I imagine that many Canadian law students and law grads will be reading yesterday's New York Times article “Is Law School a Losing Game?” with some concern. While the job situation for new grads is definitely worse in the US, we've got a problem in Canada as well - at least in Ontario. Just how much of a problem? Who knows?

Law students are routinely told that knowledge equals power. This may be true, however it is the practice of knowledge that brings about powerful social change. If you are an enthusiastic law student with an interest in human rights, the rule of law and good governance, and you are looking for a hands on experience this summer – you will want to know more about the Canadian Lawyers Abroad (CLA) Summer Internship Program.

Ever since I got into law school, I’ve heard just about every lawyer joke known to man:

How do you know when a lawyer is lying? When her lips are moving.

What do you call 100 lawyers chained together at the bottom of the ocean? A good start.

Why won’t sharks attack lawyers? Professional courtesy.

The talk in the Canadian legal community can be pretty depressing. Everyone’s stressed out.  Women are leaving private practice in droves. There’s a dearth of articling positions. The legal aid system is collapsing. The traditional firm model is failing.

But I’m feeling really positive.  Why?  Because I spent the past few weeks hanging out with law students from across the country.  The students I met were intelligent, thoughtful, and committed to using their law degree to make a positive difference.

For a lot of law students, a big question that they face pretty quickly after starting law school is whether to apply to a firm. The talk starts in first year when firms - in particular large firms - start visiting the school, culminating in a total frenzy by the beginning of second year when it's time to apply for summer jobs (clearly there are variations, this can happen in first year if you're out East/in Alberta or later if you're in a four year program).

I get asked on a regular basis as to what exactly what Canadian Lawyers Abroad does. These questions come from friends, colleagues, people I've just met, my dad. It seems that many people picture planeloads of eager Canadian lawyers flooding into developing countries to do “good stuff."