Blog post by Nina Fernando, Articling Student at Step By Step Law Corporation, Langford, BC
In June 2025, I began my articling term at Step By Step Law Corporation under the supervision of my principal, Jamie Fitzel. You may be wondering what exactly does it mean to be an articling student? In this post, I’ll break down what articling is, what articling students do—especially within a family law practice—and how this role contributes to the work of a legal team. I’ll also touch on the limits of what articling students are permitted to do, the nature of our supervision, and how our involvement can offer clients both quality support and cost-effective service.
What is Articling? Who is an articling student?
After completing law school, the articling period marks the final and most practical stage of training toward becoming a licensed lawyer in British Columbia. It offers the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real legal problems, particularly in the context of assisting individuals navigating family law matters.
In British Columbia, becoming a lawyer requires completing the Law Society Admission Program, which includes a law degree, a ten-week Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC), and a nine-month articling term under a supervising lawyer. Once both components are completed, candidates can be called to the bar and licensed to practise law. Articling provides essential hands-on training in the legal, ethical, and procedural aspects of practice.
An articling student is a law school graduate engaged in an apprenticeship under the supervision of an experienced lawyer, known as a principal. During this period, the student works full-time in a legal setting and develops foundational skills in legal research, client communication, client file management, document drafting, and courtroom procedure and advocacy. The articling role is designed to help bridge the transition between academic learning and independent legal practice. Although articling students are not fully licensed lawyers. We participate in the daily work of the firm and are involved in a wide range of tasks that contribute meaningfully to the resolution of legal matters.
Within a family law firm, articling students may assist in matters involving separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, child and spousal support, family property division, and protection orders. Common tasks include conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, preparing affidavits and financial disclosure materials, organizing trial or hearing binders, and summarizing evidence.
Under supervision, articling students may also communicate with clients to request documentation, confirm court dates, or clarify procedural steps. We assist in preparing materials for court or mediation and are often involved in reviewing case law relevant to active files.
Depending on the complexity of the matter and the discretion of the supervising lawyer, articling students may also attend court or administrative hearings, particularly in Provincial Court or before tribunals such as the Residential Tenancy Branch or the Employment Standards Tribunal.
Articling students work under the supervision of a principal and cannot give legal advice, make strategic decisions, or appear in complex matters without permission. We are also not allowed to practise independently, notarize documents, or advertise services. The principal oversees our work, and the Law Society ensures the experience meets strict educational and ethical standards.
Cost-Effective Legal Support
One practical benefit of involving articling students in client files is the ability to delegate suitable tasks at a reduced billing rate. Because articling students are not yet licensed lawyers, our hourly rate is lower. This allows law firms to complete necessary tasks such as legal research, drafting, and document preparation efficiently and cost-effectively, while still maintaining high standards of quality through lawyer review. This approach can make legal services more affordable while offering articling students the opportunity to develop skills on real files.
Articling in Family Law: A Unique Training Ground
Family law offers articling students a valuable introduction to both the legal and human sides of practice. Cases often involve sensitive issues like mental health, domestic violence, child protection, and financial stress, requiring a trauma-informed and empathetic approach. Students gain exposure to negotiations, mediations, and settlement meetings, developing core skills in communication, advocacy, and drafting—essentials for a future in legal practice.
Of note, during articling, students receive continuous mentorship and feedback from the supervising lawyers. Our progress is monitored through formal reporting to the Law Society, and are expected to demonstrate professionalism, legal competence, and ethical judgment. The articling year is both an educational experience and a professional assessment, designed to prepare students for independent practice. By the end of the term, we gain practical skills, hands-on legal experience, knowledge of different services offered such as unbundling and a strong foundation for a successful legal career.