As a law student, you can come across various challenges that no one will help you navigate. I am here to share my experiences as a law student, working in a law firm and navigating the challenges so you don’t have to. Recently, I appeared in Provincial Offences Act (POA) Court for one of our clients and quickly came to senses that consistency is the key, not just for lawyers but for the system itself. 

Challenges

Challenges are a part of our profession and defending those challenges is our job as a defence. When appearing in the POA Court, the prosecutor changed their stance from what was discussed in the previous appearance. She said that the position offered by their office on a previous date was not valid because it had come from a student who “wasn’t allowed” to take a position.

I understand things can get overwhelming for a student, as I am a student as well but hey, listen, being calm and composed while presenting your point is a skill. 

Response

My response was simple: 

• Court isn’t a game where stances change day to day
• If you appear for the prosecution, you carry the weight of that office 
• If an offer is made and a client has relied on it, it needs to be honoured 

At the end of the day, it is not just about the prosecution or defence – it’s about fairness. My client should not pay the price for internal missteps, and I should not bear the brunt of someone else’s procedural error. Think about it, what if I took the position of the prosecutor and updated my principal on the status, yes, they are nice people they would not have said anything to me, but this is utter disappointment. This portrays me as incompetent to put forth the interest of my clients while also being paid from their money. Yes, honour what the court decides, but make sure you put your point forward so you do not have to suffer implications because someone else did not do their duty properly. 

Conclusion

This experience reinforced a key lesson to carry with me in every appearance: integrity and accountability in advocacy matter as much as legal knowledge. Yes, you need to know the matter before walking into the court or even logging into zoom, even if you don’t know the matter, have basic common sense that helps you navigate the case with ease. Not every day is the same in the courthouse, sometimes it can be unpredictable and that’s when being prepared, having knowledge and confidence will show up. For law students, articling students and lawyers who are starting out, confidence is the key to be in court. If you do not put your client’s point forward nobody else will.

Over 80 Law: Trusted DUI Representation in Toronto

Over 80 Law by Stephen Price & Associates delivers trusted legal defence grounded in practical, strategic, and well-established principles. With more than six decades of combined experience, our team provides thorough representation in a wide range of driving-related offences. We focus on clear, practical guidance, ensuring every client understands their rights and the options available to them. To book a confidential consultation, please contact us online or call (416) 365-0766.