At TGF, we prioritize giving responsibility and practical experience to students as soon as they are ready for it. We involve our students in every part of our client files, including assessing the strengths and weaknesses of legal positions, negotiating deals during restructurings, drafting pleadings and motion materials and legal arguments, gathering evidence, consulting directly with clients, managing discovery processes, formulating case strategies and attending trials and hearings. Students who thrive at TGF are proactive, take responsibility for their files and take the initiative to demonstrate their skill and dedication to their colleagues.  In return, you will form meaningful connections and gain invaluable hands-on experience that will shape your legal career.

We carefully pair each summer and articling student with a mentor. The mentor will be an associate who will focus on providing day-to-day guidance and offer strategic, big-picture advice. Each mentor-mentee relationship is unique and tailored to the individual. Our mentor selection process is thoughtful, ensuring the best possible match for every student. While mentors occasionally work with students on client matters, their primary role is to guide and support. Great mentors collaborate with their mentees to set clear goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. These mentor relationships often evolve into long-term relationships, offering support and advice well beyond the summer/ articling experience. We know TGF students are given more responsibilities than their peers, and we make sure to give them the support they need to excel. Articling students will have the additional support of a partner who will serve as their articling principal. Mentorship is built into the fabric of TGF: every lawyer is a mentor to other lawyers, and we assign our students a mentor to support their growth and development.

Twice during the summer, we conduct formal evaluations for our summer students. Each reviewing lawyer provides detailed feedback on the student’s performance, assessing key skills and attributes such as communication, legal research and analysis, drafting, judgment, and client focus. In addition to these formal reviews, our lawyers provide ongoing informal feedback throughout the program. We also encourage students to request feedback after completing assignments, fostering continuous growth and improvement during their time at TGF.

At TGF, our students participate in a variety of social and client events designed to foster strong connections with their colleagues. Past events have included attending Blue Jays games, industry networking events, student/mentor dinners, and events specifically elected and proposed by students. These gatherings create a relaxed atmosphere, allowing students to bond with peers and mentors alike, helping to cultivate a collaborative and supportive work environment. Building these relationships not only enhances the overall work culture but also provides invaluable learning opportunities through informal interactions with experienced professionals.