Articling Student - 10-Month Contract

Manulife • Waterloo, ON

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Manulife is seeking two Articling Students for a 10-month articling placement within its in-house legal department for the 2026-2027 articling term, providing hands-on experience in commercial, corporate, regulatory, and litigation matters. This articling opportunity, beginning on or before July 13, 2026, will appeal to individuals interested in business and financial services law who love to take initiative, are client-focused, and are exceptionally strong in delivering high-quality results. As part of the placement, you will work with a high-caliber legal team in a leading global financial services organization. Our articling program offers: Comprehensive mentorship and training from senior legal professionals. Exposure to complex and high-profile legal matters in financial services law. A collaborative and inclusive environment with a strong focus on professional development.

Requirements

• Law degree and a strong academic background.
• Demonstrated interest in commercial, corporate, regulatory, litigation, and/or insurance law.
• Highly motivated and proactive self-starter with a strong work ethic.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to both legal and business audiences.
• Advocacy, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• A high level of comfort working with technology and a keen passion for learning new systems, including digital literacy of MS Office and web-based legal research tools and other web-based resources.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work cross-collaboratively.
• Strong client service mindset.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Critical thinker able to work well independently with minimal supervision as well as in a team environment.
• Proven time management skills and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, determine organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk and advise clients on the appropriate course of action.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in a legal setting considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with experienced in-house counsel on a broad range of legal matters.
• Support Manulife lawyers in providing strategic and risk-informed legal advice.
• Conduct legal research and legal writing.
• Assist with contract drafting, policy reviews, regulatory compliance, corporate matters, and litigation strategy.
• Participate in regular meetings with the Articling Principal, and other internal meetings as the need arises and in-house training opportunities.
• Travel to different Manulife offices as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive mentorship and training from senior legal professionals.
• Exposure to complex and high-profile legal matters in financial services law.
• A collaborative and inclusive environment with a strong focus on professional development.
• Flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree