Articling Student Applications at Illuma Family Law – Tips and Tricks

Written By Abby Pang

If you are getting close to the end of your third year at law school and still applying for articling positions in Vancouver, here are some tips and tricks from our Vancouver family lawyers for your articling interview.

At Illuma Family Law, we have a three step process:

1) we check your resume and cover letter;

2) we interview you;

3) we check your references.

Here is a guide on what we and other employers may look for during this process.

Resume

When looking through resumes, we look at your education, which schools you attended and the type of programs you enrolled in, these should align with the Illuma Family Law values.

Next, we review your experience. At Illuma Family Law we value candidates who have had experience in family law or helping others during a crisis, whether it be through a law firm, or volunteer position. We value individuals who have knowledge about real estate and how businesses work. We look for individuals who have shown loyalty and commitment in their past experiences.

Lastly, we look at your interests and hobbies. We value like-minded individuals who we can get along with. Being a customer-serviced, family-focused based business, we value positive, respectful, and supportive individuals.

 

Interview

Be prepared to tell your story. During the interview process we will ask you questions about your education and experiences to gauge:

·         Your resiliency with overcoming challenges.

·         Your strategy in dealing with difficult situations.

·         Your confidence level and ability to lead and work independently.

·         Your work ethic.

·         Your personality.

·         Your passion and where it comes from.

·         Your reasons for interest in family law.

·         Your knowledge of family law, landmark cases, and where family law needs reform.

Be yourself, so that once you start your job, the match will be based on an accurate representation of who you are, which makes the relationship sustainable. Don’t forget to ask questions and show curiosity about the firm and the team members. Review the firm’s website to learn more about what they do and what they stand for. At Illuma Family Law specifically, we want to know that you will work hard, be coachable, and get along with the team.

 

Reference Checks

The last step in the process is that we check references. Make sure your references remember who you are and will actually give you a good reference. You can call them or meet them for coffee to remind them of their experience with you and ask if they had feedback for you while you were assisting them during your employment or volunteering experience. Chances are, if they have any negative feedback for you, that’s what they will convey at the reference check.

 

Each firm has their own culture and requirements, so reach out to the associates or articling students already working at the firm to find out about their experience at the firm. Apply to the firm that you actually want to work for and with in the long term, not simply because you need an articling position. Be on time and make sure your technology works. Thank your interviewer and follow-up to show that you really want the job.

We wish you all the best on your search.

Abby Pang

Abby is a lawyer and loving mother of two children. She is an advocate for healthy families and children. She has turned her energy towards supporting families, by providing guidance and helping families navigate through the legal system, while empowering them to have a voice throughout the process.

Abby Pang’s journey began in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Subsequently, her family moved to the east side of Vancouver, before moving to Richmond, where she spent most of her childhood. Her father was a refugee who came to Canada in 1970, and from him she learned the meaning of grit.

In her youth, Abby experienced a breakdown in her family unit which resulted in divorce. She understands that marital breakdowns and divorces can be complicated, but also devastating. She also understands there are alternative options and ways to mitigate the damaging effects of the process.

Abby earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, studying psychology and family studies. She earned a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, exchange program through the Hong Kong University. In 2008, she returned to British Columbia to work in a large law office while completing her National Certificate of Accreditation. She then completed her articles in a boutique law firm in Vancouver. She was called to the British Columbia bar in 2012.

Abby has appeared in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She deals with personal injury claims, sexual assault (civil) claims, and family law matters: Jansson v. Malone, 2021; Binning v. Kandola, 2021; Bergeron v. Malloy, 2020; Urwin v. Hanson, 2019; Lally v. He, 2016; Kandola v. Mactavish, 2016; Kweon v. Roy, 2016; Chan v. Caer, 2014; Saadati v. Moorhead, 2015; Loft v. Nat, 2015. In addition to her court experience, Abby takes a “family first” approach and is resolution-focused. She is registered through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

As a lawyer, Abby Pang’s community involvement included volunteer work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum. As well, she had the opportunity to assist at Rise Women’s Legal Center and Battered Women’s Support Services through volunteering with Amici Curiae Friends of Court.

Abby is the recipient of A Woman of Worth Leader of the Year Award 2023 for her outstanding achievements in strengthening her community/organization through innovative approaches to resolving challenges and inspiring meaningful change. She has been recognized nationally as a nominee of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2023, which honours extraordinary women leaders and businesses.

In her personal time, Abby enjoys snowboarding, bike riding, and spending time with her family.

https://www.illumalaw.com/team
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