Earlier this year, I reached out to McGill’s Career Development Office to take part in their Day
in the Life initiative, hoping to be paired with a corporate firm. As I was preparing for the Course
aux Stages process, I wanted to better understand the daily realities of that professional universe.
Quite luckily, I was matched with Me Faiz Lalani, a partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg.
The day before my visit to their (gorgeous) office building, I received a detailed schedule
outlining meetings with lawyers from various practice groups, articling students, and even the
Manager of Library Services. I was thoroughly welcomed.
Though I had no set expectations stepping out of the McGill Tower elevator, I quickly realized
that no structured plan would be needed for the conversations ahead. Everyone I spoke with was
kind, passionate, and genuinely engaging. Our discussions flowed freely—from managing stress
in high-performance environments to the nuances of billable work and its effect on team
dynamics. None of this came at the expense of more personal, lively exchanges about shared
interests—ranging from the Montreal music scene to the cultural contrasts between Canadians
and the French, courtesy of Me Antoine Le Bihan.
The day was also rich in hospitality: a hot chocolate-fueled chat with students at Café Olimpico
and a relaxed dinner at Time Out Market with Me Lalani were standouts. In those moments, I
gained a deeper appreciation of Davies as a firm that nurtures excellence through authenticity—
where professional challenges go hand-in-hand with continuous growth and learning. That
emphasis on intellectual curiosity and development was a recurring theme, and it left a lasting
impression on my view of business law in Montreal.
The advice, warmth, and candid insights I received that day guided me through the Montreal
recruitment process. I found myself drawn to the human dimension of each firm—paying closer
attention to the personalities, values, and interests of the people I encountered. The care and
thoughtfulness that went into planning such an enriching Day in the Life only deepened my
curiosity and enthusiasm for the world of business law I will be stepping into this summer.