James Zick is currently an articling law student at Lewans & Ford at 228 Centre Street. An articling lawyer by definition is an individual who is studying the practice under the direction of someone who is already in the legal profession.
Before Zick arrived in Assiniboia, he finished a BA in history at the University of Regina then moved northwards and studied law at the University of Saskatchewan, where he completed three years of coursework. Zick is presently finalizing one year of articling in Assiniboia with Lewans & Ford in their downtown office. “The best I would compare it to is an apprenticeship,” Zick said.
Zick is obligated to submit material to a CPLED evaluation – a professional body ensuring the work of the articling student is representing the correct amounts of expertise, proficiencies and capabilities needed for all lawyers-in-training. Ultimately, the CPLED Program will decide if the articling law students have met the correct standards and obligations to become lawyers in Saskatchewan.
When Zick officially begins his legal profession, the articling student says he is eager to assist others with routine law requirements, by helping them wade through the pages of legalese jargon and discover the best solutions for them. He is aiming to acquire a general solicitor practice. “I want to do the kind of law that people actually need. I want a client to go home with a smile.”
Zick wants to provide essential services for those who require a lawyer for wills, estates and other routine issues. He is planning to supply everyday legal needs with the objective of making people’s lives easier. “No one needs a lawyer until they need a lawyer,” Zick said, adding “My goal is to do this work, do something good for people and make a life.”
Zick would also prefer to provide legal needs for those who are living in small communities such as Assiniboia after his articling has been completed. “My goal is to live in a smaller place. I hope to stay here,” he said, referring to Assiniboia.
Although he says the shops and other businesses close here much earlier than they do in larger centres such as Saskatoon and Regina, he’s made adjustments to his personal schedule for life in a small town. So far, Zick has continued to enjoy life in Assiniboia for the five months he’s been here. “It’s been pretty good. People are friendly and welcoming.”
