See what a day in the life of a lawyer in Canada looks like, from the demands of the work to what makes it rewarding
From television dramas and film portrayals, we have all seen and heard what a day in the life of a lawyer may look like. However, it's important to separate fiction from reality, especially for current law students and newly minted lawyers, who are curious about what actually happens in a lawyer's day‑to‑day work.
In this article, we'll share insights from lawyers in different positions and practice areas on what their typical day looks like. They also highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of the profession, and shared advice that can be helpful for law students and new lawyers.
A day in the life of an associate lawyer
Daxton S. Boeré, associate at Farris LLP, shares what a typical day working as an associate lawyer looks like. "A day can be anything from in-office work drafting pleadings, researching, and planning next steps to court hearings, mediations, discoveries, and the like."
However, Boeré's day as a lawyer is not always confined to the four corners of the office. "If I'm working away in the office, I like to get in early, tackle emails, and then work on my more substantive projects."
"Most days I'm balancing file work with calls and meetings," adds Boeré, who works for one of Canadian Lawyer's Top Western Firms list for 2025-2026. This can be "both with partners or students/other associates about our ongoing files and with clients, discussing their matters, advising them, and getting instructions."
Different roles, different tasks
There's also variation in Boeré's day when specific tasks come in.
"If I'm going to a mediation or a discovery, my morning starts early with preparation and then I'm headed off to do that work, which usually happens somewhere other than my firm's offices. If I have a court hearing it's often an earlier start, finishing up my preparation, going over my speaking notes, and making sure I know where everything is in my binders.
"I try not to stay at the office too late, but that also depends on whether I'm in a trial or hearing that I need to prepare for."
Working in estates, insolvency, and commercial litigation
Boeré practices in a mix of areas, including estates, insolvency, and commercial litigation. This comes with its share of pros and cons.
"I get to do really interesting, challenging work with people I like, and I get to do a wide variety of different files."
This is not surprising, since Farris LLP is Lexpert-ranked in corporate commercial litigation.
Boeré adds that one of their favourite things about law is how social the profession is.
"From acting as second chair to a more senior lawyer, bringing a student in to be second chair on one of my files, to just bouncing ideas off someone else, there's a lot of discussion and engagement with other lawyers in my firm.
"It is also a job where being technical and pedantic often matters and as someone whose favourite kind of correct is technically correct, that's certainly a pro!"
The profession does have drawbacks, but Boeré says that these "are what you'd expect."
"It can be stressful, it sometimes means long hours, and it has ruined my ability to be fun at parties."
Getting experience in customer service
Boeré's most practical advice for law students and aspiring lawyers is to get work experience in customer service.
"Law is at its core a customer service profession and learning through retail or a serving job will give you valuable transferable skills for your future."
As someone who comes from a marginalized community, Boeré also offered advice for aspiring lawyers treading the same ground. "From a more personal perspective, joining the legal sphere can be daunting, particularly if you're a person who is marginalized in any way.
"As a non-binary person, I did not see people who looked like me in the career I wanted. I think you need to know that your voice is necessary and valuable, and you can make your own seat at the table if there isn't one there waiting for you."
If you want to know how law firms are rethinking talent retention strategies for the next generation of lawyers, listen to this CL Talk podcast:
Bookmark our CL Talk page for more interesting podcasts if you want to hear more insights from legal experts working on different legal practice areas.
A day in the life of a managing lawyer
The life of a managing lawyer also has its ups and downs. Claudia Desjardins Bélisle, managing partner at Miller Thomson LLP, shared what her typical day looks like.
"As the new managing partner of Miller Thomson's Montréal office, my days are split between advising clients on high‑stakes labour and employment matters and steering the growth of our local teams."
Being the managing partner of a firm recognized at the Canadian Law Awards 2025 does not prevent her from taking on other roles. "I still handle complex workplace files and accompany my clients in their day-to-day operations and strategic decisions."
However, Desjardins Bélisle says that "a growing share of my time is spent building teams, making strategic decisions for the firm, and supporting our lawyers as they develop their own practices."
For more on industry leaders, here's a peek on what happened during the Canadian Law Awards 2025:
Head over to Canadian Lawyer's Events page to stay updated on future events for lawyers across the country.
Work in labour and employment law
Desjardins Bélisle shares some of the advantages and drawbacks of a lawyer working in labour and employment, an area where Miller Thomson LLP is Lexpert-ranked.
"Labour and employment is incredibly rewarding because you see the impact of your advice directly on people, culture and how businesses operate," Desjardins Bélisle says.
On the other hand, "the challenge is that issues are often urgent and emotionally charged, so you need strong judgment, resilience and a solid team around you."
Advice for women lawyers
Desjardins Bélisle gives advice not just for future lawyers, but also for aspiring women lawyers: "Learn the law well, but also stay curious about business and about people, because that is where you will create the most value as a lawyer.
"And especially for women, do not talk yourself out of opportunities too early, seek out mentors who believe in you, and remember there is more than one way to build a successful legal career."
A day in the life of a professional negligence lawyer
For someone who defends colleagues in the profession, the day of a professional negligence lawyer may seem a bit different.
This applies to Timothy P. Hawryluk, K.C., managing partner at Robertson Stromberg LLP. His practice focuses on defending lawyers and law firms in relation to claims of professional negligence.
As a litigator, Hawryluk says that his day is primarily comprised of:
- reporting to his clients
- preparing court pleadings and related applications
- representing his clients at mediations, discoveries, and court proceedings
"No two days as a litigator are the same, and every day presents new challenges and opportunities," Hawryluk notes.
Working for lawyers in a specialized field
Defending lawyers day in and day out and working for one of Canadian Lawyer's Top Western Firms, Hawryluk considers himself fortunate to have a relatively specialized legal practice.
"This provides me with a high degree of comfort in the work that I am doing for my clients, and I am very familiar with this area of the law," he says.
"I am also fortunate to have sophisticated and professional clients that are very familiar in general, with the work that I am performing for them. This assists significantly in the communication as between myself and my clients."
On the flipside, Hawryluk says that "representing lawyers comes commensurate with clients that have high expectations across the board."
Wider opportunities for new lawyers nowadays
Hawryluk adds that this is an excellent time to study law. "My experience in private practice is that almost all midsize to larger law firms in Saskatchewan are currently in an active recruitment phase.
"There is tremendous opportunity out there for any young lawyer who is prepared to invest the time and effort required to develop a professional practice."
Law students may want to look at Robertson Stromberg LLP, which is among Saskatchewan's leading law firms as ranked by Canadian Lawyer.
Hawryluk also has high hopes for the new lawyers this year. "I believe that there are more robust opportunities for lawyers graduating in 2026, than I have seen in the last 25 years and I do not expect that to change anytime soon."
A day in the life of a corporate and commercial lawyer
While corporate and commercial law may attract many new lawyers to the profession, Mark Dolan, K.C., partner at Robertson Stromberg LLP, has some thoughts on what life looks like as a lawyer in this field.
Since Dolan works for Robertson Stromberg's corporate/commercial practice group, he says that his typical day involves:
- advising business owners
- assisting with commercial transactions
- working on financings or acquisitions/dispositions
"I would spend time drafting and reviewing agreements, and coordinating with lenders, accountants and lawyers regarding corporate reorganizations, transactions, and secured lending engagements," he says.
No two days are the same, Dolan adds, finding mergers and acquisitions and secured lending work to be the most engaging.
Working in a fast-paced legal environment
"I love having the opportunity to work alongside business owners, lenders, and accountants at key moments for my clients, whether that involves growing, reorganizing, or selling their businesses," Dolan says.
"The work in my field is demanding, and comes with time pressure, high expectations, and responsibility for the financial outcomes of my clients." As such, acting as a corporate lawyer may sound appealing, but it also involves demanding, behind‑the‑scenes work."
"I find the work rewarding, but it requires a high level of responsiveness and comfort working in a fast-paced and complex environment," Dolan adds.
Advice for upcoming corporate and commercial lawyers
Working for one of Lexpert's top ranked law firms for several practice areas, Dolan advises new lawyers and law students to develop strong writing and analytical skills early. "I believe being precise and writing clearly are the foundations of effective legal work."
If you are interested in corporate and commercial law, Dolan adds, one must be curious about business, not just the law. "Understanding how clients' businesses operate will set you apart from other lawyers."
"Lastly, build relationships and seek mentors. This is a demanding profession, and I believe a key part of success involves guidance from and relationships with experienced lawyers."
A day in the life of a personal injury lawyer
"A typical day for a personal injury lawyer rarely looks the same," says Lisa Wagner, partner at Wagners Personal Injury Law Firm, one of the Lexpert-ranked firms in Nova Scotia. She currently specializes in automobile accidents and slip-and-fall cases.
Wagner says that, on some days, personal injury lawyers spend their day at their desk:
- reviewing medical records
- negotiating settlements with insurers
- explaining to clients how the insurance and litigation process works
"Other days, we are involved in court appearances, examinations for discovery, or arguing motions before a judge."
In the world of a personal injury lawyer, Wagner mentions that their "work is client‑focused and fast‑moving, requiring strong advocacy skills and practical problem‑solving skills." This is an important aspect to look at, especially for those who want to work in personal injury cases.
Making a difference for one's clients
When asked about the positives and negatives of her work, Wagner says that one of the greatest advantages of the work she does is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their clients' lives during a very difficult time.
"The work is intellectually challenging, combining negotiation, litigation, and strategic problem‑solving, with regular opportunities to advocate in court, and work with individuals from all walks of life," says Wagner, whose law firm is one of Canadian Lawyer's Top Personal Injury Boutiques in 2025.
However, she also said that their work can be demanding at times, as clients are often dealing with serious injuries, financial stress, and uncertainty.
"The practice area requires managing a high volume of files, often switching quickly between tasks and matters throughout the day while keeping each client's case moving forward," she says. "Deadlines, court schedules, and timelines can create pressure, therefore, the practice requires strong organizational skills."
Rewarding career as a personal injury lawyer
Still, working as a personal injury lawyer can be a good choice for upcoming lawyers and law students.
"My advice to anyone considering a career in law is to keep an open mind about where your career might lead," Wagner says. "Many of my classmates entered law school convinced they wanted to practice in a specific area, only to end up building careers in an area completely different."
Wagner also gives some practical tips to new lawyers: "Seek out as many practical experiences as you can, whether through volunteering, summer positions, or mentorship. These will assist you in understanding what the day‑to‑day practice actually looks like and the type of law you may wish to pursue.
"It is a rewarding career, have confidence in yourself and enjoy the journey!"
A day in the life of an intellectual property and privacy lawyer
Steffi Tran, associate at Deeth Williams Wall LLP, shares what her day looks like working in the areas of intellectual property (IP), technology, and privacy law. "My typical workday varies, but it usually involves a mix of attending meetings, reviewing and drafting documents, and responding to emails in between."
Being in this practice area, Tran says that her work includes:
- preparing responses to reports from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office
- drafting and revising complex technology agreements
- tackling a wide variety of privacy-related questions
What working in IP looks like
Tran says that her practice area offers the best of both worlds. "IP, technology, and privacy law are fields that frequently intersect with innovation, so novel issues often arise," she says.
"For example, as the use of AI has become more widespread, we have seen various questions arise regarding IP ownership of AI-generated content and user privacy rights."
Tran adds that some may see this rapidly evolving landscape and the frequent need to monitor new developments in these areas as a "con."
"On the other hand, these advances and challenging questions are part of what makes these fields fascinating to work in," says Tran, who works for a Lexpert-ranked law firm for IP, data privacy, and cybersecurity. "It is extremely rewarding to work alongside and learn from experts in these fields, and to see how the law is being shaped in these areas."
How to start one's legal career
For students or anyone interested in becoming a lawyer, Tran's advice is to reach out to lawyers who practice in the areas of law that they may be interested in and to ask questions to learn about the type of work involved.
"We've all been in your shoes and understand how challenging it can be to navigate the process and gain a practical understanding of what it means to be a lawyer. Going for coffee chats or having a quick call with someone practicing in the field can be a helpful starting point."
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