Students participated in mock client interviews, where they were required to practice active listening, empathy, and issue spotting. The firm’s generous contribution also allowed the Faculty to engage professional actors, making the exercise even more realistic and enriching.
Well-known for its expertise and for representing a wide range of Franco-Ontarian institutional clients in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Emond Harnden is committed to supporting the next generation of lawyers by providing students with concrete opportunities to strengthen their skills.
As part of this initiative, Céline Delorme, a French Program alumna and partner at the firm, shared her experience and offered practical advice on how to conduct a client interview. Her guidance allowed students to gain valuable insights into real-world practice and to reflect on the essential skills needed to build strong, trusting client relationships.
“Our firm is happy to support the French Program, to which we have strong ties, and to give students the opportunity to hone their interpersonal and client relationship skills,” said a representative of the firm.
Students responded enthusiastically to the exercise. As Jennifer Elie Salibi, a student of the French Common Law Program, explained: “This was a wonderful opportunity to learn in a practical setting and to receive concrete advice from an experienced practitioner, which already prepares us for what we will encounter in the profession.”
The Faculty of Law is deeply grateful to Emond Harnden for its generous support, which directly enriches the training of future generations of French speaking lawyers.