Rachel Weitz
Toronto,ON
Summary
Driven, passionate, and energetic articling student with experience in multiple practice groups, particularly in family law and education law. Highly skilled at drafting pleadings, affidavits, conference briefs, and facta. Strong research and analytical skills with a keen eye for identifying complex legal issues. Compassionate and approachable with clients, developing excellent rapport. Eager and quick to learn new skills and build long-lasting relationships.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Articling Student
Devry Smith Frank LLP
08.2024 - Current
- Maintain client relationships by acting as a primary point of contact from consult to file resolution
- Draft pleadings, motion materials, memoranda, and facta for multiple practice groups including family law, education law, personal injury, employment law, and commercial litigation
- Attend examinations for discovery, set-date court, settlement conferences, motion hearings, and case conferences
- Represent small claims plaintiffs at settlement conferences and achieve comprehensive settlement agreements
- Assist counsel with trial preparations by preparing various court documents and developing cross-examination questions
- Conduct in-depth legal research and provide counsel with detailed opinions about the application of the law
Research Assistant
Professor Emeritus Alan Young
08.2023 - 03.2024
- Conducted legal and sociological research in the areas of criminal law, cannabis regulation, and constitutional law
- Edited and revised Prof Emeritus Young's works, including essays, book chapters, and play scripts
- Communicated with community members and former clients of Prof Emeritus Young to gather their stories for written works
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output
LSAT Tutor and Applications Consultant
Self-Employed
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Provided individualized tutoring sessions over Zoom and in-person (when safe)
- Developed an original curriculum and study system informed by research and experience
- Reviewed and corrected problem sets and practice tests
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies
- Connected students with mental health resources to combat burnout, manage anxiety, and ensure a holistic approach to exam studying
Summer Law Student
Devry Smith Frank LLP
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Conducted legal research in multiple practice areas and wrote legal memoranda for supervising lawyers
- Wrote weekly blog posts for the firm website on various areas of the law to educate community members and generate business
- Conducted intake calls for prospective clients and prepare intake memoranda and conflict check reports
- Shadowed lawyers at motion hearings, case conferences, and settlement conferences across various practice areas
Research Assistant
Distinguished Research Professor Allan Hutchinson
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Conducted legal research in the areas of Canadian federalism, tort theory, civil negligence law, legal history, and legal ethics
- Edited and revised on Prof Hutchinson's research and writing projects
- Completed citations for Prof Hutchinson's most recent book: Hart, Fuller, and Everything After: The Politics of Legal Theory (2023)
Residential Funding Intern
First National Financial
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Worked unilingually in French with the Québec residential division to fund mortgages
- Communicated with clients' solicitors/notaries to obtain legal documentation and approval on action items
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, including Excel and Merlin
Education
J.D. -
Osgoode Hall Law School
Toronto, ON06-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice and Public Policy
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON06-2021
Skills
- Legal writing
- Legal research
- Client communication
- Oral advocacy
- Legal drafting
- Client relations
- Litigation & alternative dispute resolution
- Issue identification & problem solving
Accomplishments
- Best Oralist, Lerners Cup 1L moot (2021)
- Distinguished Oralist, OCLS Inaugural Con Law Moot (2022)
- Final paper for LW/LAW3650 - Regulatory Offences published in RegQuest April 2024 issue: "Legal, Safe, and Accessible: The Three Pillars of Abortion Regulation in Ontario" (2023)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Articling Student
Devry Smith Frank LLP
08.2024 - Current
Research Assistant
Professor Emeritus Alan Young
08.2023 - 03.2024
Summer Law Student
Devry Smith Frank LLP
06.2023 - 08.2023
Research Assistant
Distinguished Research Professor Allan Hutchinson
05.2022 - 08.2022
Residential Funding Intern
First National Financial
05.2021 - 08.2021
LSAT Tutor and Applications Consultant
Self-Employed
01.2021 - 12.2023
J.D. -
Osgoode Hall Law School
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice and Public Policy
University of Guelph
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