circumstances. Our students obtain well-rounded articles that satisfy the requirements of the Law Society of British Columbia.

Each of our students and associates is assigned to a senior lawyer who acts as Principal and mentor, and is responsible for the personal and professional welfare of the individual. Principals ensure that students are provided appropriate projects and, of equal importance, that they receive constructive feedback on their performance.

In recruiting articling students, Gowlings Vancouver does not play the "numbers game," by hiring many students with the intention of keeping only two or three. Each year, we hire only a few promising students, investing in their potential to become successful associates and future partners of our Firm.

There are sound reasons for this policy. First, it gives our lawyers a better opportunity to get to know each of our students and to develop effective working relationships over the articling period. Second, we believe that an atmosphere of support and cooperation among students will be more productive than one of fierce competition-providing a healthier, richer environment for their development as members of the Firm and the legal community.

Although there is no guarantee that an articling student will be kept on as an associate, we believe that our values and recruitment policies enhance a student's chances of securing an associate position with the Firm.

Students undergo an objective written evaluation during the articling year, and are provided an opportunity for feedback. In addition, throughout the year, each principal provides informal assessments on the performance of his or her student.