Summer student program gives future lawyers important experience in child welfare, family, immigration and adult criminal defence.
For a second-year law student looking to gain valuable hands-on experience in the legal profession, Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) more than delivered.
Within his first week on the job as an LAA summer student, Ethan Simmons says he was working on “meaningful” cases that immediately made an impact. In one memorable instance, he helped a youth avoid jail time and a criminal record that would have followed them for life.
“We kept that kid from having his life completely derailed by something stupid that they did when they were a child,” Simmons remembers. “They were so extremely grateful, and their parent was extremely grateful. That’s why I’m interested in this work and keeping people out of the system, because once you’re in the system, it kind of holds on to you and doesn’t let go.”
Those four months as an LAA summer student made such an impression, Simmons is back for another summer before his third year of law school at the University of Alberta. He is one of five summer students joining LAA for the next four months, where they will begin applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to legal practice.
Get to know this summer’s crop of summer students and Indigenous summer students.
Tell us about yourself
Isabella Kiss
I just finished my first year of law school at the University of Alberta. I’m originally from Calgary, but I think I’ll stick around Edmonton. I have a bachelor of arts in justice studies from Royal Roads University.
Amanda Thimpsen
I also finished my first year of law school at the University of Saskatchewan. I’m from La Ronge, Sask., a very small northern community. I’m Cree and part of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
Ethan Simmons
I was born in Calgary, but I moved to St. Albert when I was super young. I’ve been here ever since. I’m Métis — my family is Red River Métis from deep in Manitoba. I studied criminology in my undergrad and published a paper on rehabilitation in the penal system. It came down to grad school or law school, and I chose law school. I’m really passionate about the criminal legal system.
Brady Barclay
I was born and raised in Calgary. I’m going into my third year of law at the University of Alberta. My undergraduate background was in criminal justice, so criminal law has always been an area that interested me.
Kailey Keewatin
I am from Peepeekisis Cree Nation. I’m going into my third year of law at the University of Victoria. My undergrad was in justice studies at Royal Roads University.
Why did you want to work at Legal Aid Alberta?
Isabella
I did a lot of criminal defence work as an assistant paralegal before law school. We took on a lot of certificate files, and I always enjoyed those more than private files because it feels like you’re helping the most vulnerable people who really do need more assistance.
Then I found out that Legal Aid Alberta also does family law and child welfare, which I also have a strong interest in. I think it’s a good way to get my hands on both.
Amanda
When I saw this position open up, I applied because I want to expand my experiences. They do criminal and family law, which are two areas I’m interested in. When I went through the website, I read about what Legal Aid Alberta does and how they help other people, and that inspires me. I want to be part of it.
Brady
Legal Aid Alberta is one of the few places where summer students can get direct exposure to that side of practice. A lot of other summer positions are more corporate-focused, so that was one of the main reasons I applied.
I also volunteered with Calgary Legal Guidance during my undergrad, so I was already somewhat familiar with legal aid.
Kailey
I’m very interested in criminal law, and I’m a strong advocate for helping people who come into conflict with the law. Being able to support people in that situation and make a positive impact was definitely a big motivation for me.
Ethan
Through law school, I did Student Legal Services, which opened my eyes to access-to-justice issues and helping the most vulnerable populations. Legal Aid Alberta is a great place to do that work. I was here last summer, really enjoyed it, and decided to come back.
What are you hoping to gain from this experience?
Brady
I’m really looking forward to the exposure to different areas, including duty counsel, bail, family and child welfare. Legal Aid Alberta is one of the few places where summer students can experience that range of work.
I also want to gain more courtroom experience, learn court procedures and develop my oral advocacy skills. Learning from the in-house lawyers here will be a big part of that.
Isabella
I’m hoping to gain more court experience and hands-on experience interacting with clients. I’d like to witness dispositions and trials and get a better sense of how the system actually works.
I’ve seen a lot of background work as a paralegal, but I’ve always wanted to see it implemented and to see some good outcomes.
Amanda
Hands-on experience is where I want to grow before I go into my second year of law school.
Kailey
I’d echo the same things. I’m hoping to gain practical court experience, learn from the lawyers here, and build a better understanding of how the different areas of practice work.
What have your first few days been like?
Isabella
It’s been good meeting everyone. The staff are wonderful and very kind, and you can tell they’re passionate about their work.
Amanda
I appreciate how welcoming everyone is and how open they are to sharing. I don’t feel any fear asking questions; it’s a very light energy.
Brady
We started on Monday, so it’s been a busy first week. We’ve spent a lot of time doing court observations, getting a tour of the office, and working through onboarding and training videos. We were also out observing court yesterday.
It’s been a lot in a short time, but it’s been really good. Getting that exposure right away has been valuable.
Kailey
We’ve been in the office every day, so we’ve already had the chance to meet most of the people here. It’s been a good introduction.
What’s a fun fact about yourself or a hobby you enjoy?
Amanda
I’ve always been passionate about art. I like to work in different mediums — paint, charcoal, pastel, pen and pencil. I do all kinds of things, and there are people who have my drawings tattooed on themselves.
Brady
I played hockey for most of my life, and I still play with the University of Alberta law school hockey team. I also enjoy golf, baseball, recreational sports and spending time outdoors.
Kailey
I recently started getting into golf, which has been quite the experience. I also really enjoy chess. My dad taught me how to play when I was younger, and I was in the chess club in elementary school. I usually play with people in person rather than online because it feels more engaging and more real.
Isabella
I’m a bit of a cat lady. I have two kittens: George and Oliver.
Ethan
Before law school, I played rugby. I played against the Jamaican national team — we beat them, and I broke my foot in the same game!
LAA summer student programs
Learn more about summer student programs and other learning and development opportunities for articling students at LAA.