Students

Success. Learn it here.

Since 1971, we have provided innovative legal solutions to Canadian and international clients on a broad range of issues. Our commitment to legal excellence and client success has helped Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. become the largest independent full-service law firm in Canada’s National Capital Region. For students that represents opportunity.

We provide students with a superior articling or summer work experience, including exposure to a broad range of practice areas and access to resources and support that are second to none. More, our students see firsthand what makes a firm, and our individual lawyers, succeed. With approximately 50 lawyers and 60 administrative professionals, we are continually evolving to meet the changing needs of our clients. Regardless of our client’s legal issue, our approach is constant: delivering a solution that is both sound and efficient.

We provide our clients with clarity, focus, direction and efficiency and tech our students to do the same so that they will succeed as well.

The success of the community in which we live and do business is our success. Our firm gives back to the community that has helped us become a leader. We have a long and proud history of supporting various Ottawa institutions and charities. Our efforts have helped organizations such as Terry Fox Foundation, Youville Centre, Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, Citizen Advocacy, Ronald McDonald House, and The Ottawa Mission, among many others.

We take our student program very seriously. We are proud of the talented students we’ve attracted, and especially that so many of them have gone on to launch their careers with our firm.

Summer Program

Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. offers students the opportunity to begin their careers with the premier independent full-service firm in the National Capital Region as a summer student after completion of their second last year of law school.

Students get to know our firm while gaining valuable hands-on experience. All summer students are assigned a mentor to act as a sounding board and to offer advice and guidance during the summer months. Although the short time frame does not allow for a complete rotational program, students will complete two of the four rotations, ensuring that students get exposure to numerous different areas of the law. Most importantly, our students gain exposure to a dynamic, growing, successful firm and the leading professionals who make it happen.  More specifically, our summer articling students are given access to experiential learning through attendance at client meetings aand court hearings, as well as through their independent work on small claims court files. Summer student salaries are equivalent to the pro rated salary of articling students. We also encourage our summer students to join in our social functions for the season. In fact, the vast majority of our summer students enjoy their experience so much that they choose to come back here for their articling term. We take our student programs seriously because we know many of these students will be building our firm in the future.

Join us for the summer; we believe you’ll come back.

Articling Program

At Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l., our commitment to client success has made us the largest and most successful independent law firm in the National Capital Region. For our articling students, that means a superior articling experience, including exposure to a broad range of practice areas and access to resources and support that are second to none.

To maximize your articling experience we provide four rotations over a 10-month placement, each with a different practice focus. Our system is flexible, allowing you to pursue areas of personal interest and, in certain cases, to follow a file from beginning to end. All students are supported by a dedicated Principal (Partner), Mentor (Associate), Research Director, Librarian, and Co-Chairs of the Student Program. These individuals have a professional responsibility to each student and their success.

Our support team is a critical part of our strength. Our firm has a strong team of administrators, law clerks, legal assistants, librarian, IT and accounting personnel supporting our more than 50 lawyers.

We also provide a competitive salary and benefits package. In fact, the salary we offer is among the top range for articling programs in Ottawa. The firm also pays for both the articling licensing fees and examination fees levied by the Law Society of Ontario, as well as salary during the required study breaks related to the examination. We want you to make our firm your professional home and we are committed to doing what it takes to help you succeed.

In addition to the range of law we practice, our size means we’re able to provide you with support and access to resources that will significantly enrich your experience. These include:

  • Dedicated Research Director
  • Extensive In-House Law Library
  • Targeted Seminar Programs
  • Superior Technology
  • Social Calendar
  • Exceptional Clients

We believe that a strong, cohesive team delivers superior service to our clients. That’s why we invite our students to get involved in the many learning opportunities, charitable activities and social events organized by the firm.  We place considerable emphasis on the mentorship, education, and experiential learning opportunities provided to our students.

Most importantly, our firm offers the opportunity to work in an environment where they will learn success and gain exposure to legal professionals. We attract and mentor talented individuals.

Join us as a summer student after completion of your second year of law school and earn valuable hands-on experience in your chosen field.

Student Testimonials

My experience at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. One of the aspects I have valued most throughout my time as a student is the firm’s strong sense of community. From the outset, I was welcomed by members of the firm, who are approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in the success of their students.

The firm has provided me with a diverse and hands-on experience, allowing me to gain exposure to various areas of law while developing practical skills and confidence. I have truly valued my time as a student with the firm, and I believe the combination of professional growth, mentorship, and collegiality makes it an exceptional environment for students to learn and grow as future lawyers.

My time at the firm has given me the opportunity to learn from exceptional lawyers while building meaningful relationships with colleagues and mentors. The experiences and skills I have gained have played an important role in shaping the lawyer I hope to become, and I will carry those lessons with me as I move forward in my career.

Sierra Forster Articling Student – 2024-25, Associate Lawyer – 2025

My articling term with Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall was an incredibly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a variety of matters, work with clients in both English and French, and learn from exceptional lawyers who encouraged me to take on meaningful responsibilities while supporting me every step of the way. I am very grateful for the mentorship and experience I received, and for the strong foundation the firm has provided me as I begin my legal career.

Annina Trecroce Articling Student – 2025-26, Associate Lawyer – 2026

My experience at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall has been incredibly rewarding and has provided me with the opportunity gain exposure to a diverse range of files and legal issues. The firm provides students with invaluable mentorship and resources to help them grow as lawyers. The hands-on learning, diversity of experiences, and the supportive and inclusive environment makes the firm an excellent place for students to develop their skills and confidence as future lawyers.

Joyce Chen Articling Student – 2025-26, Associate Lawyer – 2026

Articling at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall has truly been an incredible experience. The firm provides amazing legal, as well as career development training to guide the students’ transition into the work environment and to set them up for success in the legal field. As an articling student, I appreciate the numerous hands-on opportunities allowing me to gain exposure to a variety of practice areas; I also appreciate the firm’s flexibility in supporting me to explore and pursue my interest complementary to the rotation system. Most importantly, I immensely enjoy the firm’s collegial atmosphere, and have formed great friendships and mentorship relationships with my colleagues that I know will go beyond articling.

Jack Song Articling Student – 2022-23

My experience at Perley-Robertson, Hill and McDougall has exceeded all my expectations.  The firm’s rotation system as well as its mentorship program provide exceptional experience, training, and guidance.  The lawyers are delighted to involve students in a wide variety of cases while always valuing the student’s input.    The firm’s collegial and team-oriented culture really distinguishes Perley-Robertson, Hill and McDougall.

I believe that Perley-Robertson, Hill and McDougall is an exceptional firm for law students to kickstart their career.

Vincent Martel Articling Student – 2022-23

Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall has given me the opportunity to do consequential work and the privilege of working alongside Ottawa’s leading practitioners. Students work directly with clients, ranging from individuals in our communities to businesses with a national presence, on the entire gamut of law. I have been repeatedly excited about the complex and rewarding projects the firm is entrusted to work on.

I am particularly thankful for the culture of camaraderie and collegiality I’ve experienced. Anyone seeking a firm that will support them through work that will challenge and hone their legal skills should look no further than Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall.

Cody Richard Articling Student – 2022-23

Articling at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP has been one of the most valuable learning experiences of my life. I am so grateful to have so many friends and mentors amongst my colleagues, and to have the support and resources that I need to grow as a legal professional. I believe that my interests are recognized and respected by those in leadership within the Firm, and I deeply appreciate that my supervising lawyers continuously seek to provide me with opportunities to pursue my individual passions through my work. My articling experience has been incredibly diverse and dynamic. I very much appreciate that I have been able to work on such a wide range of legal issues and projects, and that I have been given a level of responsibility that has allowed me to feel fully involved in the files that I am on.

Rachel Sombach Articling Student – 2022-23

Articling at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. has been an amazing experience. From day one, the firm has not only offered a wealth of practical legal experience but has also provided exceptional mentorship. Through its rotation system, the firm provides comprehensive guidance, exposing students to diverse practice areas. This allows students to discover which areas of the law they are most passionate about whilst obtaining hands-on legal expertise in those areas. Additionally, the firm’s ample resources, collegial environment and team-oriented culture made my experience at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. deeply fulfilling. I am very grateful for the meaningful friendships and professional relationships I have formed during my time in both my summer and articling terms.

Danyka Simard Articling Student – 2023-24, Associate Lawyer – 2024

Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. has provided an incredible commencement for my career in law. Out of the many firms in Ottawa, I can confidently say that the level of deference, responsibility, and array of exposure students receive ranks at the top. Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. offers an in-depth rotation structure which truly allowed me to solidify what areas of law I want to build my future practice in. Moreover, the support I have received on all my work and active files, coupled with the close-knit firm culture, has really made me feel like part of the team.

Quinn Scarlett Articling Student – 2023-24

Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. has afforded me with a great opportunity to grow and learn from some of the most distinguished and passionate lawyers in Ottawa. Not only are partners and lawyers thrilled to involve students in a range of matters, but they make an effort to involve you in files which align with your interests.  The hands-on student program equips you with the skills essential for success.

The Firm also distinguishes itself by its excellent support staff and mentorship. The mentorship culture is unlike any other. I am extremely thankful for the invaluable friendships I have formed, and which will continue well into the future.

Désirée Estephan-Saliba Articling Student – 2023-24, Associate Lawyer – 2024

Current Students

Each year we are proud of the talented students our summer and articling programs attract. We are equally proud of how many go on to launch successful careers with Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l.

Our success as a firm is due to our people, and our student programs are one of the chief ways we expand our team with high-quality, high-achieving individuals.

This year’s students are: 

Articling Students – 2026-27

Adam Ben Ahmouda

Gabrielle Muzychka

Jacob Parks

Juliette Treble

 

This summer’s students are:

2L Summer Students – 2026

Dominic Bélisle – University of Ottawa

Victoria Bucic – University of Windsor

Grace McCaffrey – University of British Columbia   

Eunice Yong – McGill University

How to Apply

Why not start your career with Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall as either a summer or articling student?  Both programs will give you an opportunity to get to know our firm while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

At Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall, we follow the Law Society sanctioned procedure for recruitment of summer and articling students in Ottawa.

2026 General Summer Student Recruitment

  • viLaw portal opens: Friday, January 30, 2026 to Tuesday, February 10, 2026
  • Application deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (EST)
  • OCI and interview period: Monday, February 16, 2026 to Monday, February 23, 2026
  • Call day for offers: Friday, February 27, 2026 commencing at 8:00 a.m. (EST)

Please submit your application package through the viRecruit Portal and include a cover letter, your résumé, law school and undergraduate transcripts, as well as a writing sample of no more than five (5) pages (may be an excerpt from a longer paper). For bilingual candidates, please submit your cover letter and writing sample in French as well.

If you are unable to submit your package through the viRecruit Portal, these items should be forwarded by email to Jessica Barrow or Joshua Nutt, Co-Chairs, Student Program at prhmstudents@perlaw.ca.

If you would like to learn more about us, or the articling and student programs at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l., please contact Jessica Barrow or Joshua Nutt, Co-Chairs, Student Program at 613.238.2022 or PRHMstudents@perlaw.ca.