The Employment and Labour Law Students’ Society (“ELLSS”) will be holding its Annual ELLSS Career Fair on the evening of Wednesday, November 18^th.

The Career Fair is the biggest event on the University of Ottawa campus for law students interested in learning more about a career in labour and employment law.  Each year, the ELLSS brings together private and public sector lawyers representing both the management and employee sides. Following a short meet-and-greet, the main part of the event is a moderated panel of 4 speakers practicing in this field who provide information to students on possible career paths, what led them to this area of law, their personal experiences, a general overview of practicing in this field, job possibilities, even topical points of law. The panel discussion is followed by a catered reception attended by representatives from various law firms involved in labour and employment law.

The Career Fair enables law students to learn more about what this exciting area of law has to offer, and to have one-on-one discussions with speakers as well as the many firm representatives who attend the event to meet with students.

This year’s event is sponsored by Sherrard Kuzz LLP, Sack Goldblatt Mitchell LLP, and Emond Harnden LLP.  The panel will be comprised of the following speakers: Lorenzo Lisi (Sherrard Kuzz), Lise Leduc (Sack Goldblatt Mitchell), Raquel Chisholm (Emond Harnden), and Anne Clark-McMunagle (Senior Legal Counsel, Public Service Labour Relations Board).

If you would like to attend the event as a student or firm representative, please RSVP to executive@ellss.ca. Firm guests are welcome (and encouraged) to bring firm promotional materials as there will be space specifically for students to peruse these materials.

When: Wednesday, November 18th 2009 - 4:30pm to 7:30pm

Meet and greet - 4:30pm to 5:00pm

Panel - 5:00pm to 6:15/6:30pm

Reception - 6:15/6:30pm to 7:30pm

Where:  Fauteux Hall Atrium (3rd floor)

On Wednesday, November 19th, the ELLSS held its annual Career Fair.

Students were treated to a panel discussion featuring a variety of experienced practitioners. We learned of many more career paths than are traditionally known to students, and welcomed a host of tips for students just getting started, including where to apply and what courses are most valued. Speakers shared their experiences and recounted stories, teaching us that – above all else - a practice in labour and employment law is certainly never boring! Special thanks go out to our speakers: Annie Berthiaume of Heenan Blaikie LLP in Ottawa, Patricia D’Heureux of Cavalluzzo Hayes Shilton McIntyre & Cornish LLP of Toronto, John McLuckie of Jewitt McLuckie & Associates, and Gaston Arsenault of the Public Service Commission of Canada. In addition, attendees were treated to a reception, providing everyone a chance to speak one on one with practitioners from a total of 11 organizations.

The event was made possible by a host of ELLSS volunteers, and our generous sponsors: Heenan Blaikie LLP, Cavalluzzo Hayes Shilton McIntyre & Cornish LLP, Jewitt McLuckie & Associates, and the Common Law Students Society.

As the ELLSS grows, so do our events! If you are a student interested in helping to organize future ELLSS events, or if your firm would like to get involved, please contact us at executive[at]ellss[dot]ca.

This conference, entitled “Beyond the Horizon: The Expanding and Overlapping Jurisdiction of Arbitrators & Tribunals” brings an exciting lineup of speakers to Ottawa, from high court Justices, to prominent lawyers, and respected academics. In light of the recent changes in this area of law, this conference will be an invaluable learning experience for everyone involved.

Seven ELLSS members will be attending this conference. Please check this blog regularly for our comments on this conference, updates of future conferences and other exciting opportunities.

If you know of another conference related to labour and employment law and would like to request to work with the ELLSS to attend with a group of members, please contact gwhit024 AT uottawa.ca.

On Wednesday October 29th, ELLSS members are invited to tour three downtown firms, specializing in labour and employment law. They are: Hicks Morley LLP, Sack Goldblatt Mitchell LLP, and Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP. For students interested in getting a first-hand picture of how these firms operate from the inside, this event is not to be missed!

We will be leaving Fauteux at 12:30 sharp, so please arrive early. The Tours end at 3:45. For more details, or to RSVP, please contact btarn061 AT uottawa.ca.

Each year, ELLSS brings together lawyers representing both management and employees in the private and public sectors. Following a short meet-and-greet, speakers discuss career paths, day-to-day responsibilities, and what it is like to practice this exciting area of law. The event is followed by a catered reception where students can have one-on-one discussions with speakers and other firm representatives.

The Annual ELLSS Career Fair is the biggest event on campus for students interested in learning about career opportunities in labour and employment law. Mark your calendars early, as this year’s event will be held on Wednesday November 19th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm in the Fauteux Atrium.

For more information, please contact cwara032 AT uottawa.ca!

The ELLSS will be holding its first general meeting for 2008-2009 in the next few weeks. We will discuss the many events we have in store for the year, chat more about the ELLSS, and talk about the opportunities available to be more involved in the club…including this blog!

We hope all our members will be able to attend, as well as anyone who is interested in joining the ELLSS and exploring the exciting field of labour and employment law.

The meeting will be held from 11:30 to 1:00 on Tuesday, September 30 in the basement of the Royal Oak on Laurier.

If you are a visitor to our blog and website and wish to become a member of the club, simply send an e-mail to executive@ellss.ca.