Articling F.A.Q.'s [PDF Document] - Reynolds Mirth Richards ...

Our Answers to Your Questions

Your articling year is a busy and exciting time,
full of new and challenging experiences. Articling
with Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer llp offers
students the opportunity to work in a full service law
firm with knowledgeable and experienced lawyers.
RMRFllp has a reputation for excellence. Our
articling program is no exception. At RMRFllp you
will receive a well rounded articling experience,
while allowing you the flexibility to explore the
areas of law which interest you the most – whatever
they may be.
What is the articling structure
of RMRFllp?
Traditionally, our firm will take two to three students per year,
including court students. We do not use a rotation system.
At RMRFllp you will be assigned a principal who will ensure
that you have the opportunity to gain experience in all areas
of a general law practice. You will, in essence, article with
our entire firm, working with all of the associates and
partners, ensuring you receive a complete and varied article.

What is the working atmosphere like?
RMRFllp is committed to providing quality legal service
using all of our firm resources. Our partners believe in an
open door policy and a cooperative approach is in place to
provide ongoing support to lawyers and their clients. A
student is treated as a professional from his or her first day
with our firm. Students and junior lawyers will have the
opportunity to be exposed to a variety of clients, areas of
law, and to work with lawyers who are experts in their field.
How many billable hours are students
and lawyers expected to log per year?
RMRFllp has no minimum billable hours expectation for
articling students as our firm encourages the educational
process during the articling year. Students are required
to track their time so they can become familiar with the
process and for billing purposes. In the first two years,
associates receive an educational credit towards their
billable hours target.
What about ongoing education?
All students and lawyers are encouraged to attend
educational seminars at RMRFllp’s expense. Professional
development seminars are offered within our firm
for students and junior lawyers, as well as business
development training. When appropriate, lawyers and
students may also attend relevant seminars or conferences
held outside of Edmonton.

What are my chances of staying on with
RMRFllp after completing my articles?
Very good. While we view the articling process as a serious
commitment to you, it is also an opportunity for us to
select future associates and partners for our firm.
How does one become a partner
at RMRFllp?
Associates who have been with our firm for five or six
years after being admitted to the bar are considered for
partnership. RMRFllp does not have a two-tier system
whereby lawyers stay with our firm indefinitely as
associates (although in appropriate circumstances that
could happen). If, for whatever reason, you are not
suitable for partnership in RMRFllp, our firm will let
you know as soon as reasonably possible so you can
plan your future accordingly.
What is the starting salary for articling
students and associates?
RMRFllp offers salaries and benefits that are very
competitive, comparable to or slightly above most others
in the Edmonton market. Our benefits package includes
medical, dental, life insurance and long term disability.
Our firm’s parental leave policy is dependent on length of
employment and whether one is a partner or associate.

What is the vacation package for
students, associates and partners?
As an articling student you can expect two weeks vacation
after being admitted to the bar. As a new associate, you
will be entitled to four weeks vacation. Upon entering the
partnership, you will have six weeks annual vacation. In
addition, RMRFllp has a sabbatical policy of three months
leave for partners and has granted education leave and
other leaves of absence to associates and partners upon
request. Our policy on leaves is to remain as flexible as
possible in order to respond to your individual needs.
Does RMRFllp pay student and lawyer
fees for the Law Society of Alberta, the
Canadian Bar Association and Bar
Admission fees?
Yes, RMRFllp pays Law Society fees, Bar Admission and
your Canadian Bar Association fees.
Will I have contact with clients?
Absolutely. The ability to relate to clients is an important
skill. You will have opportunities to both meet clients with
other lawyers from our firm and on your own.

Will I be expected to bring my own
clients to RMRFllp?
RMRFllp does not expect you, as a student or junior
associate, to bring clients to our firm. You will, however
be expected to learn about and participate in client
development activities.
What other expectations are placed on
associates and partners?
RMRFllp encourages lawyers to become active in the
community and in their profession. You may choose to
be active in various community, political, business or
charitable associations or you may want to teach courses
in the future.
Is it all work and no play?
Firm activities include a variety of social and sporting
activities. Associates and students enjoy lunch on RMRFllp
once a month. Students and lawyers are encouraged to
attend informal get-togethers including barbeques, our
annual golf tournament, and Friday “socials”.

Firm Administration:
In our goal to provide service that exceeds our clients’
needs, RMRFllp has assembled a staff of approximately 60,
including trained paralegals, legal assistants, our Chief
Operating Officer, Human Resources Manager, Systems
Manager and Business Development Manager. All members
of our team work closely with our lawyers and students to
provide support and services to our clients. Each lawyer
and student has his or her own office. Our office is fully
operational in a web-based environment and computers
are fully networked, allowing access to our document
management system, electronic mail, the accounting
department and internet.

3200 Manulife Place, 10180 - 101 St. Edmonton AB T5J 3W8
Phone: 780.425.9510 Toll Free: 1.800.661.7673 Fax: 780.429.3044
mail@rmrf.com
www.rmrf.com