Richards Buell Sutton LLP
Vancouver, British Columbia

Founded in 1871, Richards Buell Sutton is one of the oldest law firms in British Columbia. Today, we’ve benefited from more than 150 years of practising law, developing our knowledge and gaining experience, and by earning the loyalty of long-term clients, from institutions and corporations to individuals.

By Canadian law firm standards, we sit neatly and intentionally in the mid-sized law firm space with offices in Vancouver and Surrey. Our lawyers number in the 50s, we have more than two dozen paralegals, and are supported by many long-term staff, as well as a loyal, hard-working and predominantly female management team.

We are a diverse, respectful and collegial workplace. It is our firm belief that diversity both strengthens RBS and enhances our ability to represent our broad base of clients.

RBS typically hires summer students with the hopes they will return to article with the firm.

Our students gain hands-on experience in both litigation and corporate-commercial work. In past years, students have assisted in all facets of this busy, dynamic and challenging legal practice, including meeting with clients, negotiating settlements, preparing documents, assisting in trial preparation, attending at chambers applications, conducting small claims court trials, reviewing and drafting contracts, preparing commercial leases, property development documents, dealing with intellectual property matters and conducting legal research. Lawyers typically assign work directly to students.

Students with particular interests are encouraged to develop their knowledge and skills in that area by seeking out that work and taking continuing education courses. Our summer program does not have a rotation system, however articling students rotate through the corporate-commercial and litigation departments.

The firm is invested in supporting it students and associates, having constant access to and mentorship from their principal and the Director of Professional Development. In addition, RBS has an open-door policy allowing students to benefit and learn from all of the well-respected and experienced lawyers at RBS.

When we hire our students, we look for a well-rounded education and employment history. Although grades are important, we seek students who maintain a healthy balance in life, with activities outside the field of law.