Ultra Vires Vol 14 Issue 3: 2012 November

UV Goes to the Opera

First Edition November 28, 2012 Vol. XIV, No. III ultravires.ca

SURVEY RESULTS

2013 Fall Recruitment Did We Get Enough Jobs to Justify our Skyrocketing Tuition? Pg. 10

How to

Hook Up

Upcoming Changes that Will Affect How You Become a Lawyer

20 Necessities for In-Firm Interviews

at Law School

Dr V Answers your Questions and Opens Up about his Messy Divorce

Articling Crisis

(Hint—Condoms are on the List)

POINT/COUNTERPOINT Are U of T Students as Sexy as they GIRL? Claim to Be?

WHO IS THIS WHY IS SHE ON THE COVER?

We're not sure, but JD/MBAs told us this is how you sell papers.

PLUS Sláinte! Examining Our School’s Drinking Culture

EDITORIAL

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A Rough Month at UT Law

2 | November 28, 2012

patrick hartford editor- in - chief (3l)

NEWS

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Globalization Spurs Merger Mania

Fasken Martineau, FMC, and Norton Rose Announce Mergers daanish samadmoten

plummet, with hiring falling to the lowest levels since 2003. Law students are paying more to fight harder for fewer jobs. With Osgoode and UT Law tying for first place, career-minded students may question whether or not our school’s brand is worth the increasingly high tuition premium.

Nevertheless, there is a lot to tie together this issue. It’s been a rough month at the law school on a number of fronts.

That said, it’s hard to draw any conclusions from these figures because law school career development offices won’t share what proportion of their students even participate in the Toronto recruitment process. Data collection in our profession is haphazard at best. Case in point, the most exhaustive Toronto recruitment survey is compiled by a school paper in a damp basement office with a Rita Hayworth poster covering a massive hole in the wall.

Toronto Fall Recruitment numbers continue to

Mental health has also been on our minds.

I

ostensibly write my editorial after the rest of the paper’s contents have been submitted so that I can tie everything together. But I’m actually just quite lazy.

Movember raised money and awareness for men’s mental health and Alexis Archbold has been working with students on various wellness initiatives. We also lost a classmate this month, which really forces us to put things into perspective and re-evaluate what’s important.

It’s unfortunate that these health issues are so uncomfortable to talk about, because there’s no real sense in this. ‘Mental illness’ is a pretty loaded term. It makes me think of strait-jackets and padded rooms. But this type of thinking is inaccurate and probably comes from watching too much TV. In reality, mental ailments are common. They affect normal people. I myself have experienced clinical depression, and it was only after sharing this with friends at law school that I discovered that many of my classmates have dealt with

something similar. It’s the kind of thing you feel weird talking about, and yet we wouldn’t have trouble talking about a concussion. One brain ailment is okay conversation, the other is uncomfortable? Something doesn’t make sense here.

There are lots of reasons why people would rather not share this kind of thing. No one wants to get stuck with a label, end up pitied, or be the poster child for some mental wellness cause.

But we’re a smart group. And I think that the more we learn and the more we can talk about these things the better.

Wow, what a heavy issue of UV. Maybe in January we’ll go back to making the paper 90% Diversions.

luke gill

I

t has been a busy month for mergers in the legal industry. First, at the end of October, the Canadian-based Fasken Martineau DuMoulin llp announced that it would merge with South Africa’s Bell Dewar Inc, while keeping the same name. Second, the Canadian-based Fraser Milner Casgrain llp announced that it would take part in a three-way merger with the international firms of snr Denton and Salans to create a new firm known as Dentons. Finally, a week later, the uk-based Norton Rose, which recently merged with Canada’s Ogilvy Renault and Macleod Dixon, announced that it would merge with the us -based Fulbright & Jaworski to form Norton Rose Fulbright.

sarah rankin

O

On the one hand, I think it’s something that we need to talk about more. Drinking is without a doubt the default when it comes to socializing at the law school. No, this is not something that is unique to the law school—it’s the norm in Western culture, particularly at universities. I get that. And I don’t think that many of us are drinking like 19 year old engineering students at Queen’s. But if you think that the only time

you need to talk about alcohol consumption is when people are doing it every day or by themselves, then I respectfully disagree with you.

On the other hand, I was concerned that people were unwilling to give our collective relationship with alcohol serious thought at this stage of their lives. Moreover, I was concerned that if I was the one who wrote the article no one would take it seriously. For better or for worse, my identity at the law school is connected with the pub night scene. I was leaning towards not including myself among the article’s co-authors in order to protect the integrity of the piece, lest anyone write off the article because I was involved in drafting it.

It turns out that my concerns were unfounded.

I decided to forgo anonymity as an author and start asking around for comments on the drinking culture at the faculty. As I did so I was shocked by how interested people were in the article. Not only were people very supportive of the fact that I was writing the article, but a number of them were willing to offer comments on the issue of alcohol—some of them very personal. It does not take much prompting for people to open up, and once they do they have a lot to say.

I’m not going to lecture anyone on responsible drinking—it’s not my place to do so. What I am willing to put out there is that we need to talk about drinking more. It’s important to talk

O about our drinking habits because they are habits. They are habits that play a significant role in molding how we interact and work with one another, and we should be more conscious of any habit that has the power to do this. It’s very difficult to gain that awareness if we are not comfortable discussing it with one another.

Cover Photo by Joseph Kalis (2L)

Ultra Vires is an editorially independent publication. We are open to contributions which reflect diverse points of view, and our contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the Faculty of Law, the Students’ Law Society, or the editorial board.

Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief, Emeritus News Editors Features Editor Opinion Editor Diversions Editors Special Content Editor 1L Editors VP Finance Web Editor Layout Editor

Patrick Hartford Matt Brown Josh Stark , Luke Gill & Lee Webb Emilie Lahaie & Jacquie Richards Michael Portner Gartke & Josh Mandryk Emily Debono & Rebeka Lauks Bhuvana Sankaranarayanan & Katherine Georgious Paloma van Groll & Marita Zouravlioff Daanish Samadmoten Kevin Siu Alyssa Howes

Errors

If you find any errors in Ultra Vires, please email ultra.vires@utoronto.ca

Advertising

Advertising inquiries should be sent to vp Finance Daanish Samadmoten at ultra.vires@utoronto.ca.

Submissions

Each of these mergers is significant in its own way. The Fasken Martineau merger means it will have 167 lawyers abroad, more than any other law firm headquartered in Canada. The fmc merger creates a new international player in the legal industry, with about 2500 lawyers and 79 offices—the fourth largest firm (by lawyers) in the world. The Norton Rose merger gives one of the already largest law firms in the world a strong foothold in the US, now with 3800 lawyers and 55 offices—the second largest firm (by lawyers) in the world.

The primary rationale for the three mergers is a desire to improve client service in the increasingly globalized market by improving firm reach internationally. The Swiss Verein structure used by Dentons and Norton Rose

The Critical Analysis for Law

(3l)

ne of my projects this year as news editor is to include at least one piece per issue that is, in one way or another, connected to mental health at the law school and within the profession. When it was first suggested that I write about the drinking culture at the law school, I had mixed feelings.

(2l)

Going Beyond Required Readings

Thinking about Drinking

If you have an article submission or a tip for us, please contact us at ultra.vires@utoronto.ca.

Ultra Vires reserves the right to edit submissions for brevity and clarity.

November 28, 2012 | 3

(2l)

n Saturday afternoons, while the rest of the school is in Bora on Facebook, a group of students have been getting together to do extra readings. This September featured the first meeting of the Critical Analysis for Law Students: Tool-Kit and Read-In Group (cal). Every second Saturday, law students and law-curious individuals from the larger University of Toronto community are invited to discuss key texts in legal thinking.

The group meets for around an hour and then heads to a pub to “continue discussing legal ideas”. The meetings have included students in all years at the law school, graduate students from the Faculty of Law and PhD students from other faculties who, strangely, seem totally fine with spending free time in a room full of law students. The reading list for the sessions is not cumulative. Students come for readings they’re particularly interested in and new members are welcome anytime. The topics range from legal realism, legal education, to critical Race Theory and Law. The sessions are hosted by Professors Markus Dubber and Simon Stern in the Faculty Lounge, with occasional visits from other faculty members and visiting faculty.

The idea for the Read-In Group was born earlier in 2012 at the small group dinner for Prof. Dubber’s 1L Criminal Law class. Students expressed frustration about having intuitions about legal issues and concerns about the law, but not having the tools to express or explore them.

The topic then shifted from legal education to curricula and the relative absence of discussion and critical approaches in the f irst year curriculum. And so the cal was hatched, so students can bounce ideas around, and explore their legal questions without an exam at the end of the process.

“In my first year the only alternative to quietly fuming at my professors without being sure why they were wrong was to go to the law library, find legal criticism and read it during study breaks,” remarked one 2L with a briefcase.

“With cal , the criticism is found for you, broken

down into chunks digestible in size and cohesiveness, and then masticated in the context of a supportive group of students and professors who care.” The emphasis is on informality, curiosity and cookies. The reading list was honed over the summer, but remains f lexible and changes based on what students are interested in reading and talking about.

Fulbright, which allows merged firms to remain independently liable and independently managed while under one name, shows these mergers to essentially be marketing ploys to improve client service—at least until full financial integration is completed somewhere down the road. While there are some synergies in eliminating back office redundancies as a result of these mergers, the true advantage comes from becoming ‘onestop shops’ for large commercial clients.

Normally, large firms refer clients to or work with strategic partner firms in other countries when a client needs service on a matter in another country or has a multi-jurisdictional file. Rather than referring clients to strategic partners, the merged firms essentially collude together so that any such work is given to one of the other merged firms under the same name— which, in turn, attracts more clients who would prefer to deal with one firm for all their legal work and strengthens existing client relationships.

Of course, merged firms will likely forfeit many strategic relationships with firms in other countries who will no longer want to refer work to the Canadian arm of a globe-straddling competitor. Significant client conflicts, standardizing compensation structures, uncertainty over partnership decisions, and culture clashes between merged firms are also potential downsides of a merger.

These recent Canadian mergers come after a wave of us-uk mergers in the 1990s and are, what some argue, the next step in a shift toward a relatively small number of international players that dominate the legal industry worldwide. As the world’s largest economies, like China and India, become increasingly resource dependent and the Canadian dollar remains strong, Canadian legal expertise in resource extraction, refinement, and sale are in high demand—increasing the appeal of Canadian-owned firms to international players.

Many argue that saturation and stagnation in the Canadian legal market will force all big Canadian firms to go global eventually. The question is how firms will choose to do this: merge with an international firm or go alone and open international offices. Firms like Bennett Jones and Gowlings have chosen the latter option by expanding to the likes of Dubai, Moscow, London, and Beijing. It is unclear which strategy will ultimately win out. The draw of international mega firms which have not yet had significant presence in Canada may be too much for Canadian-based firms to handle or the brand strength, culture uniformity, and focus on niche areas may allow firms that choose to expand alone to remain profitable.

The next 10 to 20 years will likely illuminate the victor. Until then, merger mania is expected to continue.

Thefts at the Law School

josh stark

T

(3l)

he law school has been the target of The Administration is excited about the project. several thefts in the past month, with one “The cal seems like an inspired idea because student losing her laptop. it creates a space for focused yet informal discussions about law between faculty and Ginger Ellison (3L) was studying on the second students, focused on the larger themes in law,” floor of the Bora Laskin Library when her laptop commented Dean Moran. “The reading list was stolen. Off to the right at the top of the stairs, looks really terrific—a really interesting group there is a small study area containing a table of readings that would nicely help situate the against a wall and a few couches and chairs around classroom experience in the broader context of a central pillar. Ginger was studying on one of important intellectual and political debates the couches when she went downstairs, leaving about the role of law and its larger significance.” her bag near a friend studying at the nearby

table. She said it sounded like there was another Students are also excited about the idea for that person, sitting on the couch on the other side of reason. “Having a space for informal discussions the pillar. She returned five minutes later to find with faculty and peers is pretty cool. You don’t her bag sitting on the couch around the corner, get a ton of opportunities to spend time with open, her laptop and charger missing. students from other years and talk about more abstract stuff,” said one impressively mustachioed “I realized later that I had been studying in a very 2L. “And Dubber is really funny.” remote area of the library” says Ginger. She believes that the person who stole her laptop Of equal importance, the cal has functioned as was on the other side of the pillar, waiting for her an important way to make students feel to leave. Once the thief had stolen her laptop, he welcome. “Diversity requires that everybody or she need only walk down the stairs and escape feel comfortable,” said the briefcased-2L. “The through the fire exit - avoiding having to walk lack of diversity in the legal profession is through the rest of the library or school. While probably partly due to people going through Ginger was away, her friend says that he heard law school and never feeling welcome.” The an alarm go off for a few seconds—suggesting location helps with that feeling. “In first year that the thief did flee through the fire exit. This I wandered into the Faculty Lounge one day, area now contains signs warning students that it drawn by the smell of uneaten food. I was told is vulnerable to thieves. in no uncertain terms that taking that food would be theft because it was the professors' “It’s unnerving,” says Ginger. She has no idea food, and that room was a space for professors,” whether and how this person is using the personal he said. “Now I am invited into the Faculty information she had stored on her hard drive.

Lounge (by other professors) every other week “If they did save it, they now know where I live, to eat cookies and juice while participating in what I do, and where I will be working. They’ll an egalitarian discussion about legal theory.” have access to my resume and other application

materials, my pictures, and even some information about my family. For me, the worst part of laptop theft is not the loss of the files; it is the loss of privacy.”

The loss of Ginger’s laptop follows a recent spate of theft and suspicious behaviour around the law school. Both the circulation desk manager and a janitor who works in the library have had their wallets stolen in the past few weeks. Three weeks ago, an unknown person was seen trying to break into lockers using pliers. Campus Police told Ginger that laptop theft is a growing problem at U of T, and that often pairs of thieves work together to distract potential victims.

The library makes decisions about security based on reported thefts, and the administration encourages students to always report theft or suspicious behaviour. Currently, there are no security cameras in the library, and little security otherwise anywhere on campus.

Blacking Out 4 | November 28, 2012

NEWS ( bac) to 0.08 grams percent or above. This typically happens when men (women) consume 5 (4) or more drinks in two hours. Most people who binge drink are not alcohol dependent. Further, rightly or wrongly, binge drinking is often seen as perfectly normal in the university context.

Drinking Culture at U of T Law luke gill

A

(3l) & katherine georgious (2l)

t this fall’s Clubs Fair, Gord Houseman (3L) had an idea: a club dedicated to drinking and enjoying scotch. He quickly scribbled down “Scotch Club” on a scrap piece of paper and began soliciting members. In just 20 minutes—without a table or a sign—Gord got 92 signatures.

It is well-known that a lot of students at the faculty like to drink, and it is equally well-known that a lot of them do not. What is less well-known and rarely discussed, however, is why students choose to drink or abstain in the way they do. Why are alcohol-fueled pub nights the most popular social event at the faculty? Why do some students avoid pub nights at all costs? And why did the Scotch Club’s inaugural event sell out in under two hours?

This discourse is important: statistics about mental health and substance abuse in law schools and the legal profession are alarming. In a 2009 paper in an Australian law journal, author Kath Hall notes that “law students are four times more likely than students in other degrees to suffer from anxiety and depression.” This comparison includes high-stress professional programs such as medicine. Earlier American studies have produced similar findings: a 1986 study found that 17-40% of American law students suffer from depression and a 2002 study found that most law students experience increases in depression within six months of beginning law school.

These statistics are relevant to a discussion about drinking habits in law school due to many individuals’ tendency to self-medicate mental health problems with alcohol. Two American

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studies conducted in the 1990s found that an increased dependence on alcohol was a common coping strategy for law students. Accordingly, perhaps it is not all that shocking that a 1992 study found that 31% of American law students fell in the “definite alcoholism” category.

But you do not have to be an alcoholic to have a drinking problem. Binge drinking mixed with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues can be a recipe for disaster.

When asked to comment on alcohol abuse at the law school, Assistant Dean of Students Alexis Archbold stated that “The students who come to me because they are struggling rarely disclose alcohol use as a related issue. Occasionally [they] talk about substance abuse problems, but in most almost every case to date, the issue has been drugs.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism (niaa), an alcoholic suffers from the following four symptoms: (1) craving—a strong need, or compulsion, to drink; (2) loss of “Having said that, students over the years have control—the inability to limit one’s drinking on commented on the strong culture of drinking any given occasion; (3) physical dependence— and socializing at the law school, and the ways withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, this tends to exclude students who don't drink or shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use who, because of other obligations, are not is stopped after a period of heavy drinking; and available to socialize with classmates in the (4) tolerance—the need to drink greater amounts evenings. In particular, this issue comes up every of alcohol in order to “get high.” Indeed it is easy year as a criticism of our O-Week activities. I think to locate horror stories online about lawyers who it is important that the sls and the law school's have seen their practices destroyed as a result of administration offer and support a broad range their alcoholism. of social activities that is inclusive and builds a positive and healthy community at the law school.”

But do any ut Law students identify themselves as alcoholics who need help? uv informally surveyed Indeed, a number of students who do not drink, a large group of upper year students: among or do not drink often, indicated that they are other questions we asked them about the law often met with surprise and disbelief when they school’s drinking culture and whether they explain to their colleagues that they are not thought this drinking was excessive. While some drinking at a social event. One student noted that students took issue with the emphasis on drinking “[t]here seems to be a presumption of drinking at at the law school, no one suggested that they themselves law school events—i.e. the default is to drink. If or their fellow students were “definite alcoholics.” you decline a drink, people take note and ask why not. While such inquiries stem from good Indeed, students who admitted to drinking to intentions, it just demonstrates the default. excess would normally fall into the category of Religion and pregnancy seem to be the only binge drinkers, not alcoholics. The niaa defines tickets to a safe harbor from the interrogation. binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that … In contrast, my non-drinking passes without a brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration blink in my non-law school social circles.”

“Drinking at the school is not a really a big deal. There is quote unquote 'pressure' to go to social events, but that’s only because your friends love you and want to eat Chinese food with you at 2am.”

“I personally do not drink for religious reasons. I have never felt pressured to drink by anyone at school, and I have felt only very mildly irritated by the focus on drinking here. But to be honest I have found I have a great time at the events I do go to, i.e. formal, the Halloween party, birthday parties, etc. So it's not too bad.”

“The problematic thing about the drinking culture at this school is that people act like they can’t have fun at an event without drinking; that a dry event would be absurd.

The fact that people like to drink isn’t what is bothersome, it’s that people are insistent that I drink, when I thought I was past that kind of peer pressure after my first year of undergrad.”

“I do think that most of the social events at the law school are centered around drinking, and yes I do find it somewhat awkward to attend these events and not drink so I generally don't bother going. I think it is a big part of the culture at school and in the profession. It is always a challenge for me going to work events, too— worse, actually, because I feel obliged to attend those.”

“I might just be a victim of law school culture, but I really don't find the drinking to be that insane by any means.

I find the lack of pressure to drink or do recreational drugs pretty refreshing— I don't think I'd even met anyone who doesn't drink until I got to law school.

I do think there is something of a drinking culture, but at least in my experience it's never been one that imposed on other people.”

“I don't think drinking has to be an important part of being in law school but it probably is for some students. While most school social events revolve around alcohol I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong or "special" about that.

At the same time, we shouldn't minimize alcohol issues. There should be mechanisms in place to help people with alcohol problems; especially from within the school and the profession.”

While there are a wide variety of law school clubs and activities that do not centre on drinking, the official social events organized by the sls typically involve alcohol (i.e. weekly pub nights, law ball, etc.). The sls has recognized and attempted to address this in recent years.

Regular coffee houses during the afternoon and early evening allow students to socialize without drinking. In addition, the sls has stopped including language that encourages excessive drinking in its weekly emails.

The sls has planned to host non-drinking nighttime activities for some time now, but these events are much harder to plan. Pub nights are free to book because they are always popular and because bars make money from drink sales. It is more difficult to book non-drinking events—such as, for example, a night of skating at Nathan Philips Square—because there is no precedent for student buy-in, and because they cost money.

The good news is that the sls and Faculty both recognize the importance of encouraging official non-drinking events at the law school and have come up with a potential solution to end the stalemate: a new fund has been created by the Dean's Office to finance non-pub night social events. Students can bring their ideas for non-pub night socials to the sls and request funding to host it. The sls specified that “in order to be eligible for funding, a proposed event must enhance the student experience and foster a sense of community by providing new ways for students to connect.”

This is a positive step towards making the law school a more inclusive place. Binge drinking habits are entrenched, however, and many students will still consume alcohol to excess. Whether this is good or bad will vary from student to student.

Requests for social event funding can be submitted to sls.law@mail.utoronto.ca or vp Social Affairs, Danielle Glatt at danielle.glatt@mail.utoronto.ca.

Applicants will be expected to participate in planning the event.

“I think that drinking plays a part in “blowing off some steam”, which in turn is one piece of my puzzle in creating an optimal work-life balance. It’s important to note that as busy students we only have a small number of “free” hours a week to begin with. For me, it makes sense to combine 2 activities (drinking and socializing with law students) into one event.”

“There is definitely a drinking culture at UofT Law, and there is definitely a "work hard play hard" culture. If/when I was to take a break from drinking for a while, I definitely wouldn't be at pub nights. I imagine the school drinking culture is alienating for people who either don't drink or have drinking problems. Having said that, I really enjoy drinking with my friends at law school.”

“The “drinking culture” in law school is certainly present, but take it from an engineer —it's not so bad here. I'm in the camp that believes alcohol is a good way to relieve stress, and social drinking is a way of reducing the often tense atmosphere in law school (especially nearing exams)."

“I think U of T has a huge drinking culture, but I don't think it is unique to our faculty. I feel like a lot of my friends and people I know drink way too much but we all just think it’s normal because everyone does it. I have a close friend who went to rehab for 3 months at the beginning of the year. She didn't act like the people you see on Intervention, so it took forever to realize there was a problem. The types of behaviors I used to see in her I'm starting to notice more and more at law school. I think that the major difference is that law students can somehow pull it together twice a year for exams. I think it’s really easy to ignore that you have a problem if you're successful, and not to brag but we're all pretty successful. Hence, many people don't see the problem.”

NEWS

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November 28, 2012 | 5

Professor Zhenmin Wang Lecture on the Changing Legal System in China lin cong

(2l)

O

n Wednesday October 10, 2012, the Asia Law Society was honoured to have Professor Zhenmin Wang to speak on the exciting and significant changes in the legal system of China. Professor Wang is the Dean of Law at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of the top law schools in the country. He also teaches an intensive course, “Introduction to the Legal System of prc”, at the University of Toronto and spearheads the exchange program for Toronto law students to study at Tsinghua.

Professor Wang began his speech with a humorous comment about studying bible and eating. A prisoner asked a priest if he could eat when studying the bible. The priest said no

because bible study is a serious matter and eating would distract the study. Then, the prisoner changed the question and asked if he could study the bible when eating. The priest answered, certainly because that shows one has the bible in mind even when eating.

Professor Wang then turned to the history of legal systems in China. He discussed the unique features of the ancient Chinese legal system, which emphasizes criminal law, a way for the ruler to rule its subjects. In the dynastic times, rites, "Li", was more important than law. The professor holds that ancient legal traditions, including the Confucian tradition of providing general guidelines of goodness as opposed to

Remembering Samantha Clarke ben sharma

O

(3l)

n IMDb.com, there is a film short called “Orange Sarong”. In it, a businessman watches a woman in an orange sarong on a nearby boat. He lapses into a reverie and imagines he is meeting her, before he snaps out

of it and realizes he has not, that everything was a dream. The woman in this film short is Samantha Krystle Clarke, in her previous professional incarnation as an actress.

specific laws, have had lasting effects on the ongoing development of the Chinese legal system.

Professor Wang summarized the more recent changes in the Chinese legal system as from “nothing”, (i.e. the complete lack of a legal system during the Mao era), to “something”; and, if the law continues to develop at its current pace, perhaps one day “everything”. Thanks to China’s economic development, the commercial law in China is far more developed than other aspects of the legal system. Professor Wang argued that China is a socialist not a communist or capitalist country contrary to some popular or academic opinions.

Since hearing the news on Thursday, I have hoped to wake from a dream, like that businessman, and realize that none of this has actually happened. But it has: Sam is gone. The woman who was such a vibrant presence in my first-year section, the striking beauty who had hoped at one time to become a jd/mba and an entertainment lawyer, is gone. This is no dream: she is not coming back to us.

Like many who knew her in 1L, I did not know how Sam was doing at U of T this year. I was busy —we all are busy—and the regular social rhythms of first-year are broken up into the atomized specializations of upper-year coursework. I did not bother to check up on her, see how she was doing.

I wish I had.

In response to student question on what Canadian law students and young lawyers could do with this knowledge of and interests in legal changes in China, Professor Wang referred to Professor Betty Mayfoon Ho (1948-2010). Professor Ho obtained her l.l.b. from the University of Toronto in 1977. Turning down a lucrative career in the private sector, Professor Ho began teaching in the University of Hong Kong in 1988 and Tsinghua University Law School in 2002. As a pioneer in her field, Professor Ho was heavily involved with the development of the rule of law in China.

Professor Wang encouraged the students to take advantage of the exchange opportunities in China and practice or teach in China if it is where their passions lead.

What Lockout?

Faculty of Law Hosts Hockey Arbitration Competition josh stark

(3l)

O

n the weekend of October 5th the Faculty of Law hosted the Hockey Arbitration Competition of Canada (hacc). The hacc allows students to engage in advocacy simulating the salary arbitration procedures used by the nhl , as well as attend a symposium featuring guest arbitrators who discussed contemporary challenges facing the nhl .

The competition was organized by Nick Rossi and Mike Defaria, the President and Vice President of the U of T Sports & Entertainment Law Society. “The best part of the competition is that it gives law students at our school and in Canada an opportunity to develop work product in the sports law field” said Nick Rossi. “Instead of saying, "I like sports law", this competition allowed students to develop a relevant skill set in a sports law activity.” Nick hopes that this competition will become an annual fixture at U of T. First place was awarded to Alex Radin and Chelsea Ritchie from Queens’ University. U of T’s one team finished 2nd in their division, but did not advance to the semi-finals.

FEATURES

Articling in Ontario Radically Remade 6 | November 28, 2012

Majority Report Passed at Convocation lisa wilder

(2l)

Please note that this issue went to press shortly after the Nov. 22 decision was released, and the content of this article addresses the background and lead-up to the decision. Please visit the uv website (www.ultravires. ca) for up-to-date information re: the decision.

LSUC Articling Task Force Decision Deferred Until Nov. 22 The anticipated release of the Final Report of the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Articling Task Force came on October 15. The Law Society’s Convocation (decision making body) was scheduled to debate and vote on the report on October 25, leaving just ten days for members of the legal community to absorb the report and provide comments. There was a lot of buzz around the October 25 meeting, which was streamed live online and presented publically at the law school.

In the Final Report, nine of the thirteen members of the Articling Task Force supported a proposal to maintain articling and develop an alternative pathway to licensing. Four members supported abolishing articling and replacing it with a two to three month compulsory online training program.

Majority The majority’s proposal involves two elements: maintaining articling while enhancing its consistency and transparency and creating an alternative pathway to licensing through a Law Practice Program ( lpp). These changes would be part of a five-year pilot program that would be evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Improvements to articling The Law Society is under pressure to demonstrate the fairness of their licensing process. In a recent article in Toronto Life magazine, articling was described as a “rodeo” because peoples’ experiences with it are so unpredictable and varied. In order to improve the consistency and transparency of articling, the majority recommends new documentation and assessment requirements.

For example, articling Principals and students would have to report the amount of time spent on certain skills and activities, and would both complete evaluations of the articling process midway through the term and at the end.

In addition, the Law Society will administer an assessment that all licensing candidates must complete after their training. The assessment would cost $1320 and would test skills such as interviewing clients, drafting opinion letters and affidavits, conducting a negotiation, and analysing ethical problems. The majority report contemplates offering the assessment once a year in Toronto and Ottawa over a period of 2 to 4 weeks.

Law Practice Program The lpp would be delivered by a third party and would involve four months of courses followed by a four month paid or unpaid co-op. The majority foresees the lpp being offered in Toronto and Ottawa only, and expects about 400 graduates to enrol in the lpp in the 2014-2015 year. The minority report is sceptical about the availability of co-op positions, and noted that the Task Force was not provided with any evidence that enough positions can be found. Dean Moran believes that most positions would be unpaid.

Based on a similar program in Australia, the lpp is estimated to cost $7000. The majority report proposes that this cost be shared among all graduates—including those who obtain articling positions. The estimated total cost of the licensing process in 2014-2015 includes the lpp ($1400 per person when shared among all graduates), regular licensing fees ($2950) and the new assessment ($1320) for a total of $5,670. Big law firms that hire articling students would likely pay part of these costs, while government and smaller firms would not. This cost estimate does not include the cost of relocation for students who live outside of Ottawa and Toronto or who have to move to another city for their co-op placement.

The report did not provide many details about the content of the lpp course. According to Dean Moran, the classroom component will be in the form of simulated experiential learning and will focus more on small firm management and practice areas where lawyers typically face the most discipline, like real estate and family law.

The majority report left open the possibility for the integration of experiential learning into the third year of law school, as partial fulfillment of the transitional training requirement. Lakehead’s new law school is looking to pursue this option.

There are already considerable experiential learning opportunities at both Toronto law schools.

Osgoode, however, goes further than U of T by requiring students to do a clinical placement, experiential learning course, or intensive program in order to graduate. Placing more students in clinical positions during law school contributes to the Law Society’s goal of ensuring entry-level competence of new licensees. The entire taskforce agreed that experiential learning deserves more attention, regardless of whether articling is abolished or not.

Minority The minority acknowledged that they agree with the majority’s concerns about articling. Their disagreement is on how to move forward. The minority position points out that it was in 1972 that the Law Society’s McKinnon Task Force conducted the last full review of articling. They would abolish articling and replace it with a short, comprehensive, online course. This proposal also calls for more rigorous oversight of new licensees who become sole practitioners. In the minority’s opinion, this fulf ills the Law Society’s twin commitments to competency and fairness in its licensing process. The minority also says its approach will better address equity and access to justice.

The minority strongly supports Osgoode’s practical training requirement, and believes that there is no incentive for law schools to follow Osgoode’s lead as long as the Law Society looks after practical training through articling or the lpp.

High law school enrollment is a problem Both reports suggested that law schools have contributed to the articling crisis. The majority report emphasized that the Law Society cannot control the number of people who ask for licensing, nor the high debt loads those people have. The majority recommended: (1) law schools “examine tuition costs more closely, as well as the numbers

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of students they admit and graduate”; (2) experiential training should play an increasingly important role in curriculums; and (3) legal organizations (including law schools) should more clearly communicate the risks and challenges of attending law school in a changing legal environment.

the 21st century. The minority believes that their approach will better ensure fairness, measurable results, and access to justice, which are particularly relevant to equality-seeking groups, who are disproportionately affected by the shortage in articling positions.

Ontario law students may be wary of the impact of more law students in the articling market.

Lakehead University’s law school will accept its first 55 students in September 2013. The Université de Montréal’s common law program was accredited this summer and graduates are now automatically eligible to apply for a license from any law society in Canada. Other Ontario universities, including Ryerson, have sought approval from the provincial government to establish new law schools.

At the town hall hosted by Dean Moran, students were aware that the articling crisis may translate into underemployment after licensure. While neither the law schools nor the Law Society are responsible to ensure that new lawyers can find work after, this should be a concern for all groups since law students have little control over the legal market and system we are part of—aside from the decision to enter or leave it.

Although law schools are independent from law societies, it is reasonable to expect that they have a responsibility to the profession and to current and future students to address concerns about articling shortages.

LSUC and student perspectives On October 25 the members of the task force outlined reasons behind the two positions. The majority emphasized that no permanent decisions were being taken; the pilot program will study articling further with the goal of reaching an optimal solution. Wendy Matheson of the majority argued that the current system is already twotiered because it distinguishes between those who obtain articling and those who are excluded.

Other members recognized that there could be some stigmatization of lpp graduates, but did not feel that this was a fatal concern.

The minority said that five more years would not give rise to positive changes. Paul Schabas of the minority recognized that while articling is part of the legal culture in Ontario times have changed and an all-new approach is required in

Articling by the Numbers 40% of all lawyers in Canada practise in Ontario About 50% of lawyers in private practice in Ontario work in firms of 5 practitioners or less Unplaced articling candidates 2008 – 5.8% 2011 – 12.1% 2012 – 15% Number of articling candidates 2000 – 1200 candidates 2010 – 1700 candidates

Tweets Worth Repeating (from Oct 25 meeting) On articling - Do articling principals view themselves as teachers? Should we not teach them to teach?

- Students need to see how a law office works and how to deal with clients by sitting in—it is unthinkable they could regard themselves as half competent to be let loose on the public without a 10 month period in a law office o Reply: Many students don’t learn how a law firm works anyway. They write memos for clients they never meet and for lawyers who don’t advise them - What about limiting the number of hours articling students can work so as to spread the work around?

- 15% don’t find articling jobs —sounds a lot more dramatic than reality—only 150 or 200 jobs need to be created - How can we abolish articling?

Who will pick up partners’ dry cleaning or bartend at the firm pool parties?

On the structure of the legal system in Ontario

NCA (National Committee on Accreditation) candidates Number of NCA certificates issued*: 1998 – 89 certificates 2011 – 709 certificates *Note: not all NCA candidates seek licensure in Ontario, but many do

- Are law schools graduating people with law degrees, or are they graduating lawyers?

NCA candidates as a percentage of all candidates in Ontario: 2008 – 6.5% Now – almost 20% 75% of NCA candidates come from the US, UK or Australia

- Law students pay far too much for their degrees to get less than a full academic and training experience. The silos need to be knocked down between the law schools and lsuc.

- Experiential learning is the way of the future. If I had to cough up tens of thousands of dollars for law school, I would expect it.

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The Students’ Law Society Presents

NEWS/FEATURES

The Fall 2012 SLS Budget Dear fellow students,

Each year the sls’s Social Affairs branch allocates your annual student fees towards a variety of student activities. In 2010, the sls passed a by-law that requires the Social Affairs branch to publish an annual budget (see attached figure). There are two reasons for this: (i) to increase the transparency in the sls’ decision-making and (ii) improve our accountability to the j.s. student community. The following three items make up the majority of the sls’s funds:

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The club funding process has several stages. First, clubs submitted applications that detailed their anticipated expenses and revenues for the coming year. Once the applications were collected, the Vice President of Social Affairs consolidated the individual applications into one large spreadsheet.

The final consolidated spreadsheet was presented to the Social Affairs representatives who, over the course of several budget meetings, considered each line item and voted on the approval or denial of funds.

Clubs Funding Fall 2012

This year, 35 clubs applied for sls funding. The total amount of funding that was requested was $18,747.24. The total amount of funding that was granted was $15,562.31. This is a $1,657 increase over the amount of funding granted in the Fall semester of 2011.

During those budget meetings, the sls applied its policies (as detailed below) to “standard” requests.

If a request fell outside the scope of standard sls policy, your Social Affairs representatives discussed and ultimately voted on them. For unique line items, Social Affairs considered factors such as: (1) the necessity of the requested item to the club's mandate; (2) the number of students who would

The Perks of Not Having a Summer Job or Articles fidelia ho

S

(3l)

o you’re part of the half of your class who got shafted during ocis and in-firms. If you’re truly special, you’re also part of the 10-15% of your year who didn’t secure an article

by September. Contrary to popular belief that this demographic is properly the object of scorn or pity, not having secured a position is not the end of the world; neither is it the end of your career before its start, as someone actually had the gall to suggest to me. Yes, it sucks to be you, especially if you nourished high hopes of securing a seat on that gravy train, but there is a silver lining. You may not see it now, but you will! In the meantime, here are a few perks of being Unchosen:

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The best spinner’s a winner, people. Lying to others and to oneself comes more and more naturally the longer you’re on the job hunt.

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The cdo becomes your new bff. How many of your friends actually want to listen to you gripe about your endless and futile job hunt?

(Take the hint: None of them do.)

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Being a 3L without an article is to be part of the most exclusive group here at UTLaw. And our numbers steadily decrease. We’re like an endangered species! And endangered things must be precious, right? (Right??)

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Fear is probably the greatest motivator. I may not have a job, but I have a knife hanging over my neck. Not knowing whether I’ll have secured a position by the time I graduate keeps me sharp.

Uncertainty about the future is just opportunity in disguise! You could still be David Shore, or an investment banker or a “consultant.” Or, given the recent ban on foreign strippers, an exotic dancer (there must be demand).

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A plethora of life coaching: everyone has a theory of why you failed and how you might improve. You’re too monotone. You don’t wear enough make-up. You don’t smile enough; you smile too much. I’ve actually started dispensing advice to whomever I meet too, because, goddamnit, it’s satisfying. (If you can’t do, teach?)

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Damsel in distress: apparently women lawyers are intimidating and this turns most guys off. Do I milk the fact that I fail at law? Why, yes, I do, cowboy.

This is actually a great opportunity to evaluate your life goals. Or, so I hear. Never having accepted the initial rejection, I confidently continue to put introspection off for another day. (See #5.)

Unfortunately, you are kind of robbed of the golden 3L year. On the upside, you get really good at writing cover letters and shit.

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Being in touch with the common folk: you can still hang out with your arts friends and complain about The Man.

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Your soul is still pure: you can go to Occupy Protests while your job-having classmates can’t (sellouts!).

Etc.etc.

Bottom-line: unemployment is cool. Why not enjoy it for a while?

November 28, 2012 | 7

benefit from the expense; and (3) any possible more cost-effective alternatives.

The sls’s basic funding policies for Fall 2012 were as follows: • A maximum of $200 was allocated per lunch/ meal, with an annual maximum of $400 for lunch/meal events per club. Generally, lunch/ meals were not provided for purely student-run events (events without outside speakers).

• A maximum of $100 was allocated per non-meal catered event, with an annual maximum of $200 for non-meal catered events per club.

• A maximum of $20 was provided per speaker gift up to 10 speaker gifts. Any additional speaker gifts were capped at $15 per speaker. The sls does not subsidize gifts that are alcoholic in nature.

• A maximum of $5 per movie rental, and $20 for movie snacks, was provided.

• Clubs were entitled to up to $10 for their Clubs Fair tabling costs.

• Up to $5 per event was provided for printing costs.

REVENUE Fees Halloween Party TOTAL REVENUE

• The sls does not provide funding for: food at internal meetings, paid student positions, yearend parties, student travel costs, or professional coaches/paid speakers.

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Law Ball 2013

This fall, members of Social Affairs voted to increase the baseline allocation of funds to Law Ball from $4,000 to $5,000. There were two reasons for this increase. First, $5,000 represents the lower end of average deposits for venues that can accommodate our numbers. Second, funding has not increased since this event transitioned from a 3L event to an inclusive event.

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sls

Fellowship

Our constitution requires that Social Affairs set aside $30 per student for the sls’s public interest fellowship. This amounts to $19,380. This year, we are offering three fellowships valued at $6,470.

These fellowships are open to 1L and 2L students who secure positions at public interest organizations in Canada. The application timeline parallels the 1L public interest recruitment timelines.

INCOME STATEMENT

EXPENSES Audit Charges Banking Charges SurveyMonkey Account Bouncy Castle for Dean's BBQ Website Hosting Fees Gifts for Dean Mewett Teach Award and John Willis Award for Spirit trophies for convocation, as well as inscribing the SLS Partnership Award Club Funding Aboriginal Law Students' Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Artists Legal Advice Asia Law Society Business Law Society Classical Music Club Client Consultation Competition Club Criminal Law Students Association Environmental Law Club Feminist Law Students Association Health Law Club International Law Society Intramurals JD/MBA Jewish Law Students Association Law and Politics Club Law Games Let's Play Board Games Litigation Association Muslim Law Students Association Natural Resources and Energy Club Out-in-Law Peer Mentorship Program Progressive Law Students Association Running Club Scotch Club SPINLAW Sports and Entertainment Law Society Student Animal Legal Defence Fund Tax Law Society Technology and Intellectual Property Group U of T Conservatives UTLawSees

55,695.00 2,682.00 58,377.00

4,400.00 150.00 200.00 450.00 240.00 60.00

550.00 810.00 400.00 320.00 230.00 0.00 155.00 470.00 880.00 545.00 485.00 595.00 1,456.50 560.00 375.00 325.00 550.00 25.00 370.00 420.00 500.00 132.50 477.50 162.50 0.00 0.00 600.00 990.00 130.00 396.31 787.00 480.00 90.00

300.00 15,602.31

8 | November 28, 2012

FEATURES

Pöp Kulture Presents

The UV Guide to Hipsters

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Where Hipsters Drink—The Chill

So what exactly defines a hipster? Read on gentle soul and find out:

What Hipsters Wear—The Look Hipsters are typically defined by hipster fashion, which, like most fashion, is in some degree of flux—it is hard to remain ahead of the curve when everyone else is riding that curve along with you (a problem the UofT hipsters know all too well).

Photo from streetpeeper.com

Have you ever had this conversation: A: Oh man why is that guy dressed like such a hipster?

B: What the fuck is a hipster?

While 3Ls likely have a good idea what hipsters are (see Gord Houseman, Matt Brown, Sam Yorke, and half the names in the student directory), many of us are still silently confused as to who or what exactly hipsters are. First, hipsters are hardly a self-defined group. Hipsters do not tend to self-identify as such. But they are only kidding themselves, for I (and now you too) will know who

That being said, hipster mainstays are still skinny jeans, deep vee-necks, tattoos, asymmetrical haircuts, beards or moustaches, a love for anything that pops up along Ossington Ave, shops at Lavish & Squalor, etc. In other words, hipster fashion is more or less ‘homeless chic’. Remember Derelicte from Zoolander? Like that—but replace high fashion with grunge. So going Kurt Cobain/Young Jack Layton seems to be what many hipsters are after, spending a lot of money and time and effort to look as unwashed and cheap as the grunge scene pulled off authentically.

Hipsters also tend to be gender neutral—men wearing tighter pants and wider cut shirts, and women wearing dress shirts, bowties and even drawing on mustaches. As a result, female hipsters tend to be lazy because they can just toss on dirty

The UV Packing Guide for OCIs and In-Firms anonymous

T

he cdo has their own list of what you need to bring to ocis and/or in-firm interviews, but we wanted to give it to you straight from some now-seasoned pros. This may seem like a lot of stuff, but don't worry—you can always check your xl suitcase (or “borrowed” shopping cart, depending on your style) with the firm's receptionist.

Vodka—for when things don't go according to plan...

Vaseline—for your teeth, pageant-styles.

Permasmiling = winning.

Champagne—for when they do!

Coke—you'll get tired, so be sure to bring coke.

A 20 oz bottle (or an 8-ball) will do the job.

gu/clif

bars—interview season isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. Fuel accordingly.

Condoms—for when you really need to make it clear that they're your first choice. They're your first, they're special, and you'll remember them forever <3

Handgun—to eliminate the competition. Shit gets real in the path!

Cupcakes—it's okay to eat your feelings sometimes, but just make sure you have room in your suitjacket for the extra 30 000 calories.

men’s clothes and call it a day. And of course toss on a pair of horn-rimmed or brow-line ‘Hipster’ glasses.

What Hipsters listen to—The Tunes Hipsters have an affinity for obscurity and irony, and listen to music that no one else has ever heard of—or would even consider music. The more Indie, the better. Dubstep (see last month’s article in uv!) is popular among hipsters, but only Indie dubstep that’s only been heard in a dungy rave in Brixton. Also whatever is popular on Hype Machine. Yes, popular. Because even though being hipster is all about being counterculture and anti-popular, being the most popular in a counter-culture is still being well-liked, which eventually leads to the artist being popular in the mainstream, which then makes it unhip. You know who’s the hippest artist around right now?

Doesn’t matter, you probably haven’t heard of them.

What Hipsters Eat—The Mow Hipsters can be found at the trendiest new restaurants in Toronto, from high-end Asian noodle bars (see: KintonRamen, Momofuku) to fancy taco joints (see: Grand Electric, Banh Mi Boys). Basically if it’s a trendy new place with chalkboard or cardboard menus featuring an array of pork belly, kale or quinoa, it’s a hipster mow spot. Be on the look out for exposed brick

Invisibility cloak—for you, when you book 2 lunches and end up sitting at a table next to the lawyers from firm #1 when you're at your next lunch with firm #2; for your bff/mentor coach, so he/she can sit in on your interviews and whisper brilliant ideas into your ear when that partner grills you on why you reallyyy want to do m& a?

Notes on the "essentials"—don't trust your memory on interview day! Prep bulletpoint lists of the essentials (& be sure to use the highlighter method on these): areas of specialty, number of lawyers, recent cases, interviewer's practice & background & hobbies & address & past 3 addresses & next of kin & children (in birth order) & children's current and past schools & children's interests & children's projected legal specialty (if over age 5).

Time travel machine—for when you (inevitably) fuck up and desperately need to turn back time.

List of clever and effortless segues—example: "my passion for public interest law... has... gone the way of Romney's campaign amiright?!"

Advil—for the morning after, in case you really do get drunk at a reception or dinner ( ps—don't!)

Diapers—for the true gunners/overachievers who have no time to urinate and/or defecate.

Personalized business cards—matching the firm's colour/marketing scheme, for a subtle hint that you'd "fit" right in.

Traditionally hipsters are thought to live, sleep and not shave in the gutters of West Queen West/Parkdale, replacing what used to be heroin needle lined streets with local organic wheat grass.

But recent reports have indicated that hipsters are spreading to other parts of the west end, including Roncey, The Junction, and even Mimico.

Mimico! If the right combination of coffee shops, Korean tacos and comb-overs is right, the Hipster will go anywhere, like a fungus.

Non-exhaustive Factors Test While each of these definitions are lacking in their own respect, one can be sure that if at least 3 of the 5 definitions are satisfied, then you’ve got yourself a hipster. Think of it as a really shitty Supreme Court test based on balancing factors (i.e. all scc tests). The other thing to remember is that hipsterism, like a religious order, has varying degrees of orthodoxy. There is a range—from the blossoming hipster just buying their first dark-rimmed glasses or first vee-neck t-shirt, to the ultra-hipster, the hipster that knows they are a hipster but will never say it—because by affirming their own hipsterness they would simultaneously lose their ultra-hipster status. Such is the way of the hipster.

So now equipped with the knowledge of hipsters, you can proudly say “Fuck You, Hipster!” But of course they won’t know who you are or what you’re talking about because that’s just too mainstream.

Antidepressants—for the Tuesday afternoon identity crisis ("am I really meant to be in law school? Are You There God? It's Me, L'Heureux-Dube")

Flavelle House Has at Least Nine Chimneys

Jean Fraser’s Dog

As much as we all love the Trailblazers exhibit showing famous female Uof T Law grads, nothing compares to this amazing action shot of Jean Fraser’s dog jumping into a lake.

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Five Cool Things About UofT Law You Probably Didn’t Notice 3

There Is an Apple Tree.

You Can Eat the Apples

Beside the pathway on the South-East side of Flavelle House, you will find an apple tree that regularly produces delicious edible apples every September. Its origins remain a mystery. When asked about the history surrounding the tree, Prof.

Arnold Weinrib, UofT Law’s longest-serving current faculty member, had no idea where it came from. Local apple enthusiast Jon Bega believes that the tree may have been planted a group of werewolves. When pressured, Mr. Bega admitted that he actually made that last part up.

And that he had been drinking.

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Extra shirts—you're gonna sweat. Cold, nervous pit and/or back and/or boob sweat. ca $h money—to bribe the Student Committee.

They don't take Scotiadollars. We tried.

Stephen Waddams Had a Rocking Goatee in 1967

Prof. Stephen Waddams is a renowned legal academic famous for his masterful study of contract law and in 1967, when he graduated from this law school, he had a baller goatee.

However, when he became a professor a year later in 1968, Prof. Waddams’ goatee had mysteriously disappeared. Prof. Waddams was unavailable for comment (I was too afraid to ask him) but the going hypothesis is that crusty old Dean MacDonald, in an effort to fill the big shoes left to him by Dean Wright, cracked down on Prof. Waddams’ anti-majoritarian facial hair and shaved it off himself. We can only hope that Dean Moran will not make a similar mistake with local facial hair aficionado Prof. Sanderson.

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There Is a Free Phone That Totally Works

Other accouterments: nylons (10 pairs min), gum (3 packs/day), bandaids (2 boxes/day), undereye concealer (1), cdo -provided magnetic name-tag ( jks, no one wears these at in-firms).

Note: the anonymous authors do not endorse any violations of the Law Society guidelines and/or the Criminal Code and/or any other laws/rules/ regulations. We hereby refuse any liability for your dumb shit, and remind you that you are reading/ following this piece of journalism at your own risk.

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List of at least 2 good reasons why you picked U of T over Osgoode (other than "it's better, duh!" or "I'm a downtown gurl!")— because you'll inevitably interview with someone who went to Osgoode. And they'll ask you.

ocis and in-firms are a rollercoaster for everyone —from those who got their dream position to those who are left feeling dejected at 5:30pm on Wednesday. All you can do is prepare, pack, hang on tight, and hope you don't barf on anyone (or at least anyone important...)

November 28, 2012 | 9

Flavelle House was built in 1902 by Canadian millionaire, businessman, industrialist, and philanthropist Sir Joseph Wesley Flavelle (1858-1939). He was, interestingly enough, not a lawyer. During wwi he was appointed chairman of the Imperial Munitions Board and corrected the mismanagement of ammunition sent overseas. For that great work he was granted a baronetcy, a title which is styled “Sir” like a knight, but ranks above almost all knighthoods. Upon his death in 1939, he left his Queen’s Park mansion to the University of Toronto. Since his mansion was built in 1902, it used fireplaces to heat the building, hence the nine chimneys.

Check the West-end plethora of dirty, dive, and diva bars and clubs along Queen, College and Bloor. Hipsters also display a particular fetish for brown beverages, frequenting brewpubs and whisky spots to satisfy their needs. When the Hipster is sufficiently liquorfied, it makes its way into a bar you can’t find to listen to music you haven’t heard of. In the morning, without showering or brushing their teeth, the Hipster will make their way to the local organic artisanal coffee shop to sip away its bourbon-based hangover with some fair-trade drip, all while stroking its beard and admiring its comb-over through horn-rimmed glasses, occasionally glancing at a Vice magazine or obscure Russian literature.

Where Hipsters Live—The Locale they are (and how best to avoid them if necessary).

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Have a call you need to make but your battery is dead? The sls funds a telephone that is free for all UofT Law students to use. It is located in a small hallway across from the washrooms in the basement of Flavelle. sls President Albert Lin, when interviewed about this phone, stated that he didn’t know it existed. He also asked where it was. The sign beside the phone stipulates that preference is given to law students for use of the phone and the maximum call time is five minutes.

Its phone number is 416-978-3624. If you’re really bored, give it a call during class and see if anyone picks up.

Overall hiring has fallen significantly compared to last year. There were 379 hires this year, compared to 403 in 2011. Hiring remains far below pre-recession levels - in 2007, 446 students were hired by the firms in the UV survey.

The lower rate of hiring is especially troubling considering that tuition rates continue to climb, law school class sizes continue to grow, and New York hiring has mostly dried up. Students considering applying to U of T law may wonder whether our tuition rates are justified in the current hiring environment.

The Data and its Limitations O

ur survey relies on information provided to us from two sources.

First, law firms provide us with hiring numbers by school. These numbers include returning 1L hires from February 2012 but not New York hires. The list does not include government agencies, as most of these agencies have not responded to our requests for data.

Second, we conducted our annual survey at UT Law. The survey was sent to all students set to graduate in 2014, whether they participated in the Fall Recruitment process or not. The response rate was very high, at approximately 75%. We hired a consultant to analyze the raw survey data, prepare tables and graphs, and perform a regression analysis.

A common critique of our data is that we do not have figures on how many students at each school actually participate in Fall Recruitment. Comparing the proportion of the school hired is problematic, because it is highly likely that some schools participate more extensively than others.

To address this, we contacted Career Development Offices for each school listed in our survey asking for this data. Almost every school was unwilling to share this information. If this is something that our readers would like us to include in subsequent years, we suggest you contact the relevant CDOs. Finally, another issue involves transfer students. Our estimates of class sizes are based on first year numbers. They do not account for gains/losses due to transfer students, which could change the proportions of students hired.

Views of Bay Street.

Photographs Š Chris Tyler 2012

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nly 89 U of T law students were hired by firms this year, the lowest number since 2003, when only 77 students secured firm jobs.

This year Osgoode and U of T tied in absolute number of hires (89), though our smaller class size means that a larger proportion of U of T students (46.1%) were hired than that of Osgoode (30.7%). Hiring was also down for other Canadian law schools. Western (-10), Queens (-4), McGill (-9) and Dalhousie (-4) all saw fewer hires than in 2011. A few schools saw hiring go up, but in small numbers. Ottawa (+3), Windsor (+1) and Osgoode (+6) all saw hiring rise.

November 28, 2012 | 11

Job Distribution by Firm and School

Lowest Recruitment Numbers Since 2003

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UT

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Tot a Hiri l 2012 ng

Hiring Falls to Historic Lows 10 | November 28, 2012

Aird & Berlis

8 3 1 2 1 1

Baker & McKenzie

3 1 2

Bennett Jones LLP

18 4 5 2 2 1 3 1

Brauti Thorning Zibarras LLP

3 1 1 1

Bereskin & Parr

7 1 2 1 1 1 1

Blake, Cassels & Graydon, LLP

29 9 6 4 3 2 1 2 2

Blaney McMurtry LLP

7 1 2 1 2 1

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

14 4 4 1 1 1 3

Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP

17 1 4 3 2 4 3

Dale & Lessmann LLP

2 2

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP*

15 6 3 3 2 1

Davis LLP

5 1 1 1 1 1

Dimock Stratton LLP

2 1 1

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

10 1 2 1 2 1 2 1

Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP

3 1 2

Fogler, Rubinoff LLP

5 2 2 1

Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP

13 6 2 1 2 1 1

Gardiner Roberts LLP

5 2 2 1

Gilbert's LLP

2 2

Goodmans LLP

17 5 5 3 1 1 2

Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP

17 4 4 2 2 2 1 2

Heenan Blaikie LLP

16 3 2 2 4 1 1 2 1

Heydary Hamilton PC

2 2

Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP

5 1 1 2 1

Koskie Minsky LLP

4 4

Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin LLP

4 1 1 1 1

Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP

3 2 1

McCarthy Tetrault LLP

20 5 1 4 1 2 1 2 1 3

McMillan LLP

14 6 2 1 2 1 1 1

Miller Thomson LLP

9 1 4 1 1 2

Norton Rose Canada LLP

17 3 5 2 1 2 1 2 1

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

15 3 4 1 3 1 2 1

Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP

3 1 1 1

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

1 1

Ridout & Maybee LLP

2 1 1

Rowand Intellectual Property Law Rueter Scargall Bennett LLP

1 1

Shearman & Sterling LLP

1 1

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

1 1

Smart & Biggar

3 2 1

Stikeman Elliott LLP

19 2 6 4 2 1 1 2 1

Thorsteinssons LLP - Tax Lawyers

0

Torkin Manes, LLP

3 1 2

Torys LLP

23 7 5 1 5 2 1 1 1

WeirFoulds LLP

8 1 2 4 1

Wildeboer Dellelce LLP

3 1 1 1

2012 Total 379 89 89 43 43 39 28 18 14 16 Approx. % of Class with Fall Recruitment Jobs

46.1

30.7

26.1

25.6

13.9

12.9

10.8

8.3

2011 Total 403

96 83 53 47 36 27 27 18 16

2010 Total 444

104 99 55 43 44 44 25 15 15

Gender

“If you are interested in a LSAT score

Things that

WON'T

Number of accepted interviews

help you get a job

At least one A

Extracurriculars Mean culture fit

LSUC Compliance T

he Law Society of Upper Canada sets the rules for Toronto’s Fall Recruitment. For example, firms are not allowed to make offers before the 5 pm Offer Day deadline. Some firms adhere closely to these rules. Others have been accused of bending them.

We asked UT Law students to tell us, in their opinion, which firms flirted with breaking the rules and which firms followed the rules to the letter.

Shit just got real.

private, confidential and candid conversation,

the cdo is a good place to go. Leanne Shafir is a fantastic listener and a resourceful person to bounce ideas with.”

“Utterly useless aside from the most basic of advice.

I don't need a listener, I need knowledge.”

"As best as I can tell, all the CDO does is organize events: panels, speakers, the OCIs, etc. They are basically just glorified conference organizers. I never once received any concrete suggestions or advice from anyone in the CDO. Diane was basically on her way out the whole time.

I felt lost at sea throughout the entire process.

It was a game I was bad at and where I was never entirely sure of the rules or scoring.

This would have been a great place for the CDO to step in with guidance."

5 Good Guys

Weirdfoulds Fogler, Rubinoff Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie Smart & Biggar Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin

5 Bad Boyz Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti Thorsteinssons McCarthy Tetrault Koskie Minksy

re Sc o

Fi r m

Age

Firm Rankings

M

any students suggested that, while the cdo was emotionally supportive and responsive, the quality of their advice might be improved. Students felt that the cdo did their best, but did not have sufficient knowledge to help them navigate the recruitment process. In particular, students commented that the cdo should learn more about government jobs and firms not recruiting through the oci process, and would like more individualized advice rather than more panels. It is possible that some of these issues might be solved with more continuity in the cdo’s personnel; the “revolving door” may be contributing to cracks in the cdo’s knowledge base and adds to student anxiety about where to direct their career-related concerns.

“Had a complete mental block and anxiety attack during government substantive interview, still got a job offer.“

k ing

CDO

Ra n

We analyzed the survey data to see which variables increased the odds of receiving job offers from the Fall Recruitment process. The regression analysis in stata showed that none of these variables helped students land job offers.

FEATURES

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FEATURES

12 | November 28, 2012

"Although the in-firm process was brutal

1

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg

8.4

2

Blaney McMurtry

8.3

3 Torys 8.3 4

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt

8.2

5

Gowling Lafleur Henderson

8.0

and maybe even

6 Norton Rose OR 8.0

a little traumatic,

8 Thorsteinssons 8.0

I actually think the process works.

By the end of the first day, I knew exactly which firms I loved

7 Gilberts 8.0 9 Bereskin & Parr 8.0 10

Blake, Cassels & Graydon

7.9

11 Dimock Stratton 7.9 12

Fraser Milner Casgrain

7.8

13

Cassels Brock & Blackwell

7.7

15 Miller Thompson 7.7 16

Ridout & Maybee

7.7

17 Heenan Blaikie 7.6 18 Davis 7.5

me, and also knew

20 Torkin Manes 7.4

to make me offers."

19 Goodmans 7.5 21 Weirfoulds 7.4 22 Aird & Berlis 7.4 23

Fasken Martineu DuMoulin

7.4

24 McMillan 7.3 25 Wildeboer Dellelce 7.2

“One firm called me at 4pm on Call Day and asked pointed questions about my likely response to a 5pm offer, while dangling the promise of said offer.

I thought it was inconsiderate.

I would recommend that students try not to answer calls from firms before 5pm unless it's their first-choice firm.”

“One firm made it seem like they were going to make an offer ("very serious about your candidacy", etc.) but then didn't... so don't count your chickens before they've hatched.”

14 McCarthy Tetrault 7.7

and which weren't for which firms were likely

November 28, 2012 | 13

26

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

7.1

27

Borden Ladner Gervais

7.0

28 Smart & Biggar 7.0

“I had a good experience overall. The first day of in-firm interviews was the worst, but once I started elminating firms and letting them know as I went, things got less hectic.”

29 Stikeman Elliot 7.0 30 Gardiner Roberts 6.7 31 Bennett Jones 6.5 32

Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti

6.5

33 Koskie Minsky 6.5 34

Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie

6.2

35

Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin

6.2

36

Baker & McKenzie

6.2

37

Brauti Thorning Zibarras

6.0

38

Shearman & Sterling

6.0

39

Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein

5.7

40

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison 5.6

41 Dale & Lessman 5.4 42 Fogler, Rubinoff 4.8 43

Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark

4.8

44

Rueter Scargall Bennet

4.6

45

Rowand Intellectual Property Law

3.5

46

Heydary Hamilton PC

3.3

“The entire process is a demeaning atrocity that stresses out the entire class immensely, and I sure as shit am glad I could bail out before I got sucked into the panic.”

“The most difficult aspect of the experience is to figure out my own preferences. After two days of interviews, it is not difficult to get a sense of what the firm wants or what the culture is like.

I would encourage future applicants to go to firm tours if possible and ask hard questions to start thinking about what you want early.

Based on my experiences, asking sharp questions about the firms not only indicates interest but also demonstrates confidence and intelligence.”

FEATURES

14 | November 28, 2012

It's not indicative of your whole career.

This process was only stressful because we as a 2L body (including myself) made it stressful.”

5%

5%

18%

Not intending to work during the summer

system with a few winners and a lot

Not interested in 2L summer employment Was not interested in any Toronto Fall Recruitment positions for 2L summer employment

Are you confident that you are currently pursuing a career that you will be happy with?

60%

that's the big league.”

Applications—where do we apply?

3%

Yes

Accepted firm offer

Did not participate

Accepted govt offer

Received no offers

41%

Firm only

45

Govt only

40

I think the horror stories were a little over-rated.”

Moderate

26%

41%

"I ended up accepting an offer with a small criminal defence firm that hadn't participated in oci's. I heard about this firm through a complete chance encounter with a summer student there last year, and had that not happened, I never would have known they exist let alone that they were hiring summer students! I would suggest that the cdo take a more active role in informing students of employers who are not participating in oci's."

Heavy

How often do you binge drink?

37.10%

36.50%

Female Male

29%

19%

17.50%

14.50%

17.50%

11.30% 8.10%

A few times a year

Attractiveness (1-10 scale)

Both

“It wasn't any more stressful than what I would normally expect as a part of law school experience and nothing I couldn't handle.

No

Light

Never

56%

40%

of losers. I guess

None

Received one or more offers, but did not accept any

is closer to a hockey draft. Intensely complex

19%

2%

The whole experience

No response

14%

9%

16%

“I had initially described the process as speed dating. But that was only the oci days themselves.

I participated in Calgary Fall Recruitment

59%

37%

Drinking habits during law school

Yes

Got a job through NY OCIs

4%

36%

No

Got a job through 1L recruitment and I am returning there for 2L summer

4%

46%

November 28, 2012 | 15

“I really appreciated [the cdo's] offers for support throughout the process.

I also liked the student panels, because it was helpful for those who didn't have many personal contacts with people who had been through the oci process previously.”

The Results

Did the stress of fall recruitment have impacts on areas of your life such as relationships, 54% mental/physical health, etc.

Some students didn't apply at all—why?

5%

FEATURES

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A few times a month

Once a week

9.50%

More than once a week

"Interviewing at the bay street firms was a completely

demoralizing experience, firms

35

Percent (%)

“I think that people over-emphasized the importance of getting a 2L summer job.

ultravires.ca

30 25 20 15 10 5 0 0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Self-Reported Attractiveness Score

8

9

10

play mind games with you. They all know how terrible the experience is and their lawyers openly joke about the emotional toll it takes on people."

16 | November 28, 2012

FEATURES

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Better Know a Legal Clinic

FEATURES

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3

The “slacker”

You’re a few weeks behind in readings…in fact, you kind of gave up doing them a while ago and instead just make sure to “listen in class” while skimming over Keir’s notes. You hear December exams aren’t really a big deal. You got this.

Keewaytinok Native Legal Services

This uv continuing series looks at different legal clinics in Ontario. Legal clinics are a key way that lawyers provide the disadvantaged with access to legal help. Lee Webb visited Keewaytinok this summer and spoke with Paul Lantz, Keewtatinok’s Executive Director. Paul shared with UV information about the services that his clinic provides and opportunities for students who are interested in articling for Ontario’s northernmost legal clinic. lee webb

K

(3l)

eewaytinok Native Legal Services is in Moosonee, a town that sits on the Moose River at the southern end of James Bay. Southerner can get their by either flying in to the Moosonee Airport or taking the Polar Bear Express from Cochrane. In the summer, water taxis bring locals and tourists back and forth between Moosonee and the island of Moose Factory. In the winter it’s an easy drive. During freeze up and thaw people take a helicopter to get across the river when they really need to travel.

In total, Keewaytinok serves an area that is home to over 10,000 people. About half of these people come from either Moosonee or Moose Factory with the rest coming from various communities that are further north, like Fort Severn, Kashechewan and Attawapiskat. Because of their position on the Moose River Keewaytinok Native Legal Services is the only clinic in Ontario that

you cannot drive to from Toronto and the only one that is on a tidal river.

As a poverty law clinic, Keewaytinok focusses on areas of the law like tenant rights, social assistance, and disability. In addition, the clinic also assists community members with consumer law, debt, aboriginal law, and wills. They provide summary advice in family and criminal law. As a front line service that has they often provide referrals in for many other legal problems. Lee saw this first hand in the summer when someone came by asking how to file a complaint against the local rcmp detachment. Because the clinic is one of the only legal service providers in Moosonee, they commission and notarise a lot of documents.

The clinic employs their Executive Director, one other lawyer, a community legal worker, an office manager and an articling student. Keewaytinok

has had several articling students over the last few years. While they are at the clinic students do many of the things that other articling students do. They sit in on interviews with clients, assist in preparation for hearings, perform legal research, draft documents and answer the phone. In addition articling students are central in preparing and delivering public legal education programs. Because of the remote nature of working in the north, articling students also staff the satellite office of the clinic and make home visits.

There are many benefits of working in the unpolluted north in addition to the healthy living. The atmosphere of the clinic and of the northern bar is friendly and collegial. Because there are so few alternate service providers, the clinic sees a very broad variety of case work.

These benefits also pose challenges. The wide range of cases can make it difficult to specialise deeply in any one area. Like in any remote town, the cost of living is very high and the access to services, not to mention really good fresh produce, can be minimal. As a consequence, staff retention at Keewaytinok is sometimes a concern. However, there is also room to be creative, because the community is too small to sustain a dancing venue, most weddings throw open the doors to everyone once the dance begins.

Keewaytinok receives funding for their articling student position form Legal Aid and the Law Foundation of Ontario, but they does not receive funding every year. The clinic has funding this year for a student to start in 2013 though it is uncertain when they will next get funding after that.

Keewaytinok Native Legal Services in the summer. Photo by Paul Lantz

November 28, 2012 | 17

4

The actual slacker

What kind of studier

we have December exams? *Note: this type of person might not actually exist here.

5

The hibernator

You study at home in deep solitude for hours on end. You come to the library only to consult a treatise, which is not often as you’re so deeply engaged with the material. You’ll emerge from December exams looking pale, with a thick exam beard and the painful realization that you have no friends.

ARE YOU?

6

The team player

You have seven different study groups, one for each class and an extra one just ‘cause! You do your best work bouncing idea off others and fall asleep if you’re alone with your readings for more than an hour. If you don’t do well, at least you have lots of shoulders to cry on!

7

The reasonable man

paloma van groll

J

(1l)

udging by the well-attended ‘Exam Prep’ seminar that the sls hosted, the only thing on 1L’s minds in November is December.

Namely, how to survive and/or do well on exams.

The main takeaway from that session was this: everyone has his or her own style, and you should stick to what works for you. Nonetheless, nervousness settled in like a damp fog among 1Ls in the library

sometime around Ethics Week (coincidence?).

What kind of studier are you? Chances are you fit into one of the classic molds:

1

The overachiever

get that 10% participation mark. Practice exams?

Did them in October. Law school’s a breeze, right?

You might also be clinically insane.

2

The strategist

You’re done your summaries and all your maps.

In fact, you’ve done all the reading for the rest of the semester, and only go to class to affirm what you already know…and to make sure you

You know December exams are fail-safe, so you’re going to try five different studying strategies—one for each full-year class—to see which is most effective. It’s all about April.

Man in this case meaning person, and person in this case meaning qualified persons, including women. You do most of your readings, but extra-curriculars (like pub night) keep getting in the way of being completely on top of things.

You used ethics week to catch up a bit on your worst class and you’re preparing yourself for a few “B’s”…or “Passes” or whatever. December exams are fail-safe. You know or reasonably ought to know you are literally safe from failing.

Use your smartphone’s camera and the free ScanLife app to scan the barcode. You can get the free ScanLife app at www.2dscan.com.

TORONTO • NEW YORK • CALGARY

FEATURES/OPINIONS

18 | November 28, 2012

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The Perks of Dating a 3L jacquie richards

W

That’s right! It’s that easy! While your “upper-classmates” may seem like just a collection of absurdly never-present B types who do things like sleep in, leave their Facebook profiles public (with the correct name?!) and hang out with their outside friends at pancake houses on the Ossington strip for hours on end (and an entire kilometer from the law school!), do not be fooled. There are hundreds* of 3Ls just waiting to be the beautiful, jacked devoted Russian mail order brides companions of your memorandum induced delirium. Let me list some reasons why that are not at all based on personal experience and that are not at all sanctioned** or requested*** by any 3Ls. *at least a couple *dan would prefer i didn't write this. ***luke gill totally did not make me write this.

1

They’ve “been there”, but now they’re, uh, not.

So-called “normal significant others” with “normal” jobs cannot make sense of how much importance you place on every. Single. Part. of your never-ending pile of assignments, readings, extracurriculars and mandatory pub nights.

They take your deranged ambition personally.

They think you don’t love them as much as your work. You sometimes wonder whether this is true.

Fear not! With your 3L, everything will be different. 3Ls are also law students (technically), and they thus also suffer from possesses the same delusional workaholic tenancies passion for success as you. Your 3L will not only understand why you tore up your copy of the Mcgill guide in anguished rage, but they will have another copy on hand.

What’s more, your 3L does not use their copy of the Mcgill Guide anymore. In fact, more generally, 3L paramours are both completely understanding your stressful “lifestyle” and are in no way living it. The best of both worlds, your 3L will both sympathize with you during those late Bora nights and not get upset by your absence—it just gives them an opportunity to watch the eight episodes of The Wire they’ve been “getting way too behind on”.

2

A 3L is to law school what the cool senior was to high school.

Remember high school? I don’t (willfully), but I’m told that, back then, dating a cool senior was the thing to do. They had a car, beer, some minimal amount of facial hair and a sexy “knowingness” that you, dear freshman, definitely lacked. Dating a 3L now is exactly*like that. Bring your 3L to pub night, and your 1L friends will be amazed and bewildered to discover that you’ve met someone attractive and well-adjusted who “doesn’t even go here”. When you explain that they’re actually just in 3L and are thus never on campus, the awe will fade briefly but will re-emerge when your “cool senior” companion wows said friends by having been to the gym in the last month (see number 3) and by knowing everything there is to know about ocis while being totally “over it.” What’s more, your 3L will be down with you, dear gawky freshman.

While they have quickly grown more old and jaded with every passing year of legal education, 1L’s have uh, “stayed the same age”. *sort of

3

They have more time to take care of themselves

3Ls do not seem to do any readings, assignments or clinical work, so, in an effort to kill the time, they

can often be found cooking delicious, healthy meals, showering regularly and lifting heavy objects and putting them back down. Their dedication shows: unlike (and especially compared to) you and your increasingly pallid, shell shocked and gummy worm filled 1l/2L compatriots, your 3L mate will look like a veritable sex god/goddess. With snacks.

“We’re like jacked homemakers!” says one enthusiastic 3L male, while lifting an enormous dumbbell effortlessly. “We just want to lead more balanced lives!”, says a smiling 3L girl, gracefully balancing a soy latte she steamed especially for you on her head while moving from “warrior one” to “downward dog”.

4

They have more time to do pretty much anything.

I

An anonymous suggestion came in that highly recommends MyTouch, which is on Bay and Wellesley, and they have a student discount.

Brazilians here are also only $35. “The service is excellent and people are nice.”

For the Gentlemen: mpg suggests getting your hair cut at Hart House, “The Hair Place”, $19 plus tip.

Aruna suggests Maryia at Salon Escape, which is on Cumberland.

Bruce and Justin both suggest Terminal Barbershop (Dundas and Bloor) “Quick and dirty, they know how to do a trim without it being a cut. That's worth every penny.”

“Terminal finishes off the neck and sides with a straight razor” Peter: La Perla - 112 Elizabeth St ( just south of Dundas) - Ask for Vince Jordan and Adam highly recommend Monsieur

7

In the nail department I tried and would endorse Venus Nails at Bay and Wellesley. They have an awesome walk in policy and a loyalty card! (I’m such a sucker for loyalty programs...) Six stamps and you get something free! (Not sure what yet, I only have one stamp.) The place is clean and they have great midweek specials.

(2l)

recently moved downtown from my parents basement in North Toronto. I’m really enjoying the full sunlight, and I can’t say I miss the 45 minute commute. However, in true first world problems fashion, I’ve discovered that moving has created a void I’ve been having a hard time trying to fill: a cheap and clean nails and waxing place within a five minute walk from my place.

North Toronto, being the land of ladies who lunch, has a plethora of competing nail, wax and hair salons all trying to be the cheapest, yet cleanest place on the block. At first glance, the area around the school looked pretty bleak.

There were a ton of tiny salons with “cheap tuesday pedicure!!!” signs, but which one was I to try? I needed recommendations, stat. So, I figured the fastest way to get my nails done stress free was to conduct a uv survey. Here we are ladies and gentleman, the results of my poll:

carefully brainwashed into finding your new “legal” sense of “humour” charming, and they will actually be interested in the endearingly disconnected things you have to say. "Hey, tell me about how funny and quirky Lord Denning is again!", says an enthralled 3L female, trembling on the edge of her seat. “Your insipid concern about oci gossip is completely interesting and not at all unbearably first world!” says a 3L male, completely sincerely.

conversation. Gentlemen, they have fabulous deals for all your manscaping needs as well.

The Primping Edition

Daniella Murynka suggests Sugar Moon at Barbershop on Bloor just west of the JCC. “Not Topcuts-level cheap, but high quality + College and Yonge, describing it as “ah-mazing for sugaring!” She also suggests Flaunt boutique: convenience.” Conversely, Luke Gill has stated that his only experience with Monsieur was horrible. “it’s reasonable and they give you wine/are open late (for hair).”

Luke suggests instead you go to Gus the other Becky Crangle suggests Spring Nails in Barber just past Bathurst on Bloor... that is a Koreatown for mani-pedi’s. solid $21 hair cut.

For the Ladies:

(2l)

B

6

Law School Fashion File emilie lahaie

louis tsilivis

Perhaps I’ve said this too many times already, but 3Ls really don’t do anything. As a result, whenever you are free, your 3L will be free too, and they will be available to do whatever you’d like (as long as it’s after noon. 3Ls are seldom awake before lunch).

Whether you prefer to spend your downtime* They know what’s going on outside of law school. with music, art, workouts, “workouts”, inexplicably ordering beer at Vietnamese restaurants or dazedly Current events? Your 3L will be on it. Economic watching “Skyfall” in silence while mentally recounting the only three rules of civil procedure “recovery” status? Your 3L will be keeping track.

Delicious local restaurants? New movies? Your 3L you can actually remember, your 3L will have will have spent an hour reading reviews yesterday. both the time to join in and the low standards for Dating a 3L is like having an analytically gifted what constitutes entertainment that you’ll need smart phone on hand that also brings you takeout. to get them on board. *Bi-annual Summaries and peer mentorship x50.

3Ls think you are attractive, and they find your law student “quirks” adorable and funny. Your 3L will have summaries. While I can’t make any guarantees as to their quality, I can guarantee Because 3Ls have been in law school for so long, their quantity, which is def initely*all that matters when it comes to learning. Perhaps more they have what can only be described as Stockholm importantly, your 3L will be like a peer mentor syndrome. They haven’t seen someone who is “real who can’t ignore your 3 am phone calls—a really life hot” in a really, really long time, and they dedicated, irritated and sleepy peer mentor who haven’t met anyone new at all since uh, last year’s definitely doesn’t still have your sweater so can 1Ls came in. As a result, your 3L will genuinely find you quite attractive “ just the way you are”, you chill the f*ck out and just let them sleep?

They have to get up for 6:30 pm class tomorrow! even when you’re eating a burrito in Bora at 11:00 in the morning (again). Moreover, your education *Definitely not is also theirs—your 3L, like you, has been

5

The Wright Man

OPINIONS

A Bust for Beverley: Reconciling Privilege & Progressivism

(2l)

hile a lot of people describe law school as a “life changing” experience that leads to “personal growth” and an “increase in career focus”, what they really mean is that law school has totally and immediately destroyed their personal lives. While that kind of talk is just hyperbolic fear mongering (any law student who ever claimed to have a normal “personal” life before is lying), I’m here to tell you, in the spirit of “having it all”, that you can have a relationship in law school as long as you obey one simple rule—date a 3L.

ultravires.ca

Sabrina Radia-Bramwell likes Haartek Salon in Yorkville for haircuts. “They give students something like a 30-40% discount (except not on Saturdays as I learned the hard way)”

In my personal waxing adventure I found Aroma wellness at Bathurst and Bloor. It’s a gem. Google it.

Do it now! You can book online, its super clean Victoria suggests Novo Spa on University Ave. and discrete and a Brazilian is only $35! Ask for “Good rmt, good relaxation massages, good regular waxing and good couples sessions and Karla, she likes Metallica and doesn’t make awkward surprisingly affordable!”

usts have long adorned the halls of the privileged and powerful, serving as momentos of victories by history’s oppressors over the oppressed. In the 19th century, London gentlemen’s clubs and the stately homes of England were decorated with the marble busts of British aristocrats who grew fat through the twin miseries of colonialism abroad and industrial exploitation at home. In antiquity, Roman politicians and military officials (read: war criminals who terrorized the peoples of the Mediterranean Basin) ornamented their villas with the busts of their warmongering and slave-owning ancestors.

Even a long time ago in galaxies far, far away, busts—or more accurately, human bodies frozen in blocks of carbonite—were synonymous with Hutt gangsterism and Imperial triumphs over the Rebel Alliance.

Can the bust serve another—a more just— purpose? Is it possible to rehabilitate the bust from its long history as a trinket of power élites?

Or is the bust’s function as an accessory of privilege central to its very existence?

Modern apologists of the bust—including those holding the reins of power at this very law school—would be quick to point out that virtually all facets of human civilization—art, religion— have been appropriated or created by historical

ruling classes for the perpetuation of their own power, and that celebrating privilege is not central to the bust qua bust. Yet art and religion have also existed in spaces uncontrolled by the dominant classes, serving crucial functions for those who wish to dissent from and subvert the hegemonic élite. Where is the bust as a tool of dissent, of subversion?

The atrium of our law school illustrates not only the continued use of the bust as an accessory of the privileged class, but of the law itself as a domain of society’s privileged.

We proudly display the bronzed likenesses of Chief Justice Bora Laskin and Dean Cecil Wright (whom this very column is named for), figures who at once challenged power and were themselves embodiments of power. Laskin was a zealous liberal; rejected by the establishment of the day, he came to serve as Canada’s top judge and enacted reform at the tortoise-like pace permitted by activism through the judiciary. Wright himself brought change to this country by creating the modern law school; aggressive, confrontational, and innovative, he founded a privileged institution that would create solicitors and thinkers who would also both be a part of and challenge that privilege.

As our law school’s facilities expand and modernize and we occupy Victoria College in the interim (the fact that privileged undergraduates are being displaced from their college by privileged law students is tragicomedy at its finest), we are given a rare opportunity for renewal, for a reform of our own in which persons we chose to lionize and celebrate. Our current Chief Justice—Beverley McLachlin—is deserving of such an honour.

While a Puisne Justice, McLachlin made a name for herself as a civil libertarian voice on the

November 28, 2012 | 19 Supreme Court. Her dissent in R v Keegstra, her judgment in R v Zundel, and her controversial ruling in R v Seaboyer show a heart glowing with concern for individual rights and liberties.

And yet, when given the same mantle that Laskin was given, McLachlin has led a Supreme Court that is at once progressive and cautious. Her drive for consensus rulings has been criticized from multiple angles: the attempt at consensus produces unclear judgments; she could have achieved more progressive rulings if she instead sought slimmer majorities; she is too policy-focused.

Yet here is a Chief Justice that is the epitome of Fabianism—of gradual reform—and who attains social progress that is at once palatable to society and that is difficult to overturn.

Perhaps this paean to our current Chief Justice comes too early. While safe injunction sites are a noteworthy recent victory, battles over the decriminalization of prostitution and cannabis are currently being fought. In a country where political discussion of these issues is even too taboo for elections, achieving consensus on these issues will be necessary if any social change on these fronts through the courts is to be lasting.

The law—like the bust—is a tool of both power and privilege. Yet the law offers us an opportunity for social change—gradual, yes, but lasting social change. What better person to lionize in an atrium of privilege than one whom both embodies that privilege and who uses it to better and to create a more inclusive, tolerant, and equal society?

Note: The views expressed in the Wright Man do not necessarily express the views of Louis Tsilivis, although he is in support of a bust to Beverley McLachlin in the new law school buildings and does indeed the abhor the atrocities committed by the Galactic Empire against its subject-peoples.

OPINIONS

20 | November 28, 2012

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Word on the Street michael portner gartke

OPINIONS

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November 28, 2012 | 21

(3l)

If you could add another bust in the new building, who would it be?

Louis Tsilivis (3L):

Ginger Ellison (4L):

Either Lycurgus Bev McLachlin— [Ed: this is the I think it’s time mythical lawgiver for a lady. of Ancient Sparta] or Justice Karakatsanis—I think it’s time for a Greek… or a Greek lady!

Andi Jin (2L):

Robbie Santia (2L):

Selma Jaber (3L):

Matthijs van Gallen (3L):

Ashvin Singh (2L):

Dylan Cox (1L):

I also think it’s time for a lady— Mrs. Doubtfire.

There should be a bust of me...for Robvious reasons.

[Ed: It took Robbie over 3 hours to come up with this.]

The character Vinnie—from My Cousin Vinnie.

Ian Binnie… although the problem with Binnie is you’d need to sculpt his glasses—those thick aviator-like glasses.

The reasonable man—for inspiration.

Professor Alarie— I think his shaved head would look great in granite (/whatever they’re actually made out of).

Channing Tatum: Average law student, according to 2012 recruitment survey.

Matt Brown: a solidly average UT Law student.

Point | Counterpoint

Are UT Law Students as Hot as They Think They Are? matt brown

How are you celebrating Bora’s extended exam hours?

Sebastian Nishimoto (3L): By doing Jager bombs with Gord Houseman on the top floor.

POINT

Brittany Tovee (1L):

Elaine Sun (1L):

Megan Strachan (3L):

Yuki Shirato (3L):

Vlad Duta (2L):

Kate Dalgleish (3L):

Matt Cahill (1L):

I actually don’t know how much of them I’ll be spending in the library. I hear it gets kind of intense.

Besides actually using them? I’m hoping to have a 30-second dance party before actually studying.

I’m never in the library so I’m obviously not celebrating.

I’ll have dinner and drinks at Bora. Is that prohibited?

I’m celebrating by leaving early.

Every night.

Extended hours?

I only study in other libraries— there are too many pre-meds in Bora.

Yeah…I won’t be taking advantage of extended exam hours.

(3l) & michael

portner gartke

(3l)

According to the 2012 uv I remember a few weeks ago I was heading to Recruitment Survey, the pub night with some of the most attractive men average 2L is about a 7.5 on the universal attrac- in law school (we were coming from a uv meeting, tiveness scale. 1/3 of respondents pronounced obvi). Ahead of us were three very…talented themselves an 8! Who knew we went to school young women. with 190 Channing Tatums? According to ourselves, U of T Law is about .5 better looking than “The Ryerson event is right around the corner,” the Constance Billard School. Um, hello the hostess told them.

Hollywood! We've got your next eating discording- s inducing teen drama right here!

Without thinking, perhaps out of sheer joy and fascination, we started walking in that same direction.

You would think U of T law would be a Ryan Gosling-esque meme by “Um, guys,” the hostess now. ...the darker the bar, the said in a surprisingly Real talk for a second: if more sex that is had. In other panicked tone while sidethe attrativeness scale is stepping over to block our words, we are a school of path. “The law party is between 1 and 10, the average should be 5.5. double baggers. in the basement.”

Now since lsat score and attractiveness are inversely proportional, I would (By the way, contrary to popular belief, the sls say this school probably sits around a 4.5. does not book pub nights. Once a few of us show up at a bar, everyone else tends to clear out Doesn't that make intuitive sense to you? Can you pretty quick.) imagine if U of T Law was full of smokeshows?

If that were true this school’s social scene wouldn’t The point is, mpg may be the last person in the be built on crippling self-doubt and binge drinking. city to harbour any illusions about our attracOh, and also abstinence. (My last shred of self- tiveness. And maybe the quality of his persuasive confidence rests on the presumption that none writing has just taken a precipitous dive, but it of you are having sex.) sounds to me like he’s on the fence about the whole thing.

Speaking of pub nights, this is an actual fact: the darker the bar, the more sex that is had. In Maybe we used to be hot. It's easy to imagine other words, we are a school of double baggers. you guys, care free undergrads at "Ivey," surviving on nothing but sushi and Belmonts and basically Also, if we were as gorgeous as we seem to think slaying at Jim Bob's. But two years of only venturing we are, pretty sure some Osgoode people would into the light to play McDonalds monopoly have have talked to us at the joint pub night instead of taken their toll. Not to mention the crows’ feet that backing away slowly while firing up ok cupid on come from wincing at Robbie Santia's questions their phones. in Family Law.

Applying his impressive knowledge of statistics from his undergraduate English degree, Matt would probably tell you he’s a 5.5—the midpoint on a 1 to 10 scale. How could he be a 7.5 he might say, given the statistical pre-eminence of normal distribution models and the unlikelihood that a 600-person law school’s looks would skew so high above the mean?

Allow me to explain.

COUNTERPOINT

Matt Brown suggests that UT Law students are not as hot as they purport to be.

I disagree—I think they’re effing dazzling.

How else to explain why, when I sit at the centre tables in Bora, I am constantly looking up as good-looking people walk by me? I even look up when not-good-looking people walk by me, because I am so conditioned to expect my classmates to be good-looking.

Many legit scientific studies have shown that looks and intelligence are highly correlated. As UT Law only accepts the smartest students, it must therefore also accept the best-looking ones.

On a related note, studies have also shown that an equally weighted assessment of undergraduate gpa and lsat percentile scores is a perfect proxy for intelligence.

Also, as Matt noted, Robbie Santia studies here.

He is one of the most indescribably attractive men I know. (I literally can’t describe what makes him attractive.) Two peoUT Law cultivates a culture ple rated themselves above 10 on the uv survey How else to explain why of excellence: excellence in (11 and 12, respectively).

Stalkerbook (aka the onlearning, excellence in teaching, If (as I suspect) Robbie line Student Directory) drives approximately 97% excellence in transition spaces was the 12, I don’t know who could claim to be of all traffic to the Faculty’s and excellence in looks.

92% as good-looking. website? We wouldn’t be constantly checking out our classmates if they UT Law cultivates a culture of excellence: were average. excellence in learning, excellence in teaching, excellence in transition spaces and excellence in And finally, how else to explain why UT Law looks. As an anonymous member of the Admissions students get so many jobs?

Committee confided, “Yes we do Facebook creep every applicant and yes we do assign 10 point Sorry, Matt’s self-confidence. Luke Gill once had scale-style ratings.” sex during law school. By extrapolating from this data set I can prove that everyone else is doing All the evidence points to hotness, Matt’s liberal it like rabbits. Really nice-looking rabbits, with use of Urban Dictionary notwithstanding. I agree lustrous fur and healthy teeth. with him on one point though—there are def some lookers in uv.

Matt Brown is shown above. I think it’s fair to say that he’s an average UT Law student. Plenty Beauty is intimidating—Ok cupid less so. of our classmates are better-looking but plenty are also worse-looking. On the whole though, Matt is still a very handsome man. It’s not at all a stretch to call him a 7.5.

OPINIONS

22 | November 28, 2012

Top 10 Reasons to Work in New York 4

alum had an easy explanation for why his firm does not have a Toronto office: "because it wouldn't be profitable enough." Several firms that interview our students have average yearly profit of over $3 million a year.

robert thomas

I

(3l)

n recent years there has been a striking decline in the number of U of T students who recruit at New York law firms. The decline is baff ling because New York has something for literally everyone: whether you want to build a career, experience (and become used to the smell of ) the city, or whether you just want to skip articling.

This list isn’t just for 1Ls either. This fall, two 3Ls—both of whom had spent their 2L summers in Toronto—applied directly and were offered associate positions at Top 10 New York law firms.

10

The starting first year salary is us $160,000. Compare at cad $75-87,000 articling in Toronto.

9

While on the subject, there’s no articling!

Think it’s ridiculous to get stuck doing a first year's work while being paid only $1450 a week? Yeah, me too. So why not choose that New York first year weekly rate of $3000?

You get to call yourself an "attorney-at-law" immediately instead of spending 2 of 3 articling rotations in some practice area you aren't actually interested in.

8

The best part about skipping articling is that you will have avoided it for good. As long as you work 10 months in New York after passing the bar exam there, you can get your articling requirement waived upon your

return to Ontario. Contrary to popular belief, the ny bar isn’t even that tough—and many students write both the Ontario and ny exams during 3L summer.

7

Since the Americans and Brits are inevitably going to take over all of our law firms, you might as well join a prestigious us White Shoe firm in advance. Much better than being blindsided as a 2nd year Toronto associate when your firm rebrands as 6000lawyer "international" firm that no one has ever heard of.

6

Associate lunches. As the name implies, associates take summer students out to lunch. These have several implications. First, as a summer you may get anywhere from two to an unlimited number of these per week.

Most firms have a budget of $50 per person.

Second, as an associate, for 10 weeks every year, you get to take out summers for lunch and be fully reimbursed by the firm. As a result, if the associate mentions that she will pay and her air miles in the same sentence, then she is hinting that everyone should try to reach the $50 per person budget. With associate lunches usually consisting of 4-6 people, the air miles can add up quickly over 10 weeks.

5

Although arguably harder to make partner in the us, those who do will be rewarded handsomely. One New York-based U of T

U of T Needs a Business Law Clinic laura mcgee

(2l)

E

arlier this year a classmate and co-founder of the Venture Law Society pointed out a serious gap in U of T Law’s pro bono legal services: access to affordable, high-quality business law advice. dls has criminal, tenant housing, and family law divisions, but nothing geared towards business law. A good deal of aspiring entrepreneurs cannot afford a corporate lawyer’s bar tab, much less her legal fees. For those of us without a wealthy backer (or rich uncle) this is a major roadblock.

Starting a business is either a hugely risky venture or nothin’ but a pipe dream.

My friend Miranda offers a case in point. Miranda has spent months putting together a stellar team of writers to realize her dream of running a sports and entertainment website. But she has no idea how to actually create the company. She was forced to try to figure out how to incorporate over Google, which is kind of like asking WebMD how to stitch your own wound: the best-case scenario involves a ton of frustration and an ugly scar. The more likely outcome is a bloody mess that opens the business to serious liability issues.

Miranda has no credit and no resources but a great business plan. What she needs is basic legal advice to get her off the ground. But what kind of institution can offer this sort of service? Where could she find enthusiastic, legally-educated

people willing to dedicate hours to public service?

If the answer isn’t clear by now, you need to spend more time in Bora Laskin Library. U of T Law is full of students looking for clinical experience: dls consistently turns away volunteers due to the huge number of applications. It is also full of students who want (or think they want) to work in corporate law. Eager beaver 1Ls (and 2Ls like myself) would give anything for the chance to put their newfound legal skills to work.

U of T could be at the forefront of yet another movement, one that provides affordable legal advice to under-advantaged but hardworking individuals looking to support themselves and grow the economy. What a fresh and innovative idea!

Except that it’s not.

Where I thought U of T could head the pack, it turns out that we lag behind Queen’s, Western, Windsor and Osgoode in providing legal advice to entrepreneurs. Not to mention the American schools we look up to, like Harvard and Yale. Heck, even the University of Victoria has a business law clinic. dls and pbsc give us a lot to be proud of, but this area of pro-bono advice is seriously under-represented at U of T. And students have begun to notice. I overheard a student in one of my classes last week lament: “If only I’d gone to

By the end of law school, you'll have spent 3 years building a network in the Toronto legal community, so why not branch out and build a network in New York? Though you might not stick around New York long enough to make partner, eventually your colleagues there will. When they need Canadian legal counsel, they'll know who to call.

3

Rumors f ly that ny hours are unbearable.

In reality, however, this isn’t 2007. The corporate legal market is not as hot as it used to be, and as a result those soul crushing hours are gone too. While it would be a mistake to assume that the hours are equivalent, the reality is that certain Canadian firms work juniors just as hard. And unlike in Toronto, when you get off work at 11 pm, the entire city is still hopping.

2

All of the New York firms that interview U of T students have major international footprints. If you are looking to work in a different country, this is your chance. If you had been counting on the international presence touted by each of the Seven Sisters, you haven't been doing your due diligence (lawyer fail).

Those firms’ international offices practice mainly local law, which means that as a Canadian lawyer, you are useless. There just isn't sufficient demand in places like London (uk) or Hong Kong for Canadian firms to have a full group of Canadian lawyers. New Yorkbased firms, however, staff tons of New Yorkqualified lawyers in their international offices.

1

Alcohol is cheaper, which means that if you ever have free time you can bathe yourself, Chris Bosh style, in Veuve Clicquot.

Western, maybe I would feel prepared to work in corporate law.”

The reality is that U of T places a huge proportion of students on Bay Street. And most summer students agree that law school did not prepare them to work at a firm. Some might say that this is what articling is for. But with the future of articling very much in question, I say it’s time to re-think the clinical education program at U of T. And this includes the need to introduce students to things like contract drafting, articles of incorporation, and employment agreements.

A business law clinic that pairs students with lawyer-mentors and real-life clients could serve a valuable function for law students and the community at large. Students would benefit from mentors and practical experience, and entrepreneurs would benefit from an untapped resource of legal advice.

The bottom line is that clinical experience is increasingly valued by students and law firms alike. It provides an opportunity for students to work with clients who have real legal issues and to develop the skills that make a good law student into a great lawyer. These skills include legal analysis, issue-spotting, and ‘soft skills’ like communication and client relations. A business law clinic would also help students figure out if corporate law is really something they’d like to do. It’s a nice alternative to the blind leap of faith that is the oci/summer-student/articling process.

Equally important, a business law clinic would allow students who have worked incredibly hard to succeed to help others achieve the same goal. U of T Law recognizes that not all students have the resources to get to law school; hence our graduated financial aid policy. It’s time we spread the wealth (so to speak) and extend that opportunity to hardworking but under-funded entrepreneurs. Sounds like a win-win to me.

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Under Pressure OCIs and the Making of a Bay Street Lawyer danny barrett

T

(2l)

he choice of where to work is one of the most important decisions one can make.

For many law students, that choice is reduced to the frantic pressure-cooker of oci’s. From initial applications to interviews, in-firms and offers, the entire process can be tremendously stressful, exhausting and deindividualizing. One student described in-firms as “entering a machine on Monday and being spit out the other side on Wednesday.”

This begs the question: how many of the career decisions that second year law students make during these hectic few weeks are free and informed choices, and how many exist within a web of powerful external pressures—financial, peer-group, the firms themselves?

One of the biggest pressures law school students face in making a career decision is financial.

Skyrocketing tuition over the last decade (see Charlie Hatt’s article in last month’s issue) has placed many law students tens of thousands of dollars in debt; a dependence largely conditional on securing lucrative employment following graduation. Many who enter law school wishing to pursue social justice or public service work end up with the perception halfway through first year that they have little choice but to work at a high-paying Bay Street firm.

Many 2L’s I spoke to described this financial pressure as a looming fact that pervaded the entire oci process. One student said he felt that many students who are unsure of what kind of law they want to practice are easily sucked into applying for jobs at big firms because of the lure of paying off their debt in a few years. This was the case for one 2L, who reluctantly applied to a number of large firms out of financial pressure and uncertainty as to what kind of law she wanted to practice. She gradually discovered during the in-firm process that she didn’t want to work at any of these firms, and felt like she “dodged a bullet” when she didn’t receive an offer. Another student who reluctantly entered the process and ended up accepting an offer at a mid-sized firm, reflected on the allure and security of acquiring a job, stating that it’s “very difficult to say no to these sorts of jobs [on Bay Street] if given an offer.”

Another large pressure that was brought up by almost everyone I spoke to was the role of their peer-group and the general ‘law school culture’.

From this perspective, Bay Street jobs are for the most competitive, intelligent and outgoing individuals, and securing a job at a top firm is an implied recognition that one has these qualities.

One student said that “the most conspicuous, academically successful students go to the high profile Bay St firms,” and that it creates an implicit pressure to strive to do the same. Another 2L, who didn’t receive a job through the process, regretted his decision to exclusively apply to large full-service firms, claiming that he was influenced primarily by his peers and the idea that an 80 hour work week in one of these firms was a “merit badge” that earned respect. Many 2L’s saw the Continued on Page 23

OPINIONS

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Connecting the Articling Crisis and the Access to Justice Crisis

Continued from Page 22

process as within a law school timeline of tacit competition over grades and extra-curriculars, with one student saying that securing a job at oci’s is merely another “bar of achievement.”

Finally, a number of students described the firms themselves—and especially the process of infirming—as a source of significant pressure.

One student described how she was persuaded by a partner at one firm to cancel a 9:00am meeting with a firm on the next day on the condition that they would definitely give her an offer. She cancelled; they didn’t give her an offer. This sort of behaviour is likely not atypical. Another student, who accepted an offer at a mid-sized commercial firm, spoke with surprise and disappointment at “all the lying and deceit that goes on behind closed doors.”

Despite being surrounded by peers, one student said that he felt completely alone and “deprived of all the frames of reference [he] usually had.”

“It was hard to remain discerning when all the firms are essentially the same and say the same things,” he said. In reflection many stated that they felt like they had little control over the process, and felt distraught and disoriented once it had ended.

For the many law students who reservedly enter oci’s, only to find themselves churned out the other side a future Bay Street lawyer, the process is one of continuous financial, social and firm pressure bearing down upon their employment decisions. As one 2L summed up: “If you come into the process not wanting to be a straight up [Bay Street] lawyer, chances are you will.”

November 28, 2012 | 23

Renowned defence lawyer Clayton Ruby believes so, and made the case for tackling both challenges together in his submission to the Law Society of Upper Canada Articling Task Force and in an article in The Lawyers Weekly.

josh mandryk

(2l)

W

hen I first heard about the articling crisis, it perplexed me that a legal system which excludes so many from access to justice could simultaneously leave so many of its new graduates without articling opportunities.

How can a legal system which denies legal aid to all but the poorest and effectively prices the middle class out of legal services simultaneously produce structural unemployment for its recent graduates?

Is there a connection between the articling crisis and the access to justice crisis?

In his brief to the Task Force, Mr. Ruby spoke of the days when criminal and immigration firms, relying heavily on legal aid clientele, were able to take on articling students. By contrast, he observed that few such firms are able to afford to take on articling students nowadays due largely to the cuts to legal aid over the past two decades.

to their rates, but anyone who’s volunteered at a clinic knows that severe limits to legal aid eligibility persist. The result of decades of austerity and neglect is a legal aid system which excludes all but the very poorest, including many under the poverty line.

Linking access to justice to the articling crisis, Mr. Ruby proposed that legal aid certificates be structured so that small criminal and immigration firms would earn more money with a student than without, by designating part of the billing structure for articling students.

Making the case for his plan in The Lawyers Weekly, Mr. Ruby concluded that “[w]e have a professional responsibility to provide better access to justice for the poor and the middle class. And we have a professional responsibility to train the next generation of lawyers.”

Legal aid was not always so inaccessible, and legal services out of reach for so many. A dramatic shift occurred over the past two decades or so as the federal government stepped back from its commitment to fund 50% of criminal legal aid it made in the 1972 FederalProvincial Agreement on Legal Aid in Criminal Matters, and as provincial governments of all stripes cut, capped and froze legal aid expenditures.

A few years ago, the criminal lawyers association boycotted serious criminal legal aid cases, resulting in a settlement providing some increase

While both the majority and the minority of the Task Force passed on Mr. Ruby’s proposal, he raised excellent points on linkages between the crises in access to justice and articling opportunities for graduates. Both are an embarrassment to the profession, and he’s absolutely right that we have a responsibility to solve them both.

masculine behaviours and feel that they do not have control over this. Of course, it would be oversimplifying and reductive to say that domestic violence is only linked to income-based considerations; however, there is an important link between poverty and incidence of domestic violence that cannot be ignored.

implications, negotiating bail variations, and just simply listening to their lived experience. Therefore, to deny a legal clinic’s services to a male accused not only deprives him of actual representation at trial, but it also denies him the benefits of the multitude of services in which poverty law clinics specialize.

If we accept that poverty and the systemic institutional exclusion of men is positively correlated with incidence of violence against women, then gender differential policies at legal clinics run counter to the very feminist politic they hope to promote. Legal clinics are misguided in denying representation to men accused of domestic violence because such a rejection represents yet another institutional barrier compounding their marginalization. Low-income men denied services at legal clinics may be forced to hire lawyers at rates they cannot afford, further compounding their economic difficulties. They may also have to proceed as an unrepresented litigant and experience bitterness as they navigate our complicated legal system alone. They may not be able to continue working or may be alienated by their family and friends.

More disturbing still is that these men will not benefit from particularized programs addressing domestic assault, including caseworkers’ referrals to community services such as counseling or social assistance programming, as well as advocacy for diversion programs, including par (Partner Assault Response), a program run by the Anger Management Centre of Toronto. Clinic workers play a vital role in referrals and have access to an important network of resources that are instrumental to stopping violence against women.

Eradicating domestic violence necessarily entails an educational component, and clinics are ideally suited to equip men with the resources they need to stop violent behaviour. Legal clinics therefore play an important two-fold role, not only in defending innocent clients, but in providing support and educational opportunities to those who have committed partner violence, thereby helping to break the cycle of violence.

Gender differential policies deny male accused access to either of these important functions and, therefore, may reinforce patterns of spousal abuse.

Ontario Student Legal Clinics Deny Representation to Men Accused of Domestic Assault kristen pennington

I

(2l)

n September of 2012, a memo circulated to local defense attorneys by Community Legal Aid, the student-staffed legal aid clinic affiliated with the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law, announced that the clinic would no longer be offering legal representation to men accused of domestic violence. While the clinic has since clarified that it will not represent men or women accused of domestic violence, other student legal aid clinics—including those affiliated with the University of Ottawa and Osgoode Hall Law School—continue to represent women charged with domestic assault while denying representation to men accused of the same.

Legal aid clinics are crucial to the provision of legal services to vulnerable sectors of the population.

This contextualizes the danger of gender-based differential treatment, particularly when one considers the epidemic of access to justice problems in the province and that legal clinics are often a last resort for the criminally accused.

Legal Aid Ontario employs a certificate-based system with very limiting eligibility criteria, which leave a large section of the Ontarian community unable to afford legal representation; these people turn to community and student-run legal aid clinics for assistance. Turning away men accused of domestic assault further limits the options of individuals who already have very few feasible opportunities to be legally represented.

The feminization of poverty and the intersectional experiences of women whose marginalization is

compounded by their immigration status, race, ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation is part of a feminist politic that, rightfully, exists at the core of many legal clinics’ desire to eradicate violence against women. But to deny men accused of domestic violence legal representation, while intended to further the important goal of eradicating violence against women, may actually have the inverse effect by creating/reinforcing the kind of institutional exclusion that has been linked to domestic violence. Thus, while clinics must always recognize that women are systemically more disadvantaged than men, the effects of men’s poverty are not only devastating for men, but also impactful for women. We cannot understand the interrelated phenomena of men’s and women’s poverty if we outright exclude one gender from the discussion.

At the heart of clinics’ gender differential policies is a problematic good/bad polarity of abused/ abuser. While we certainly should never excuse the deeply problematic individual behaviour of men who are violent towards their partners, we should look to understand such a man as both abuser and abused—as someone who exercises individual agency and makes a deeply impactful decision to harm his partner, but also as someone who has sometimes himself perhaps been victimized by institutional marginalization. We must recognize that rejection, feelings of powerlessness, and inadequacy that are associated with poverty and that are at odds with the breadwinner social construction of masculinity. Insofar as men have been problematically socialized as providers, men who experience poverty are systemically and structurally denied the ability to replicate learned

Perhaps most importantly, these men will be denied the expertise of caseworkers who are experienced in handling poverty law cases. While sometimes students are preparing for and assisting at trial, caseworkers at legal clinics serve a number of other important roles, including advising clients of their procedural rights, assisting them to plead guilty where appropriate, accompanying them to set date or other court appearances, discussing potential outcomes and their practical

A longer version of this paper was submitted as part of the Issues in Criminal Justice intensive, taught by Martin Friedland.

OPINIONS/DIVERSIONS

Seven Problems with Ethics Week 24 | November 28, 2012

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DIVERSIONS

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November 28, 2012 | 25

There Were Some Highlights…But More Lowlights isn’t a crime, I’m pretty sure!” Most of the panels were interesting, if only for showing us a slice of what that field of law is like and for getting exposure to the high-caliber lawyers who are leaders in their field (and who seem to really like their jobs).

However, there were at least 7 problems with Ethics Week:

1 paloma van groll

(1l)

T

he grumblings about Ethics Week began almost as soon as we found out about it. The general sentiment was that it seemed kind of boring and useless and that the evaluation didn’t really make sense. And also that there were so many readings.

Maybe it was something about having low expectations, but I actually did like some aspects of the week. Highlights included Eddie Greenspan denouncing the theme of his panel, “Civility,” in a passionate rant, and one of the corporate guys from Osler declaring: “Greed

The sessions were too long.

I think it was a great idea to have a variety of different panels come in and approach ethical issues from their field. However, by the end of most sessions the lawyers were tiredly going through the fact patterns and giving the same answers, e.g. “get your own counsel.” Instead of attempting 3-4 problems, it would be prudent to stick to 1-2.

2

The timing of the tour was terrible.

This is more of a personal axe I have to grind, but the tour was one of the few parts of Ethics Week I had actually looked forward to. By the end of the day Wednesday, I was so burnt out I didn’t want to expend the energy to go down to the courts. Why couldn’t we have done this first thing in the morning? Or on a different day? Tacking it on at the end of the last day was a mistake. [Ed: the tour was first thing Monday morning in 2010.]

Crossword daniella murynka

(2l)

3

There were discrepancies in the requirements between legal process classes.

Each section’s professor told their class different things about the week and how they were going to be evaluated. One section was told they were only going to be evaluated on one panel, and subsequently didn’t show up to the other sessions. This undermined the whole week and caused resentment among those who diligently showed up for everything.

4

The week was not incentivized properly.

Why are we being evaluated on this material by professors who are not teaching it? If the Faculty wants ethics to be a part of legal process, our professors should teach it to us in class. This issue definitely contributed to the problem of discrepancies between classes.

Also, there were 273 pages of readings. On the first day alone. When there is almost no hope of getting through that many pages (and congrats to those 3-5 people who did), people won’t do it (and didn’t).

5

What was with that last session?

I attended the last session thinking someone would nicely tie together all the things we “learned” over the wek. Instead, we re-hashed the discussions that had literally just happened in the small groups. This was potentially the

most f lagrant waste of our time all week, and that’s saying something.

6

Lunch was really bad.

We got free lunch on Wednesday, presumably as an incentive to show up on the last day.

However, my smoked turkey sandwich was barely edible, and left me yearning for the good old days of generic pizza lunches. I’m not some diva who’s expecting an inventive spread from Whole Foods (although that would be nice…), but this lunch was an almost laughable waste of money. [Ed: there will be many more pizza lunches.]

7

Why are we even doing this in 1L?

It’s November now, which means I’ve had roughly 2 months of legal education. In what way is this an ideal time to learn about legal ethics? The panelists kept prefacing their questions with “I know you don’t know much about this field yet, so use your gut reaction to respond…” It would be beneficial to do this later on in our legal education, when we could contribute to discussions using our personal experience or stuff we’ve learned in class.

Furthermore, most 1Ls are still figuring out how to study/learn/what the hell is going on and could really use this week in November to start preparing for exams/catch up on work/take a mental health break/I could go on forever.

Down

Across

1. State of being defence lawyer Edward Sapiano recommends for stressed out law students. (See also: Secondhand anecdote: How patent lawyers show up to oci interviews.)

1. Reacts tearfully to December grades.

4. Strict liability if this escapes.

2. ______ on Contracts.

7. The theme uv wanted for this crossword (Abbr.). (My response: Crosswords are hard, guys!)

3. Not bad, unimpressive (2 wds.) (see also: Every sandwich at Grounds of Appeal.)

8. Congratulatory phrase for those who did well at ocis. (See also: Said through gritted teeth?)

4. Verb describing law student exchange over whose moustache is manlier; correct application of a legal test; whether it's "you and I" or "you and me"; etc.; etc.

9. Safe pick-me-up for exam season. (See also: Would be a good follow up to 1 Down).

5. Nice, impressive noun for Movember meaning "bristle-like apendage". Suggested usage: Wow, Danny Barret's got a sick ____.

11. Become damp. (2 wds.) (See also: stand too close to the 1L in 1 Across.)

10. Verb for smoker's corner.

14. Game the _____! Go on, now.

6. Given the acoustics, Bora bathrooms would like be bad for this kind of secret meeting.

15. Fun and totally unverified fact: apparently, for this exam, they can't give you a fact pattern on s. 271.

12. Descriptor for UofT-Osgoode relationship.

13. Musical _______. (See also: The best coffeehouse performances.)

14. Corporate uniforms. (See also: omg Gabriel Macht).

16. One who works with stone (See also: The only word that would fit this section of the crossword, trust me.)

UV Reviews the Opera Il Trovatore

Emilie: Oh, man! So stoked for my first Opera of the Canadian Opera Company season!! My Dad and I have had season tickets with the coc for the last 6 years. It’s one of our favorite father/ daughter traditions. I think he actually took me to see my first Opera when I was 7. It was a children’s version of the Magic Flute! Ever since then I’ve wanted to be Queen of the Night, just once!

But I digress... I’m here on a mission: to review the first Opera of the coc’s 2012/13 season.

Matt: We are the youngest people here by at least 30 years.

Luke: I feel like I’m in the worst Cialis commercial ever.

Matt: I feel like I’m at a Faculty Council meeting. Look, it’s Trebilcock’s dad.

Emilie: Okay, I’m making sure I do a quick read of the synopsis before the Opera begins.

Handy Opera tip: Operas usually start In medias res, so it’s good to make yourself familiar with the backstory before it begins. Things can get confusing...

18. Picturesque scene. (See also: Post-exams, it's on the horizon!)

Luke: Did she just say something in Latin?

20. Verb that comes up often in a nuisance analysis.

Matt: I honestly cannot hear her over the old people coughing up bile.

21. Non-pecuniary damages when this was injured was set at $130,000! (See also: McGeoch v. Arciszewski)

17. Number of people who do this crossword.

22. Pert, flip, cheeky. (Probably a good name for one of the kittens featured on http://www. buzzfeed.com/expresident/watch-this-livestream-of-seven-kittens-in-a-box. Study break?)

19. Are we you first choice?

23. Illegal to sell but not donate.

Emilie: Seriously, I have no idea what is wrong with this audience tonight. Have they never been to an Opera before?! You don’t clap until the end... unless it’s phenomenal. So far, we’re at a 6 on a scale from Hairspray to Das Rheingold.

Emilie: …

send us tickets, please?)

Matt: Encore! Bravo!

Luke: What language are they singing in?

Matt: You see, the funny thing about chivalry is that it’s kind of misogynistic.

Luke: I wish I could clap forever—it makes my hands all tingly.

emilie lahaie (good student and an opera singer), luke gill (c - student and avid nickleback fan) & matt brown (just terrible)

Emilie: So far I’m really impressed. The chorus in this first scene is really making the story come alive! This set is a little drab though...

I understand that some designers like to do more modern and minimalist interpretations of these stories, but come on! Put a little gold paint and some sequins on it! This is opera, not some contemporary Canadian piece at the Tarragon!

(Not that we don’t love the Tarragon at uv—

Matt: This... is singing?

Emilie: It’s Italian. Oooo, how exciting, Russell Braun, one of Canada’s Best Baritones, has just come onstage. He’s singing the role of Conte di Luna, who is a very complex character. Not only does the Conte suffer unrequited love, but he ultimately kills a man who turns out to be his long lost brother! Braun really brings out the angst of his passion for Leonora in this scene.

Luke: If my name was Russel Braun I would be a fucking lumberjack or a firefighter, or something super bad ass.

Emilie: Uh huh. Ah, such a classic Opera!

Love triangles, children switched at birth, witch craft, gypsies! Reminds me of the coc’s excellent production of Carmen two seasons ago. Talk about Gypsies and love triangles!

Matt: Wait, I’m lost. The gypsy stole the Conte’s baby and set it on fire?

Luke: You can’t say gypsy anymore. They’re called Romans. Everybody discriminates against them because the Roman emperor killed Jesus.

Now they have no home.

Matt: Oh god. Sorry, everyone, I didn’t know Opera was so racist. I guess that’s why there are no minorities here.

Luke: I like clapping after every song. This is just like a Bon Jovi concert.

Emilie: Ah, love: Opera styles. Screw knowing anything about the object of your affection.

—all that matters is that they sing to you from the garden every night! If only life were that easy.

Luke: Now they are singing a nice little ditty about lurking in the shadows waiting to kidnap women. I’m confused—how is this okay?

Emilie: You guys really don’t get Opera.

Matt: I think the problem is that we do get it.

Emilie: Pay attention! Here is the final plot twist!

Luke: Jesus. I mean... wow.

Matt: You do not want to say that to Luke.

Luke: Emilie, do you live alone? You know what they say: When in Rome, do as the... gypsies do?

Emilie: I’m never doing an article with you two again. The male leads are really outdoing themselves. I’m particularly impressed with the tenor playing Manrico. There’s such a quiet strength to his voice. It’s especially touching when he’s interacting with his mother. You can see how conflicted he is, struggling between his past and future.

Luke: I identify more with the Conte di Luna.

He’s loud, obnoxious and girls don’t like him.

Matt: So, you’re telling me... that the Roman woman stole the old Conte’s baby, then murdered her own baby to throw people off, then raised the old Conte’s baby as her own for years in an elaborate ploy to get the old Conte’s other son to kill his own brother?

Emilie: Don’t forget Leonora commits suicide when she can’t be with Manrico, a man she barely knows.

Integral moment in this Classic Opera tragedy.

Matt: That was like reading a Dr. Valencia column before Patrick made us cut all the racist and misogynistic parts.

Luke: And if it was sung in Portuguese for three hours.

Matt: I identify with the old guy beside me who either fell asleep or died.

Luke: Hey, even I recognize this song and 90% of my iTunes library is Ke$ha!

Emilie: Yes, “The Anvil Chorus”. One of Opera’s greatest hits.

Matt: I think they should have named it “Gypsy Hooker Drinking Wench... Levels”.

Luke: I’m pretty sure that’s a song on the new Ke$ha album.

Emilie: And? Luke: It was fucking amazing.

Do you want to be cultured and witty and shit like the uv Editorial Board? The Canadian Opera Company has special reduced rates for people under the age of 30. You can buy opera tickets for only $22 (or if you want the best available seats, $35). Visit www.coc.ca for performance and ticket information.

DIVERSIONS

Ask Dr. Valencia 26 | November 28, 2012

Dr. Valencia has a PhD in Relationship Studies from the University of Rangoon. He has been given the annual Dr. Ruth prize for achievement in relationship counselling seven times in his six year career.

He is recently divorced.

Dear Dr. V, I think I met my soul mate at the Halloween dance. Unfortunately, her costume masked her true identity (she was some kind of animal) and I’m scared I’ll never find her again.

-Forlorn party-animal-hunter

be rather skittish at first but once the loving begins you’ll soon have multiple crying brats on your hands. There is a reason why rabbits are a universal sign of fertility and rebirth. btw, am I the only one that thinks the Easter bunny is a hilariously inappropriate character for children?

Anyhow, trust me when I say articling is going to be way worse when you’re up all night taking care of junior. Maybe take a pass on that one.

If she is the bee, you’re fucked. Apparently the bee tracking system is toast thanks to cell phone towers. Thus even if you do find her, the chances of you finding your way home after are slim at best.

If she was a bunny, you may want to reconsider how interested you are in her. Bunnies tend to

Happy Hunting!

Dr. V Dear Dr. V, How have you been holding up since your divorce?

- A. Friend Dear Friend, Thank you for your concern. As you may know, the Valencia line has endured a great many tragedies, and as a member of this great family tradition, I too shall endure. My father, the great Mexican lover Don Julio Valencia broke both legs on the afternoon on which I was conceived.

My mother’s husband had just returned early from an unsuccessful morning of [censored] in Bangkok (my mother was Thai), and my father caught off guard was forced to leap from the third story so as to avoid a barrage of Muay Thai blows. He shattered both femurs and was sent back to Mexico that very evening where he hobbled around like Verne Troyer for the next three years before having them reset by a doctor/luchador in Puerto Vallarta. During those three years, however he fathered 17 children. A true master.

If she was the puppy, you may find an addition to your criminal record. Unless she moonlights at Upper Brass, you may find it difficult to locate her through ass sniffing. More troubling is that sniffing asses around Flavelle is sure fine way to get you slapped, and slapped with sexual assault charges. You may want to link up with Professor Dubber for the likelihood of criminal liability.

My mother was immediately abandoned by her Thai husband, and she was forced to work in a brothel in Patpong in order to make way for my arrival. She started working mop detail until, to her luck, the growth of her baby bump converged with the rise of the [censored]. Needless to say I was [censored] in the womb giving rise to [censored]. She eventually took over the place and even provided me with my first job as a [censored].

I think your best option is to hope she was a sexy cat and use what we in the field call the “tom-cat method”. Here what you must do is find where this lady relieves herself (the downstairs bathroom) and leave your scent on the other side of the wall.

What I am recommending is that you abstain from drinking water for about two days while only consuming coffee and asparagus. Wait until the halls are empty, and let loose all over the wall downstairs across from the elevator. Trust me, she’ll come running! And quite frankly, it’ll

Even in my own lifetime, I have risen above great adversity. As a poor half Thai, half Mexican man, I struggled to make a living. I moved to Mexico where I attempted to be a drug mule. Unfortunately all the kegel exercises I had been doing to perfect my unsuccessful ping-pong show in a Manila night club called Mister Lady (it really exists— Google it) led to continued explosions of the heroin balloons. To this day I still hold the Northern Mexico record for ods—the Southern record belongs to Rick James. But I never perished!

Dear Hunter, Fear not, young friend, there is no need to be scared. That is unless you were too wasted to remember which animal she was dressed as. You must find out that crucial piece of information in order to determine the true identity. It shouldn’t be too hard although as the sexy animal costume universe is generally limited to the sexy kitten, puppy, bunny, and bumble bee. Once determined however you must use the mating instincts of that animal to track down your lost Juliet.

probably make the joint smell better.

ultravires.ca I will get through these tough times. People say that it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all, and so I guess I should feel blessed to have had so many great years with my husband Albert Lin. I doubt if I will ever meet another lover capable of matching my passion and kama sutra position precision, as Albert did, but I recognize that his work as sls President is very important to the school and I wish him well. Viva el Presidente!

Thanks again Friend, Dr. V Dear Dr. V, I’m a super driven female law student and usually I have no problem avoiding the distractions of the opposite sex. But that all changes when Movember rolls around…I just can’t resist the stache. What’s wrong with me?

DIVERSIONS

ultravires.ca

U of T Law and Movember Present

Moustache Showcase 2012

-Mad for Must

marita zouravlioff

G

Dear Mad,

Good luck getting to December Mad for Must, Dr. V

Collected here is a gallery of some of U of T’s bravest and manliest. They’re picking a fight with prostate cancer, male mental health issues, and anyone who’s got a problem with the stache.

In the words of Tom Selleck, “Come at me bro!”

A Moustache Haiku by an anonymous female

Dreamy or creepy, Nothing quite like a moustache.

Movember, don’t end

H

i y’all! I thought I’d be a little self-indulgent this edition and include an article chronicling the typical thoughts I have on a daily basis. Thoughts that, in my opinion, are real gems.

Have a read! Yeah, go on, have at it!

(Ok, I know what you’re thinking…something along the lines of “But I was going into Tosche Station to pick up some power converters!” or “I’d rather be tied down to an anthill than read this junk.” Well tough noogies. It’s my section and I’ll do what I want with it (so long as Emilie and Patrick approve!) )

Why was the Cosby Show called the Cosby Show when the character that Bill Cosby portrayed was actually named Heathcliff “Cliff” Huxtable? Should it not have been called the Huxtable Show? Or should the character have been named Heathcliff Cosby? Anyway, that man loved sandwiches, am I right?

multiple hits, including Bang Bang Boom, Misery, Miss You Like Crazy, Girl of My Dreams, and I’ll Be There For You. And to top it all off, I’m 100% certain that Scott Moffatt was singing directly to me as he lay in that bed in the Girl of My Dreams video.

Peanut butter perfume. Think about it.

Why is Miss Universe always from Earth?

Why was Hanson bigger than the Moffatts? For one, the Moffatts had four brothers. That is one whole extra brother to love. Secondly, Hanson only really had MMMBop. The Moffatts had

If I’m such a joiner so as to write for the school paper, can I no longer consider myself the James Dean of law school? And while we’re at it, why did the whole ‘Becky is the James Dean of law school’ thing never gain steam?

Who is your mustache idol?

Ron Burgundy.

Your friends say you look…

Your mother says you look…

LIAM “KIND OF A BIG DEAL” CHURCHILL

Everyone should preface every story with the following: “this one time, at a reggae bar in Kathmandu….” From my experience, it doesn’t matter how downhill your story goes from there, your audience will be gripped. Cut to the few of you that are still reading this thinking “then how come this geek burger didn’t start this sorry excuse for a uv piece that way?” To this, I reply: Is it possible to call someone a geek burger without looking like a geek burger yourself?

I think not. (Actually, I really hope it is, because geek burger is my number one used insult). kBYE

KYLE “BLONDIE” GEROW

Why Movember?

Why Movember?

Mo money Mo awareness Lanny McDonald

It’s a great cause. Both prostate cancer and male mental health deserve more attention than they receive, so it’s all about starting a conversation.

Your friends say you look…

Who is your mustache idol?

Prime, the Moustache Guy

Wendel Clarke. And Ryan Tinney.

Your mother says you look…

The most unexpected part about sporting a stache is…

Who is your mustache idol?

Like I need a shave

how much it has grown on me.

The most unexpected part about sporting a stache is:

All the admiring looks

Have you gotten more attractive since November 1st?

Absolutely not.

Have you gotten more attractive since November 1st?

Is that even a question?

Are you raising funds as well as awareness?

Yes! Please donate what you can: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/6197285

Are you raising funds as well as awareness?

Yes! Donate to anyone on the U of T Law team!

ENOCH “STACHE SCHOLAR” GUIMOND

JOSH “JUST FOR MEN” MANDRYK

Why Movember?

Why Movember?

It is a portmanteau of "moustache" and "November".

Distinguished, adorable, manly. Mostly she loves that there's a whole bunch of red in my facial hair.

The most unexpected part about sporting a stache is:

I haven't spoken to her this month.

Have you gotten more attractive since November 1st?

Probably depends who you ask. Personally, I don't want to pre-judge the results.

Jack Layton and Peter Stoffer.

Wesley from The Princess Bride.

Your friends say you look…

Your mother says you look…

so weird, man.

Your mom says you look…

The most unexpected part about sporting a stache is:

so handsome, honey!

How soft it is.

The most unexpected part about sporting a stache is:

Have you gotten more attractive since November 1st?

The camaraderie between those with MOs.

Yes.

Have you gotten more attractive since November 1st?

Are you raising funds as well as awareness?

I'd like to think so.

Why Movember?

Are you raising funds as well as awareness?

It's a fun and interesting way to raise money and awareness for important causes. I'm especially glad to see this year's focus on men's mental health awareness and initiatives.

Branching out beyond prostate cancer is

I sure am. I'm hoping to do even better than the couple hundred dollars I raised last year, so any help from the law school community would be greatly appreciated: http://mobro.co/liamchurchill.

I'm ambivalent about the fundraising aspect of the campaign, and I don't know whether I'm actually raising awareness or merely diluting the effect of others' efforts.

But I enjoy the expressions of solidarity.

Why Movember?

Who is your mustache idol?

It’s a great campaign for a great cause. The event raises awareness about men’s health issues, and the fundraising effort is materially changing the course of prostate cancer research. We’re halfway through the month and almost $50 million has been raised globally. If history is a good indicator, that figure will more than double. And while this campaign is not just about growing a moustache, that simple act should not be written off either.

Every year you hear about conversations that start with, “what is that growing on your face,” and end with a discussion of physical and mental health issues, a self-exam, or a visit to the doctor that changes a life.

Luke Gill, a.k.a. the Catfish. He can finally grow a normal moustache this year and instead he shoots for the fu manchu. That man is brave.

So misguided and brave.

JASON “GREATSTACHE” GOODMAN

It's fun.

Who is your mustache idol?

Who is your mustache idol?

Seeing it when I look down and contort my upper lip as far out as it will go.

All arguments over the television remote would be solved by pronouncing the word remote like the word coyote. “Hand over that remoty”!

Who could stay angry after that? I’m pretty sure this theory can be expanded upon to one day achieve world peace and end all hunger. You’re welcome, world.

The biggest movie injustice of all time is not when Jack dies at the end of Titanic. Nor is it when G Baby dies at the end of Hardball (so sad). Or when the league tells that other kid in Hardball that he’s too old to play, and then he goes and joins a gang (even sadder). Or when the referee tells the pitcher in Hardball that he can no longer listen to Big Poppa when he’s pitching (the saddest! Hardball is a really sad movie). No, it is none of these moments. The biggest movie injustice of all time occurs in Now and Then, when Roberta, the loveable tomboy who gets to play tonsil hockey with devon sawa, grows up to be Rosie O’Donnell. Rude. (The ladies know what I’m talking about.)

important, and I think bringing attention to and support for mental health initiatives is worthwhile.

Either "like a cop" or "absolutely disgusting."

Never both.

(Because Who Wouldn’t Want to Read These?)

(3l)

RYAN “STIFF UPPER LIP” TINNEY

And remember—discussion about male health issues shouldn’t end with Movember. Neither should moustaches, for that matter.

Becky’s Thoughtful Thoughts rebeka lauks

(1l)

lorious Movember: a month dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the health issues that affect our men. It may be a worldwide campaign, but as of 2011 Canadians were the largest contributors to Movember charities. That’s a fact. There are also more Canadians born in August than any other month. Also a fact.

It may not be you… It could just be the fugly crop of dudes we’re working with at U of T. Sometimes the face-pelt brings out the best in a man. I mean, have you seen Tom Selleck without that mustache?

Somehow, though, I doubt that. We’ve got some great looking men at U of T, and the mo only seems to amplify their virility. I mean come on, have you seen Danny Barrett pre and post stache?

He looks like he is ready to throw on some tight wranglers and go handle a mechanical bull somewhere. The guy is like a young Sam Elliot.

But on a serious note, regardless of whether the mustache reminds you of your Dad or not, these guys should be given a hand(y) for bucking up and making a mockery of themselves for a good cause. We all have dads, brothers, grandfathers and eventually perhaps sons that have a shockingly high probability of wrestling with prostate cancer. I’m proud of U of T’s MoBros, and I’m willing to bet it is the size of their hearts and senses of humor that is turning you on, not the size of their mos and hogans.

November 28, 2012 | 27

Are you raising funds as well as awareness?

Yup! http://mobro.co/joshmandryk

The most unexpected part about sporting a stache is:

Enjoying it… most of the time.

Have you gotten more attractive since November 1st?

Your friends say you look…

Objectively, no.

I’ve had mixed feedback, ranging from an enthusiastic, “nice moustache,” to an unspoken yet obvious refusal to look at my face.

Are you raising funds as well as awareness?

Your mother says you look…

Like my father. They’ve known each other for over 30 years and she has never seen him without a moustache.

Absolutely. Donations can be made directly to the U of T Law Movember team at http://ca.movember. com/team/508653 or to any of the amazing law students that are fundraising. Any contribution is greatly appreciated!

DIVERSIONS

28 | November 28, 2012

ultravires.ca

“Tell Me Something About Yourself That’s Not On Your Resume…”

My Well-Roundedness Brings All the Firms to the Yard… kristen pennington

T

(2l)

he cdo is fond of reminding interview candidates to “be the best version of yourself” during in firms.

And while the best version of myself usually only emerges during 4am visits to Canton Chili after a few rounds of cold tea and an unholy amount of baby bok choy, I was pleasantly surprised that the in firm process afforded several opportunities to bare one’s true self. Somewhere in between stress puking in the path and nearly knocking over the world’s largest known urn in a restaurant, I really let my inner KPenn shine.

So while I will be holding 3 to 5 upcoming lunchtime sessions on this issue, for now, I will list a few real anecdotes that I actually shared during the interview process, along with some insight into why I think you, too, should give ‘em a try.

“The only contribution I’ve made to the student newspaper is a piece about the current state of the library’s washrooms.”

We’re going to start off with an obvious one here.

A statement like this not only subtly hints to your extracurricular involvement, but it also

shows a strong interest in advocacy. If you also happen to have personal hygiene listed as one of your interests, be prepared to f lush out the competition with this anecdote. It’s the shit.

“Sometimes, when I’m really stressed, I have my parents put their laptop on the f loor so I can talk to my dog on Skype.”

Oh yea, I dropped that bomb during one of my first round interviews. And while the senior partner replied, “Wow, that’s actually really weird,” I know that, inside, he was ticking off some very important criteria. Copes effectively with stress?

Check. Unlikely to ever marry, procreate or otherwise experience any sort of social connection outside the firm? Double check.

“It’s always great to bond with a fellow cheese lover.”

And what have we here? Oh, just a real excerpt from one of my thank you emails. Allow me to contextualize by adding that the cheese in question had, in fact, been lit on fire at dinner the night before. Nothing is more memorable than such an impactful shared experience, and

obvs you will want to acknowledge that accordingly.

“Movember is definitely the month when I’m most attracted to my male colleagues.”

Another little beauty that I revealed during a first round interview. My interviewer replied, “Oh yea, well at least someone appreciates a few face pubes.” That’s right, everyone. My interviewer said the word pubes. During an interview.

Immediate bffl status.

“I like stocks.”

Kpenn can’t take the credit for this one, folks.

This little nugget of genius comes from the one, the only, Jenn Bush, who wisely used her oci to reveal a deeply personal connection that has touched her life. Nothing says ‘I’ve drunk the corporate Koolaid’ like showin’ a little love for some stocks.

“Taking off my pantyhose at the end of a night has never felt better.”

Oh baby. Is that a firm logo-emblazoned water bottle in your pocket, or are you just happy to

be interviewing me? Turn up the heat with a subtle nod to those sandal foot, ultra sheer undergarments of love and you’ll have the recruiters calling back for more.

“I knew I wanted to be a litigator when I made my classmate cry during a mock trial in grade 11 law class. I just felt like, wow, I really want to do this for the rest of my life.”

Helloooo people. You are interviewing for some of the top firms in the country. Now is the time to let those uncompassionate, sadistic, borderlinesociopathic parts of your psyche be front and centre. Do you like YouTube videos of baby animals, fresh air or joy? Shut up, no one cares.

“Hmmm….well…I like to eat…at restaurants… but everyone kind of likes to do that, so I guess that’s not really that interesting.”

Oh yes, the ultimate answer to the age-old ‘tell me something interesting about yourself that’s not on your resume’ question. I apologize to whatever interviewee had to follow me dropping that line during my oci. Your life must have comparatively looked like a dull, worthless, waste of time, and for that I am truly, truly sorry.