Our culture and approach to life
At our firm, the billable hour target is 1,750 and we mean it. We are transparent in our expectations and we believe that 1,750 hours is a realistic and sustainable target that allows our lawyers to thrive in their careers and maintain full, balanced lives outside of work.
We value our people as whole individuals and understand that life happens. Whether it’s a wedding, a family reunion, or an important personal commitment, our culture ensures that you have the support to be there. Colleagues step up and the team works together because respect and flexibility are part of how we operate.
As a potential Summer Student, this may sound like a given but unfortunately it is not at a lot of other firms. Not every firm prioritizes your life outside the office or encourages setting healthy boundaries while still delivering exceptional legal work. At Gowling WLG, you don’t have to choose between success and well-being—you can have both.
Investing in your future
When you join our firm as a summer student, you are not filling a short-term role, you are beginning a long-term journey. We see each student as a future leader, and our investment in your development reflects that. From your first day, you will receive the training, mentorship, and meaningful work experience needed to build a strong foundation for your legal career.
Our expectation is that you will return to article with us, grow within the firm, and ultimately advance all the way to partnership. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way—because when you succeed, we all do.
Commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We believe that equitable access to employment and advancement opportunities not only fosters a stronger, more supportive work environment—it also leads to better decision-making, greater innovation, and stronger results for our clients.
We are committed to building a team that reflects the varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the communities we serve. To help us advance our equity, diversity, and inclusion goals, we encourage all candidates to self-identify during the application process. Your information will remain confidential and will be used only to support our efforts to create a more inclusive and representative workplace.
Networking and social engagement
We believe that building strong connections is an essential part of a rewarding legal career. Our students are given ample opportunities to network and engage in social activities beyond the office, from organized firm events and team outings to informal gatherings with lawyers and peers. These experiences foster a sense of community, encourage collaboration, and help students build lasting relationships within the firm. It’s all part of creating a supportive, inclusive environment where professional growth goes hand in hand with meaningful connections.