MDM running summer program for law students

Marshall Diel & Myers Limited is currently accepting applications for our summer student program, which runs from late May through August 2014, and we have extended the deadline for applying for the summer of 2014 until the 28 March 2014.

The student experience is meant to be challenging, rewarding and positive. Marshall Diel & Myers Limited fosters and maintains an open, respectful, inclusive and team-oriented workplace where students are recognized, and treated, as valued professionals.  We seek to support and hire outstanding students who will continue with the Firm as associates.  We are committed to providing the best possible training for our students and we want all our students to become highly-capable professionals, ready and able to commence practice.  Because we strive to support and hire students who will remain with the Firm as associates, we look for candidates who will share the Firm’s commitment to the highest standards of practice, professionalism, and client service. We seek candidates who have a strong academic record, and who demonstrate initiative, effective communication skills, leadership capability, willingness to be involved in the community, and the ability to work well as part of a team. All candidates must be committed to returning to Bermuda to practice law and contribute in the on-going development of the Bermuda Bar.

Samantha Saunders worked as a summer student for eight weeks in 2013. After interning with the Firm, she completed her studies at BPP University College where she pursued both her Masters of Law and Legal Practice Certificate. In addition to completing research and general administrative tasks, Samantha gained practical experience in drafting pleadings and client correspondence. She attended with various attorneys at client meetings and court appearances.

“At Marshall Diel & Myers Limited, I was always being challenged and stimulated by a varied workload; whether I was presenting the legal implications of a Family Division judgment or preparing various court documents for commercial matters, I was continuously being trained to develop the mental stamina and tenacity to stick with a problem until it was solved.

Throughout my two-month placement I found the lawyers to be very supportive. It became apparent to me that Marshall Diel & Myers Limited was an ambitious firm with a clear sense of direction. Their focus on training students to have a future successful legal career has given me greater confidence to transition from life as a student to a lawyer.”

Catherine Outerbridge was offered a two week placement in 2013 despite having only completed her undergraduate degree in order to provide her with some practical experience before commencing her legal studies at Kaplan Law School in September 2013.  While her placement was short, it was intensive and she had the chance to attend various court appointments and depositions. She drafted court applications, affidavits and research memos.

“My summer placement at Marshall Diel & Myers was an invaluable experience. The combination of active participation in the daily workings of the firm and the guidance of the Marshall Diel & Myers team meant that I was given practical insight into the firm and the practice of law in Bermuda. In particular, being involved and working face-to-face with clients in various litigation practices made my two weeks at Marshall Diel & Myers a unique and exciting experience, and overall, has been a positive and encouraging part of my path to a career in law.”

Jonathan White recently completed his law degree at the University of Buckingham and secured a four-month internship this winter with the Firm before attending the Bar Practice Training Course in the United Kingdom.

“The first week was somewhat of a legal whirlwind. I found myself working on matters involving securities fraud, personal injury, employment disputes, and matrimonial issues. My schedule was soon filled with client meetings and court attendances, and my inbox was filled with research requests and work assignments.  I was grateful to be assigned a student mentor who would assist me in prioritizing and liaising with other members of the firm.

But what sort of “real” work am I doing?  So far, I have drafted all manner of legal documents including letters, summonses, affidavits and pleadings and prepared Court bundles. I have attended Court to watch lawyers appear before the various Judges and the Registrar. I have sat in on client meetings and the Immigration Appeals Tribunal. I have also conducted research on all types of issues.”

Marshall Diel & Myers Limited is committed to developing the future of the Bermuda Bar. Our goal is to work with students to assist in their development as the next generation of lawyers, not only to benefit the Firm but also the Bermuda Bar as a whole. Our student programs provide us with an opportunity to lay the foundation for students’ future legal careers and we look forward to meeting the next generation of Bermudian lawyers.