Articling at Beresh Cunningham places you with one of the top and most respected criminal law firms in Alberta. We offer our students one of the most comprehensive criminal-law articles anywhere in Canada. Those articles include experience in all aspects of criminal law litigation from Provincial Court to the Supreme Court of Canada. Three students who worked with our office in the past articled for the Supreme Court of Canada; one of those also articled with the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal.

Our students have the opportunity to be part of at least one jury trial, appeals in the Court of Appeal, and trials by judge alone. As well, they are given Queen's Bench chambers and Provincial Court trial experience under supervision. Students are well supported by excellent staff, receive two weeks paid holidays, and a full benefits package along with a competitive salary. We pay all bar course fees and students are paid their salaries while attending the bar admission program. At the end of articles, we commemorate the achievement with the purchase of Barristers robes. In addition, we will secure a placement for our students with a respected civil law firm in order to provide a more well-rounded article and in preparation for bar admission exams.

Our office is fully computerized and networked so our students have full access to online legal research and the Internet. Finally, we offer our students a terrific place to work with great people and truly interesting work. Historically we have grown almost exclusively by rewarding successful articles with a career.

What We Expect
We expect hard work from ourselves and our students because criminal defence work is very hard work. However, as anyone doing criminal defence work will tell you, there is no life like it and adrenaline is a useful cure for a short night's sleep. We also expect initiative, willingness to learn new skills, and compatibility with the lawyers and staff.

What We Are Looking For
We are looking for top students who are self-starters and applicants that have a keen interest in the law, particularly in the areas of criminal law, Charter of Rights, advocacy, evidence, and related areas. We are particularly looking for students with:

• Strong research and writing skills;
• Good academic records in public law subjects at law school;
• Public speaking abilities;
• Moot Court, student legal services, or equivalent experience or aptitudes;
• Diverse interests and pursuits outside of law;
• Computer technological skills or background would also be an asset.

For more information about our office and the articled student position, please contact:

Kim Hardstaff
Beresh Cunningham
Barristers
#300, 10110 - 107th Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1J4
Phone: (780) 421-4766
Fax: (780)429-0346
E-mail: hardstaff@libertylaw.ca