Career Opportunities
Blakes and CIBC Reintegration of Women Lawyers into the Workplace
Toronto
Permanent Full-Time
Blakes and CIBC Reintegration of Women Lawyers into the Workplace
Since 2018, Blakes, in partnership with CIBC, has been offering a program to assist experienced women lawyers returning to the practice of law, after an absence of two or more years, with obtaining additional legal experience. This will be a ten-month paid position. This program is designed to give women lawyers returning to the workforce recent job experience at a leading Canadian law firm and within a large, sophisticated in-house legal department at CIBC. The program is intended to offer participants an opportunity to showcase their talents in the workplace, while at the same time increasing their experience, skills and contacts.
Structure of the Program
The program will run for ten months starting in the fall of 2024 (with flexibility on the start date). Participants will commence the program at Blakes and will alternate their time between Blakes and CIBC Legal in Toronto. We expect that the program will be done as hybrid work with in- person and remote work each week, consistent with the current policies of Blakes and CIBC.
We will structure the program to accommodate flexible hours of work and will provide coaching support for the successful candidate.
Who Can Apply?
This program is open to women who (1) have three or more years of experience in a corporate/commercial or other transaction-based practice, (2) have left the workforce for at least two years, (3) wish to return to the workforce as a practicing lawyer, and (4) are eligible to practice law in Ontario.
Process
Blakes and CIBC welcome applications from all qualified applicants. However, only successful candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
Both Blakes and CIBC are committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment comprised of people with different perspectives, backgrounds, identities, and cultures.
The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.
About Blakes
At Blakes, we are all about our people. We are committed to not only providing exceptional client experiences, but also fostering an open and inclusive workplace culture for legal professionals and administrative professionals. As a winner of the Canada’s Best Diversity Employers award, as well as the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers award, we know that diversity and inclusion are not simply initiatives on the perimeter of our business — they are the core of our success. We understand the importance of cultivating an environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a Firm starts with the hiring, development and retention of top talent.
Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment comprised of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures.
The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to Apply
Applicants will provide the following to Blakes by clicking on apply:
- A cover letter and résumé
- Law school and undergraduate transcripts
Blakes wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.