1L Summer Student

FIRM DESCRIPTION

At Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP (OKT), our core purpose is advocating for Indigenous rights, interests, and self-determination. We are driven by a simple priority: helping our clients achieve their own goals and get the most out of the Canadian legal system.

We understand the practical challenges that Indigenous governments, organizations, and peoples face when engaging with Canadian law - whether in the courts, in the boardroom, or at the negotiating table. If there is a way the legal system can be used to benefit Indigenous communities, chances are we provide that kind of service.

THE ROLE

Students are integral members of our team and work directly with partners and associates on matters.  

Students are provided with ongoing training, formal and informal feedback. Students are invited and encouraged to participate in all aspects of firm life, including social events, inclusion and diversity initiatives, and community and pro bono programs. 

We are looking for students who have a passion for advocating for Indigenous people's rights and self-determination.  

Application deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 5pm EST

Call Day: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 8am EST

Interview Week: February 17 to February 19

Offer Day: Thursday, Feburary 19, 2026 at 5pm EST

Please note this position is not offered on a fully remote basis and requires students to be able to work out of our Toronto office on a regular basis.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND A STRONG FIRM CULTURE

OKT is committed to excellence in the quality of our advocacy, in our relationships with clients, and in the way we work together. Our success is built on the strength of our client partnerships, the exceptional talent within our team, and an unwavering dedication to our clients' success.

We strive to foster a collegial, supportive, and inclusive work environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute, grow, and thrive. We offer a competitive salary, extended health benefits, a general spending account and a subsidized gym membership for articling students, associates, and support staff. For associates, we also provide a structured mentorship program to help you develop your skills, build confidence, and thrive in your legal career.

WORKING AT OKT

OKT understands today's expectations of a flexible work environment. To help foster a collaborative work culture across departments and practices, we ask our team to come into the office at least twice a week.

Our work often takes us beyond the office and into the communities we serve. Associates should expect to travel to client communities across the country by plane, train, and car as part of our commitment to providing meaningful, on-the-ground representation.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

OKT has adopted proactive recruitment strategies that are aimed at mitigating direct and systemic discrimination. We remain committed to an equitable hiring process that reaches and supports a diverse pool of candidates.

We are committed to open, honest, and inclusive recruitment practices and provide equal opportunities to all applicants. OKT also supports applicants with disabilities by offering accommodations throughout the recruitment process that take individual accessibility needs into account.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process or need assistance to submit your application, please contact us at , or and ask to be transferred to the VP, People & Marketing to submit your accommodation request.

DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEY

As part of our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, OKT invites applicants to complete a short, optional demographic survey. The information collected will help us assess and strengthen our EDI initiatives.

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Choosing not to provide information will not affect your application or how it is considered. All information will be kept confidential and secure and will be used solely for the purpose of evaluating OKT's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

The survey should take approximately four minutes to complete.