Articling - Testimonials

Diane Pike (Articled 2004/2005)

I had a wonderful articling experience at Harrison Pensa. From the first time I interviewed with this firm, I knew it was the place for me. Harrison Pensa has an inviting and friendly atmosphere that makes you want to work here. This was only reinforced to me during my articling term, which is why I was thrilled when I was asked to stay on with the firm.

The practical experience that I gained as an articling student at Harrison Pensa was excellent and has prepared me well for the practice of law. I had the opportunity as a student to attend on initial client interviews, argue motions, attend on pre-trials and had carriage of my own small claims files. I was also able to attend with various lawyers on pre-trials, discoveries, mediations, small claims trials and a highly publicized coroner’s inquest. The lawyers in the firm were always interested in ensuring I was getting the most out of my articling term and were also there to provide me with the best experience possible. In addition to the lawyers, the staff was incredible and went above and beyond to make my articling experience unforgettable.

As students we were truly treated as members of the firm. We were invited to attend various firm functions such as: The Turkey Bowl, Oyster Party, Christmas Party and HP Picnic in addition to numerous charity events that were hosted by the firm throughout the year.

My overall articling experience at Harrison Pensa was exceptional and I would, therefore, highly recommend this firm to any potential articling student. If you are interested in a firm that will provide you with valuable practical experience in a broad range of areas; challenging assignments that will increase your competence; a friendly and inviting atmosphere that makes learning a priority, but always has a door open to answer your questions; allow you time away from the office so that you can maintain a balanced lifestyle; and has a good hire back record, then this is the firm for you and I would encourage you to apply.

Andrea Magahey (Articled 2003/2004)

I can readily recommend the articling experience at Harrison Pensa. The experience exceeded my expectations. I was able to enjoy a wide variety of assignments in the two litigation rotations and in the corporate commercial rotation. Harrison Pensa practices in many diverse areas of law thereby providing articling students with well rounded articles which are so critical to ensuring that you get the most possible out of the experience. The people at Harrison Pensa are extremely competent, energetic, fun and hard working. All the lawyers have an open door policy which is truly welcoming. This means there is always someone available to assist you in thinking through a problem or an assignment. There are regular articling student seminars with plenty of time available for questions and discussion.

As an articling student, I was made to feel like member of the firm and provided with access to all the firm's excellent resources including the librarian, comprehensive precedents, research guides and special seminars.

During the course of my articles, I was also encouraged to pursue and take on any challenges which were of particular interest to me professionally. This allows students to ensure that they have an opportunity to make the most of the articling experience.

Overall, I am delighted to have had the opportunity to article amongst such a wonderful group of people and such an excellent firm.

Ronald Ellis (Articled 2003/2004)

My articling experience at Harrison Pensa has been excellent. When you read the testimonials of my colleagues you will read of the many advantages of working in this full-service firm. You will read about the value of our open-door policy, student seminars, challenging and rewarding assignments and the advantages of a rotation which provides a wide variety of legal training and education.

In addition, you should know that this firm is a firm with heart. There is a true team atmosphere here that becomes evident within a very short time of working within these walls. The people of Harrison Pensa are actively involved in making this community a better place. Whether it be the sponsoring of our Holiday Families, United Way, Run for Ovarian Cancer, Wheelchair Relay, Corporate Challenge, Courthouse Rocks or the many other fund-raisers and community events we immerse ourselves in, you will see that we devote a lot of energy to making a positive difference.