Shadow Program: Student Questions

Will I be guaranteed my choice of specialization?

Students are matched with volunteers according to their preferred geographic locations and areas of specialization. If their first choice of specialization is not possible, then we move to their second area of interest and attempt a match, and so on. Occasionally, students receive matches that meet their geographic requests but not their preferred areas of specialization; however, the shadow experience can be particularly rewarding when it exposes students to areas of law they might not have otherwise encountered. The feedback from students has been positive, whether they received their first choice or their last. We encourage students to be flexible and to enjoy their match regardless of the area of specialization.

When will I be matched?

During the Fall semester, students will be asked to fill out profiles indicating their preferred geographic locations and ranking their interest in the available areas of law. The students will be matched with the legal professionals in January. We ask that the students complete their match by the end of March, prior to exams.

How should I address my shadow match?

When speaking to your shadow match, please be as professional and respectful as possible. If your match prefers that you use his or her first name, he or she will invite you to do so. Should you be matched with a member of the judiciary, ensure that you are addressing him or her by the correct title.

How persistent should I be in attempting to contact my shadow match?

Your shadow volunteer is expecting your correspondence. Our volunteers cannot predict their schedules in advance and perhaps your volunteer will be particularly busy in January. In the event that your shadow match does not reply immediately, do not refrain from emailing again. In the past, students have worried that they were irritating their matches by sending numerous emails. Rather, their volunteers have been disappointed in the students' perceived lack of interest. It can be difficult to arrange a mutually convenient meeting date. By keeping in touch with your volunteer you will eventually arrange a date for your visit and you will convey your interest. All of our volunteers have generously committed their time and energy to the Shadow Program. As your behaviour reflects upon the law school, please fulfill your commitment by making a sincere effort to complete your match.

What can I do to prepare for my shadow day?

You should conduct some preliminary research into your volunteer's area of law before your shadow visit. You might also want to research the firm or practice. You will be given a profile of the lawyer you are matched with as guidance. Try to formulate some questions for your volunteer. If there are particular activities that you would like to observe or engage in, discuss the possibility with your volunteer. The experience will be more meaningful for you if you have some knowledge about the volunteer's area of specialization.

What should I wear on my shadow day?

Unless your shadow match suggests otherwise, we advise students to wear business clothing.

Should I bring a lunch?

Some volunteers will offer to take their students to lunch. This may happen to you, but it should not be expected. Plan to purchase your own meal, or to take a packed lunch.

May I inquire about summer employment or articling opportunities?

Please do not inquire about the hiring practices of your volunteer's office, and please do not attempt to give your volunteer a copy of your résumé. The Shadow Program is not a means to obtaining a summer placement or articling position. Questions regarding employment opportunities are inappropriate and reflect negatively upon the law school and the Shadow Program.

What are the confidentiality rules surrounding my shadow date?

The assignment of a student to a legal professional is for the benefit of the student. It is imperative that all students observe absolute confidentiality with regard to all that they see or hear during their shadow experiences. See our Guidelines for more information.

What kind of follow-up would be appropriate?

Your behaviour during and after your shadow experience will reflect upon Queen's Law School. Please send a thank you note immediately after your shadow day. We want to convey our appreciation to our volunteers for their generous contribution.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to email us.