Mentorship and Growth: A Paralegal Student's Internship Experience
HLOs: 
Emmanuella Brown, an ambitious Bachelor of Paralegal Studies student, has been making waves during her summer 2024 internship at the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO). Her experience highlights the power of hands-on learning and the importance of mentorship in shaping a successful career.
A Day in the Life at PEO
As a Paralegal intern, Emmanuella played a role in managing the operations of four tribunal committees: the Registration Committee (REC), Discipline Committee (DIC), Complaints Review Committee (CRC), and Fees Mediation Committee (FMC). Her responsibilities included:
- Publishing decisions on the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) and maintaining the PEO tribunal webpage.
- Corresponding with independent legal counsel, prosecution teams, applicants, and defendants.
- Organizing committee meetings, updating committee data, and editing handbooks and self-representation guides.
- Conducting legal research, processing invoices, and preparing for hearings.
- Drafting legal documents and ensuring timely progression of tribunal matters.
Emmanuella’s work provided her with a comprehensive understanding of tribunal operations and the legal processes involved in regulatory compliance.
Words of Wisdom for Future Students
Reflecting on her experience, Emmanuella offers valuable advice to future students: “Knowledge is worth more than pay. You can always negotiate more with experience and your license. For your internship, look for somewhere you can learn as much as possible and a place willing to support your growth.”
The Power of Mentorship
Emmanuella credits her supervisors, Nedra Brown (Supervising Lawyer) and Lana Tereshenchko (Tribunal Administrator), for their support and guidance.
“Nedra and Lana have been instrumental in my professional growth. They’ve provided personal and professional advice, helping me navigate my career path,” she shared.
Transferable Skills and Career Insights
One of the most significant takeaways from her internship is the versatility of the skills she gained. “The skills I’ve developed at PEO are transferable across the legal field, whether it’s working in policy, prosecution, defence, legal writing, or adjudication. The exposure I’ve gained here is invaluable,” Emmanuella explained. She also emphasized the importance of recognizing her own potential: “I’ve learned that I am truly intelligent. It’s incredibly rewarding when high-level lawyers and engineers compliment your work ethic and intelligence. Their encouragement has helped me see my greatest potential.”
Why Humber’s Paralegal Studies Program?
Emmanuella chose Humber’s Bachelor of Paralegal Studies program to prepare for her future in law school. “I wanted an undergraduate program that would prepare me to study law. The legal world is small, and gaining work experience early on is invaluable. That’s why I transferred from York University to Humber—due to the placement component,” she said.
A Bright Future Ahead
Emmanuella’s internship at PEO has not only equipped her with practical skills but also reinforced her passion for the legal field. Her journey is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and hands-on experience in shaping a successful career.
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