Students

Real Learning

As a student at BCF, you will work in all the areas of law that interest you. It is your choice: opt for a rotation through the different fields of practice or simply take part in the variety of mandates that await you. To us, you are already part of the team. You will participate in all social and training activities as well as in our firm’s departmental meetings.

Looking to go further? BCF offers you the chance to work part-time while you are studying.

Articling Program

Our Flexibility

BCF is not afraid to reinvent itself. We have accommodated our articling students’ new reality by adapting to the Québec Bar School’s new program. Whether you choose the preparatory or accelerated courses, whether you complete the program in December or May, BCF welcomes you. You can continue your studies without worrying that your articles will be delayed!

Your future starts here

How does articling at BCF prepare you for the practice of law?

• By matching you with a team with which you can develop within the firm.
• By providing you with the support of a mentor.
• By quickly involving you in various legal matters.
• By giving you an early opportunity to communicate with clients and other players in the business world.

That is how it is done at BCF. It is the best way for you to dive head-first into a particular field of law, to get a real taste of your professional future.

After your swearing-in…

Just sworn in? Deepen the knowledge and skills you acquired during your articles by launching your career with BCF. You will be constantly challenged to push your limits, to devote yourself to ambitious and dynamic clients and to be successful. Join a team that aims for the highest performance, one of the best business law firms in Canada.

Mentoring

BCF is proud of its distinctive mentoring program, which ensures your professional development and is designed to allow you to realize your full potential. From the day you start, whether as a student, articling student or lawyer, you are guided by a mentor. Your mentor not only supports you in your choices and introduces the organization to you, but also teaches you about BCF’s culture and values—we are all about winning, excelling and giving. When a professional chooses a career at BCF, his or her mentor helps develop a personalized business plan. This plan is your direct route to reaching your goals!

Regular follow-up

Your mentor meets with you on a monthly basis. You receive a progress report on achieving pre-established goals and learn more about all the possibilities available to you at BCF. With your success in mind, your mentor will ensure that you have all the tools necessary to make your mark in the legal community.

Our mentoring program evolves with you, adapting to your various needs and realities throughout your career at BCF.

Evaluation

Once a year, every professional receives a personal evaluation—a progress report on your evolution. It is a relaxed and informal atmosphere for an assessment of the year ending soon and to set goals for the one ahead.

Training

BCF team members have the will to excel and continuously aim higher. They regularly take part in continuing education activities. Practice group meetings, presentations on research, conferences and other internal and external training… BCF encourages constant improvement. Training includes updates on recent judgments, changes in the law, business development techniques and improving the effectiveness and quality of our services.

Because BCF develops privileged relationships with firms practicing in other jurisdictions, our lawyers have opportunities to work there. This is another valuable and exciting way to expand your knowledge!

Working Conditions

• Salaries among the highest in the market:

• $66,000 per year for an articling student in Montreal and $45,000 in Quebec City

• $85,000 per year for a first-year associate and $60, 000 in Quebec City

• An aggressive and unique bonus program allowing you to earn up to 40% of your base salary

• A summer position as soon as you have completed your second year of law school

• Payment of your Quebec Bar School tuition fees

• A salary of $12,000 (Montreal) or $8,000 (Quebec City) while attending the Quebec Bar School

• A signing bonus of $5,000 in Montreal or $3,500 in Quebec City upon being hired as a first-year associate

• The possibility of working at one of several out-of-province law firms with which we have a privileged relationship

• A laptop

• Smart phone (Blackberry, IPhone or other)

• The services of an assistant

• An allowance for a sports club membership

• Four weeks vacation as a first-year associate, two weeks of which may be taken at the end of your articling period

• Life insurance and group medical, dental and disability insurance coverage

• An Employee Assistance Program

Social Events

At BCF, we believe a happy team is a high-performance team. Parties, activities, sports… there are many opportunities for good times and to strengthen connections: Every Thursday: a happy hour-style cocktail for all our professionals.

Several times a year
Our support staff joins the entire team for a themed cocktail party to celebrate a special occasion such as Halloween or St. Patrick's Day.

The start of summer
In a relaxed atmosphere, all the members of our firm and their families are invited to our famous country festival.

In the fall
All our professionals, their partners and our students and articling students get together at the biannual BCF retreat. In a relaxed setting, members of the executive committee present the strategic plans for the years to come.

Every year
Our Montreal and Quebec City offices compete in a sporting event reminiscent of the good old Canadiens–Nordiques rivalry!

Our Christmas party
All our professionals, support staff, students and articling students celebrate together.

Sports leagues
BCF is actively involved in several leagues in Montreal’s legal community. Members of our team are great competitors in softball, soccer and hockey.