Thank you for your interest in the summer program at Dentons in Calgary.
Our program
The summer program at Dentons’ Calgary office has been an integral part of our professional development for more than 25 years. The program was designed to give you unparalleled exposure to a variety of work and facilitate your transition from student to lawyer.
As part of the summer program, students are assigned a mentor, usually a mid-level associate who remembers what it feels like to be a student. Your mentor will give you work, provide feedback and offer guidance on everything; from how to write a client letter to who to ask for assistance with our technology.
Our goal is to provide you with varied professional opportunities and proactively integrate you into our daily practice. Most of our summer students return to article with us, and in turn, stay on as associates, so we want to ensure that from the moment you walk in the door you become part of our team. This means working with many different lawyers, meeting our clients and maybe even learning to two-step at our Stampede party.
Evaluation
Feedback is fundamental to your summering experience. While you can expect to receive informal evaluations from the lawyers you will be working with regularly, you will also be more formally evaluated. Before you return to school in the fall, you will receive individual feedback during a formal interview. Hopefully, this feedback will aid you as you return to your studies and assist in preparing you for articles. The interview also provides you with an opportunity to share any comments or suggestions you may have to improve our summer program.
What it’s like to summer at Dentons in Calgary
What our students say:
Cole Demers, University of Calgary: My summer at Dentons Calgary was an incredibly rewarding experience, providing hands-on learning, meaningful work, and a strong sense of collegiality. I had the opportunity to work on a variety of legal tasks across different practice groups, gaining first-hand experience with complex legal issues.
The firm’s commitment to mentorship and teamwork really stood out. Lawyers provided detailed feedback and insightful career advice. Weekly events organized by practice groups, along with firm-wide gatherings, helped me integrate into the Dentons culture and connect with colleagues. I immediately noticed how many of my colleagues are also friends, and their invitations to socialize after work made the transition seamless and enjoyable. Whether through coffee chats or team-building activities, I felt welcomed from day one.
Between the legal skills and relationships I have formed at Dentons Calgary, I look forward to returning for my articling term, knowing I will be part of such a dynamic and supportive team.
Jordan Passmore, University of Calgary: My summer experience at Dentons Calgary was both professionally enriching and personally rewarding. From day one, students are welcomed into a culture that values hands-on learning, collaboration, and growth. Assisting on meaningful files, drafting documents, and attending hearings are just a few of the opportunities that students are given to engage directly with the practice of law. Lawyers at Dentons are approachable, generous with their time, and invested in student development. Students also have opportunities to connect through organized networking events, mentorship pairings, and social activities like sports teams and firm-wide gatherings. I have enjoyed my experience this summer and look forward to articling at Dentons Calgary in the future.
Joice El Mehallawy, University of Calgary: I spent my summer at Dentons Calgary gaining firsthand insight into every major practice group. What stood out most was the open and welcoming culture. As a student, I was encouraged and truly welcomed to approach both partners and associates. Whether I wanted to ask detailed questions about their work, explore high level strategic decisions, or request hands on assignments, they were always approachable and supportive. The work itself was challenging, yet Dentons makes sure you never feel overwhelmed. You benefit not only from direct mentorship from lawyers, but also a robust network of support staff and extensive resources, from training materials to legal research tools.
The people at Dentons are unbelievably approachable and friendly. The summer experience is complemented by a wide array of social and networking opportunities, which are invaluable, they help you build confidence, form meaningful relationships, and feel like a genuine part of the firm. Experiencing life at Dentons in Calgary has been not only formative professionally but personally enriching as well.
Brandon Ogle, Thompson Rivers University: My summer at Dentons Calgary has been an energizing, challenging, and deeply rewarding experience. From day one, I felt like a valued member of the team. I had the opportunity to contribute to files across multiple practice groups and was consistently trusted with meaningful research and drafting tasks that had a tangible impact. Whether it was preparing legal memoranda, sitting in on questionings, or attending court proceedings, I was encouraged to take initiative and push myself.
What stood out most was the firm’s culture of approachability and mentorship. Lawyers at all levels – from articling students to senior partners – took the time to offer feedback, answer questions, and check in regularly. Dentons’ open-door policy is something you feel every day as a summer student. The structured programming, including practice group presentations, court shadowing opportunities, and student-led events, created an environment where learning never stopped.
Of course, the summer wasn’t all work. Dentons strikes a balance with a strong social culture—Stampede celebrations, First Thursdays, and countless informal outings made it easy to get to know both the lawyers and my fellow students. I leave this summer with more confidence, capability, and connection – and with a deeper understanding of how law operates in the real world. I’m incredibly excited to return to Dentons for articling after I graduate.