Articling Competencies

Professional Responsibility

Discuss the lawyer’s duty to preserve client confidentiality and the appropriate measures to be taken when asked by a client to do something that would breach professional obligations.

5 Extensively discusses the lawyer's duty to preserve client confidentiality and proactively takes the appropriate steps if asked by a client to do something that would breach professional obligations.
4 Actively discusses the lawyer's duty to preserve client confidentiality and takes the appropriate steps if asked by a client to do something that would breach professional obligations.
3 Discusses the lawyer's duty to preserve client confidentiality and observes the appropriate steps if asked by a client to do something that would breach professional obligations.
2 Briefly discusses the lawyer's duty to preserve client confidentiality and the appropriate steps to take when asked by a client to do something that would breach professional obligations.
1 Does not discuss lawyer's duty to preserve client confidentiality nor take appropriate steps when asked by a client to do something that would breach professional obligations when needed.
X Not applicable

Ability to recognize circumstances that give rise to ethical problems, and to recognize that such problems benefit from prompt and serious attention and guidance from others.

5 Anticipates potential ethical issues and problems before they arise, promptly bringing such issues and problems to the attention of the supervisor/principal, weighs competing interests, refers to the Model Code of Professional Conduct, and consults with other legal professionals as needed when making ethical decisions.
4 Identifies ethical issues and problems from a broader perspective (e.g., impact on the administration of justice).
3 Discusses key ethical issues after the potential ethical issues and problems are provided by the principal.
2 Identifies some of the ethical issues and problems involved or inaccurately identifies ethical issues and problems.
1 Unable to identify ethical issues and problems.

Making informed and reasoned decisions about ethical issues including discussing and managing potential conflict of interest issues.

5 Takes into consideration the values of the profession when there is no clear answer in the Model Code of Professional Conduct and initiates client conflict management process wherever applicable. Presents possible solutions and ways forward in a proactive manner.
4 Makes an appropriate decision regarding an ethical issue based on the Model Code of Professional Conduct and applies the client conflict management process whenever applicable. Discusses possible solutions and ways forward.
3 Makes a recommendation regarding an ethical issue based on the Model Code of Professional Conduct and observes the use of the client management process whenever applicable.
2 Decides on an ethical issue without referring to the Model Code of Professional Conduct and observes the use of the client conflict management process after being instructed to do so. Rarely presents possible solutions.
1 Does not decide when an ethical issue arises. Allows ethical issues to escalate. Unaware of the client conflict management process. Does not present any solution.

Ability to exhibit knowledge through overall performance, carrying out obligations and dealings, including by adhering to the highest ethical standards and demonstrating courtesy and good character in all dealings.

5 Consistently demonstrates knowledge of LSN Rules and Model Code of Professional Conduct by adhering to the highest ethical standards, including carrying out obligations courteously and respectfully, with candour and good character in all dealings.
4 Frequently refers to the LSN Rules and Model Code of Professional Conduct in carrying out obligations with candour and good character in all dealings.
3 Occasionally observes the LSN Rules and Model Code of Professional Conduct in carrying out all obligations and dealings.
2 Rarely observes or refers to the LSN Rules and Model Code of Professional Conduct in carrying out obligations and dealings.
1 Demonstrates inadequate knowledge of the LSN Rules and Model Code of Professional Conduct through non-observance of proper courtesy and decorum in carrying out obligations and all dealings.

The articling experience should teach candidates to recognize and understand a lawyer’s professional responsibility and regulatory obligations. On completion the candidates should have an understanding of the rules, where the rules can be located, and how the rules apply to the lawyer’s practice.

  • Attend a session reviewing regulatory requirements and practice management information outlined in the LSN's practice toolkit:
    • Attended a session
    • Did not attend a session
    • Expected date of attendance _________

Practice Management

Ability to be prioritize work effectively, manage multiple files, and keep deadlines.

5 Consistently accomplishes tasks on or before set deadlines. Able to effectively manage multiple files without difficulty.
4 Able to consistently accomplish tasks on set deadlines and manage multiple files.
3 Occasionally causes minor delays by promptly asking extension from deadlines. Able to manage multiple files with some difficulty.
2 Rarely accomplishes tasks despite set deadlines causing delays. Able to manage not more than two files.
1 Unable to accomplish tasks on set deadlines causing serious delays. Unable to manage multiple files.

Ability to prioritize tasks and workload. Ability to organize files.

5 Regularly prioritizes tasks and workload according to importance and urgency. Regularly organizes files effectively.
4 Frequently manages tasks and workload with a sense of urgency. Frequently organizes files.
3 Accomplishes tasks and workload on set deadlines. Occasionally organizes files when reminded.
2 Rarely accomplishes tasks and workload despite set deadlines. Rarely organizes files even after instructions.
1 Unable to accomplish tasks and workload on set deadlines. Unable to organize files properly even after instructions.

a. Effective client communication, development, and relations; Explaining the legal situation clearly and accurately, ensuring there is a mutual understanding with clients regarding instructions.

5 Interprets the client's nonverbal behaviours and responds in a way (verbally and nonverbally) that further establishes rapport and trust. Helps the client to manage the client's expressed emotions and behaviours. Anticipates and proactively addresses issues that could lead to unreasonable client expectations.
4 Demonstrates empathy for the client. Uses positive nonverbal behaviours when meeting the client. Takes steps to correct unreasonable expectations based on an understanding of the law and legal proceedings.
3 Communicates clearly, respectfully, and in a manner in which the client can relate. Communicates information required to establish trust. Communicates effectively with the client to promote reasonable client expectations.
2 Experiences a high level of difficulty when communicating with and relating to the client, but without demonstrating disrespectful behaviours. Identifies when expectations are unreasonable and brings them to the attention of the principal/supervisor but does not address them with the client.
1 Demonstrates a lack of preparation when meeting the client (e.g., does not know the client's name or basic facts that are important to establishing rapport). Demonstrates disrespectful behaviours. Fails to identify unreasonable client expectations or promotes unreasonable client expectations.
X Not applicable.

b. Keeping the client informed of the progress of the matter through client meetings where remedies, options, advice, and instructions are discussed.

Collaboration, teamwork, and good relations with office staff.

5 Builds productive rapport with co-workers. Always demonstrates candour and courtesy in working with others. Conducts oneself in a manner that inspires trust, respect and confidence.
4 Cordial and willing to help coworkers. Direct, honest and polite. Conducts oneself in a manner that is civil, courteous and in good faith.
3 Maintains good working relationships with coworkers. Treats others with fairness, dignity and respect.
2 Rarely offers to assist others in the office. Makes negative comments that affect working relationships with others.
1 Projects behaviour that is abusive or offensive. Communicates in a manner that is not with the proper tone of a professional.
  • Observe procedures related to engagements/retainers and/or documenting the scope of services including advice given to the client and instructions received from the client.
5 Regularly observes procedures related to engagements/retainers and/or documenting the scope of services. Prepares a complete record of the content of the interview, including the rationale for the advice provided to the client and the client's instructions.
4 Frequently observes procedures related to engagements/retainers, and accurately and completely documents the scope of services including the advice given and instructions received from the client.
3 Occasionally observes procedures related to engagements/retainers. Documents the scope of services, advice given, and instructions received from the client such that minor certification is required.
2 Rarely observes procedures related to engagements/retainers. Documents the scope of services, advice given and/or instructions received from the client incompletely.
1 Does not observe procedures related to engagements/retainers. Does not document the advice given and/or the instructions received from the client or does so inaccurately.
X Not applicable.

  • Use time docketing system and/or follow the process for recording expenses and disbursements.

5 Regularly uses time docketing systems and/or accurately follows the process for recording expenses and disbursements.
4 Frequently uses time docketing systems and/or correctly follows the process for recording expenses and disbursements.
3 Occasionally uses time docketing systems and/or follows the process for recording expenses and disbursements with minimal errors.
2 Rarely uses time docketing systems and/or inaccurately follows the process for recording expenses and disbursements.
1 Does not use time docketing systems nor follow the process for recording expenses and disbursements
X Not applicable.

Legal Research

  • Gathers and organizes information to present a comprehensive set of facts and regularly conducts due diligence.
5 Organizes information to present a comprehensive set of facts and regularly conducts due diligence.
4 Identifies and gathers all relevant facts and frequently conducts due diligence.
3 Gathers and summarizes sufficient relevant facts from the client and other sources and occasionally conducts due diligence.
2 Gathers accurate but incomplete facts. Conducts due diligence when reminded.
1 Gathers inaccurate facts. Ignores the need to conduct due diligence.
X Not applicable.

  • Review and/or summarize relevant documentation (e.g., transcripts, client's personal or internal files, corporate minute books, contracts, files maintained by government or administrative bodies).

5 Regularly conducts detailed reviews and efficiently summarizes relevant documentation for a variety of matters.
4 Frequently conducts detailed reviews and properly summarizes relevant documentation.
3 Occasionally conducts detailed reviews of relevant documentation.
2 Conducts limited reviews of relevant documentation.
1 Unable to conduct reviews nor summarize relevant documentation.
X Not applicable.

Identifying and analyzing issues (including substantive and procedural issues) and applicable areas of law. Interpreting, applying, and communicating research results.

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Legal Writing

  • Drafting legal documents that are well-structured, clear, succinct and that meet the intended purpose of each document.
5 Always drafts legal documents that are well-structured, clear and succinct. Effectively responds to the intended purpose of each document.
4 Frequently drafts legal documents that are structured, clear and brief. Correctly responds to the intended purpose of each document.
3 Drafts legal documents that are concise and clear. Adequately meets the intended purpose of each document.
2 Haphazardly drafts legal documents that barely meet the intended purpose of each document.
1 Unable to draft legal documents. Drafts documents that do not responded to the intended purpose of each document.
  • Ensures accuracy of content (including effective use of precedents, and formulation of legal argument, analysis, advice or submissions), grammar, and punctuation. Uses appropriate tone.
5 Effectively formulates and drafts sound legal arguments, analysis, advice or submissions by using precedents and making extensive, substantive modifications. Always ensures the accuracy of content, grammar and punctuation. Consistently uses the appropriate tone that conveys civility and courtesy.
4 Formulates and drafts legal arguments, analysis, advice or submissions. Correctly uses precedents and makes substantive modifications. Frequently ensures the accuracy of content, grammar and punctuation when drafting legal documents. Uses the correct tone throughout the document.
3 Formulates and drafts legal documents, analysis, advice or submissions by using precedents and making minor modifications. Ensures the accuracy of content with few noticeable grammatical errors and word order problems. Uses proper tone needing minor adjustments to convey civility.
2 Drafts legal argument, analysis, advice or submissions by using precedents without making appropriate modifications. Drafts legal documents with inaccurate content, very noticeable grammar errors, and word order problems. Ineffective use of tone causing confusion.
1 Unable to formulate legal argument, analysis, advice or submissions. Unable to use precedents. Drafts legal documents containing seriously inaccurate content, grammar and punctuation that causes confusion. Inappropriate use of tone that conveys confusion, discourtesy or rudeness.

Legal Analysis and Analytical Skills

Eliciting relevant information from the client to determine the client’s goals and objectives.

Analyzing client’s problems based on the law, the facts, and the clients’ circumstances.

Identifying and analyzing the relevant facts and circumstances of the other party’s case to develop an appropriate case strategy. Specifies next steps or actions to further the client’s interests.

Identifying and analyzing the issues raised by the other party in Application or Motion materials. Developing an appropriate response and specifying next steps or actions that further the client's interests.

Identify applicable areas of law and legal issues.

Identifying and assessing possible courses of action and range of outcomes.

Trial and Litigation Management

  • Representing the client effectively, including preparing, presenting, and organizing the case; and arguing persuasively in accordance with the procedures and etiquette of the forum, including the conduct of the court or administrative tribunal matters, in accordance with Law Society Rules.

  • Prepare clients or witnesses for trial or other examination.

  • Advocating in a non-adjudicative context. Preparing for and negotiating a matter on behalf of a client, including documenting a settlement and/or preparing for and representing or co-representing a client at a mediation
  • Negotiating the resolution of a dispute or legal problem.

Conducting a motion, application, or simple hearing. Presents a well-reasoned and clear legal argument, analysis, and submissions; demeanour and body language convey confidence and knowledge of the case/materials.