Our students are a key component to the long-term growth strategy of our firm. We consider each student as a potential future associate of Brown Beattie O’Donovan. With that in mind, we pay particular attention to ensuring our students receive a positive and meaningful experience which lays the groundwork for a future career in the law.

Our student program is intended to facilitate our students’ opportunities to gain exposure to new areas of law, pursue their interests, and work with all the members of our firm. We find that our students receive a well-balanced workload from all of our lawyers and practice groups throughout their summer and articling terms.

A positive approach to maintaining well-being is a cornerstone of the student experience at Brown Beattie O’Donovan. We work with our summer and articling students to help them build the skills to manage the intersection of career and personal life. We emphasize the importance of integrating your career into your life – not the other way around.

During the articling term, we work with our students to help them identify the areas of law in which they have an interest. Through substantive work and one-on-one mentoring, we aim to provide our students with the opportunity to make an informed choice about the practice area in which they want to begin their careers as lawyers.

Application Process

BBO considers applications for second-year summer student employment and articling positions. Our summer student candidates must be enrolled in their second year at a Canadian law school in order to be considered.

Our team is looking for individuals who are intelligent and self-confident, who are willing and able to work hard to achieve their goals. We look for experience that indicates candidates can maintain a work/life balance and demonstrate responsibility and leadership skills.

Brown Beattie O’Donovan, like other firms in London and area, conducts summer student and articling interviews in accordance with guidelines established by the Law Society of Ontario. Applications should include a cover letter, resume, and law school and undergraduate transcripts. Applications may be submitted through the viLaw Portal or to students@bbo.on.ca.

Please note that we have filled our articling positions for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 terms.

Student Committee

Student Committee Contact Information

Jeremy A. Forrest – Partner and Articling Principal – jforrest@bbo.on.ca

Allison M. Nesbitt – Associate – anesbitt@bbo.on.ca

Ciara L. Pittam – Associate – cpittam@bbo.on.ca

Joseph A. Van Asseldonk – Partner – jvanasseldonk@bbo.on.ca

Summer Students

We hire two second-year law school summer students each year for a term generally beginning in early May and continuing to mid-August. Our summer recruitment follows the LSO-mandated process. Applications are typically received in mid-January and interviews take place in early February. Your law school recruitment office will have further information on the details of each year’s recruit.

Our summer students for 2025 will be paid a weekly salary of $885 and we provide them with free underground parking at our office location in downtown London. Summer students do not receive benefits and are not entitled to vacation days however they do receive vacation pay equivalent to 4% of their total compensation.

2024 Summer Students

  • Holtjer, Christina (Tina)
    Holtjer, Christina (Tina) Summer Student
  • Mesic, Kaylin
    Mesic, Kaylin Summer Student

Christina (Tina) Holtjer
B.Sc in Psychology at the University of British Columbia
J.D. at Western University Faculty of Law (in progress)

Kaylin Mesic
BA (Hons) Criminology at the University of Western Ontario
MPA Master of Public Administration at Queens University
J.D. at Western University Faculty of Law (in progress)

Articling Students

We hire two articling students for a 10-month term beginning in July and continuing to the end of April. Typically, we expect to fill our articling positions from our pool of summer students, however in those instances where we offer an articling position to students who have not summered with us, we follow the LSO-mandated process. Please check with your law school recruitment office for more information on that process and whether an articling position is available.

  • Our 2024-2025 articling students receive the following:
  • a weekly salary of $1,096;
  • medical and dental benefits;
  • 15 paid days to write the Bar Exams;
  • 10 paid non-working days during the articling term in accordance with the LSO requirements;
  • free underground parking at our office location in downtown London;
  • reimbursement of the Barrister and Solicitor exam materials and fees; and,
  • reimbursement of the LSO articling and application fees.
  • Articling students who are hired back in a litigation practice area also receive reimbursement of the cost of their robes.

2024-2025 Articling Students

Articling Student Blogs

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@brownbeattieodonovan

It’s Blue Monday 💙 Today is a reminder that this time of year can be tough for many.

The post-holiday blues, shorter days, and winter weather can take a toll on mental health. 🌧️ If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember you’re not alone. It’s okay to ask for help and take time for yourself. 🫶

Here are some mental health resources available in London, Ontario:

📞 CMHA Middlesex – 24/7 Support at 519-433-2023
📞 Reach Out – Mental health and addiction crisis line at 1-866-933-2023 or text 519-433-2023
📞 Talk Suicide Canada – Call 1-833-456-4566
🌿 Wellness Together Canada – Free mental health and substance use support (wellnesstogether.ca)

Let’s keep the conversation going and support one another. 💬 Your mental health matters. 💙
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#BlueMonday #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone #BrownBeattieODonovan
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We’re thrilled to announce that Jennifer A. Mitchell is now a partner at Brown Beattie O’Donovan! 👏

Jennifer has been with us since articling and being called to the bar in 2014. She specializes in personal injury law—including slip and fall, wrongful death, and motor vehicle accident claims—along with insurance defence matters.

Born and raised in London, Ontario, Jennifer earned her Juris Doctor of Laws from Western University and is deeply connected to the community.

🎊Join us in congratulating Jennifer on this exciting milestone and discover more about Jennifer and her work at BBO here👉 bit.ly/4gMxvRh
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#LondonOntario #Lawyer #BrownBeattieODonovan
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We’re excited to announce that Laura Book is now a partner at Brown Beattie O’Donovan! 👏

Laura, a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and Bond University in Australia, has successfully represented clients in commercial litigation, estate litigation, construction lien, and employment law. With a strong sense of responsibility and a competitive spirit honed through volleyball, she brings unwavering focus, discipline, and determination to every case.

Called to the bar in 2016, Laura’s commitment to her clients and her community is evident in everything she does. Join us in congratulating her on this incredible milestone! 🎊

Discover more about Laura and her work at BBO here 👉 bit.ly/4gMxvRh
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#LondonOntario #Lawyer #BrownBeattieODonovan
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Happy New Year from our team! 🎉

A new year means new beginnings, fresh goals, and endless possibilities. 🌟 It’s the perfect time to reflect, refocus, and take steps toward the future you want. 🚀 Whether you’re setting big goals or simple resolutions, remember—progress is progress. 💪

What’s one goal you’re excited to tackle this year? Share it with us in the comments! 👇
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#HappyNewYear #2025Goals #LondonOntario #BrownBeattieODonovan
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✨ Wishing you a Happy Holidays! ✨

May your days be filled with love, laughter, and quality time with family and friends. From all of us at Brown Beattie O`Donovan, we wish you a warm and joyful holiday season spent with those who matter most.❄️🎄
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#HappyHolidays #SeasonOfGiving #ThankYou #HolidayCheer
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Cheers to a night of laughs, good vibes, and holiday cheer with the BBO fam! 🎄🎅

Huge thanks to the legendary @merlamae for the ultimate ice cream cake—it’s not a holiday party without it! 🎂❄️ You made our team Christmas celebration extra sweet (literally). 🙌🎁
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#BrownBeattieODonovan #HolidayParty #MerlaMae #London
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