Our student programs are flexible and allow you to gain exposure to a wide range of practice areas while exploring your own interests. We encourage our students to reach out to lawyers in practice areas they would like to learn more about or with whom they are interested in working. You will receive interesting and practical hands-on experience in our diverse practice areas:
Litigation & Advocacy: You will be exposed to matters involving commercial litigation, insurance litigation, administrative law, insolvency, construction, environmental, employment & labour, family, wills & estates, immigration, and aboriginal law.
Real Estate & Business Law: You will be exposed to a mix of corporate and commercial law, taxation, and real estate.
We believe that our students should be involved in all facets of our practice. Our students are continuously challenged and will become involved in matters of increasing complexity and responsibility as their abilities develop. Examples of assignments given to students include:
- Handle your own small claims court files with supervision
- Draft correspondence, pleadings, motion records, facta, and research memos
- Attend discoveries, mediations, pre-trials, and hearings before courts and tribunals with our experienced lawyers
- Assist with both corporate and real estate closings
- Draft corporate contracts as well as director and shareholder resolutions
We treat summer and articling students similarly in terms of assignments and level of responsibility, except for the restrictions on rights of appearance before courts imposed by the Law Society.
Summer Student Program: We encourage our students to freely explore all of our practice areas as we feel the summer is too short for a formal rotation system.
Articling Student Program: We maintain a comprehensive rotation system that exposes our students to all practice groups that Blaney McMurtry has to offer.
Blaney McMurtry LLP is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
Meet our 2026 Summer Students
Alicia Giansante:
416-593-1221 ext. 2801
agiansante@blaney.com
Alicia is a second-year law student at Windsor University Faculty of Law. She previously graduated with honours from the University of Guelph Humber with a Bachelor of Business Administration, specializing in International Business. Prior to law school, Alicia worked for one of Canada’s premier financial services firms as a member of their human resources team.
Alicia has always had a passion for women’s advocacy, as evidenced by her participation in the Women in Law, LEAF, and Amnesty International chapters at Windsor Law. She is also a peer mentor to incoming students. During her first year of law school, she was recognized for her strong oral advocacy and mooting abilities, which earned her distinction from her professors.
In her spare time, Alicia is an avid reader, with a personal goal of reading one book per week. She also enjoys spending time with her dog, Gus, and attending games for her favourite team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Audrey Lee:
416-593-1221 ext. 2800
aulee@blaney.com
Audrey is a second-year law student at the University of Ottawa. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree (with High Distinction) from the University of Toronto, where she double majored in Psychology and Sociology.
Audrey is passionate about fostering her law school’s community. At uOttawa, she served as a peer mentor to a group of twenty students. Additionally, she acted as Co-President for the uOttawa Asian Law Students’ Society. Audrey is also enthusiastic about supporting her school academically. As a research assistant, she created course materials to support 1L students learning legal research and writing skills. She also worked as a legal writing tutor, running individual and group sessions.
In her free time, you can find Audrey playing games (in any format), making her friends laugh, and trying out new restaurants. She also enjoys watching movies, traveling, and spending time with family.
Deja McKennon:
416-593-1221 ext. 2709
dmckennon@blaney.com
Deja Mckennon is a second-year law student at Osgoode Hall Law School. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Philosophy from Wilfrid Laurier University, where her graduate research on historical injustice and relational autonomy deepened her understanding of how systemic inequities shape individual agency, which ultimately inspired her to pursue a legal education.
At Osgoode, Deja serves as President of the Black Law Students Association for the 2026/2027 academic year, building on her previous role as Social Director and reflecting her dedication to fostering community and advancing equity within the legal profession. Before law school, she worked in the insurance industry at major companies in Toronto, progressing from claims adjuster to sales agent to underwriter. This breadth of experience gave her a practical perspective on insurance and business that she now brings to her legal studies.
Outside of her studies, Deja is passionate about teaching and movement. A former teaching assistant during her Master's, she discovered a love of mentorship that she now channels into coaching children's gymnastics. With a background in dance from her time at an arts high school, Deja has always found ways to stay active and creative, and when it's time to unwind, she's an avid documentary enthusiast with a particular fondness for true crime.
Ilena Ricker-Singh:
416-593-1221 ext. 2708
irickersingh@blaney.com
Ilena is a second-year law student at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. Prior to law school, she completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology (with distinction) and earned a Master of Arts in Socio-Legal Studies from York University, with her research focusing on analyzing current provincial concussion legislation.
Ilena is passionate about community involvement and giving back to others. She has organized cancer research and food drive fundraising initiatives, volunteered in organizations helping marginalized youth participate in hockey, and currently serves as Vice President of Operations for the Windsor Law Trailblazers Club, helping to amplify the voices of women in sports.
As an avid sports enthusiast with a particular passion for hockey, Ilena competed in varsity hockey at both York University and the University of Windsor, serving as Assistant Captain and being a prospect in the 2025 Professional Women's Hockey League Draft.
In her spare time, Ilena loves spending time up north, listening to true crime podcasts, reading fantasy books, and going for hikes.
Marian Abdelshaheed:
416-593-1221 ext. 2707
mabdelshaheed@blaney.com
Marian is a second-year law student at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, where she is currently enrolled in the French Common Law program. She is bilingual and can service clients in both English and French.
Marian has obtained extensive work experience throughout her academic career. Prior to law school, Marian worked in the broadcast and media technology sector, where she gained considerable experience in corporate operations and commercial contracts. During her 1L summer, Marian worked at one of Canada's largest privately owned technology companies, where she developed a strong understanding of privacy and technology law. She is also an active member in her community and organizes various charitable events.
Beyond her academic and professional experience, Marian is an accomplished pianist who has received conservatory training. In her free time, Marian enjoys home cooking and attending hot yoga.
Serena Vivekanand:
416-593-1221 ext. 2802
svivekanand@blaney.com
Serena is a second-year law student at Osgoode Hall Law School. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University. Prior to law school, she worked in entertainment marketing.
At Osgoode, Serena spent her 1L year volunteering with Pro Bono Students Canada to serve as a caseworker in the practice of refugee law. She enjoys connecting with clients and solving complex scenarios. During her 1L summer, she worked in-house as a Summer Student at a Canadian telecommunications company. She continued to work at the company throughout her 2L year as a Student Legal Consultant.
In her free time, Serena enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing recreational volleyball, and going on runs. She is also an avid traveller and has visited 22 countries.
Please note that Blaney McMurtry LLP will be participating in this year’s 2L OCI and Interview Week recruitment process. We are planning to hire up to 7 second year summer students.
Candidates must submit a full application through viLawPortal in addition to selecting us for OCIs on your school portal. We will not accept applications submitted via email or regular mail.
Summer student applications should be addressed to Neil Dennis, Director of Professional Development, and should include the following:
- Cover Letter
- PLEASE CLEARLY INDICATE in your cover letter what practice area(s) (if any) you are most interested in
- Resume
- Copies of official undergraduate and law school transcripts
- Reference letters are welcome but not required
We thank all candidates for their response but only those to be considered for an interview will be contacted.
If students would like to learn more about our summer student program, they are welcome to contact our current summer students.