Our team – Monette Barakett

You don’t have to be a shark to be good at practicing law! On the contrary, authenticity, integrity and friendly relations are key to a better development and ensure a respectful and stimulating work environment. Please meet members of our team who share some tips, as well as their experience with MB.

Jean-François Pedneault

Former articling student… and managing partner of the firm

Like most of the firm’s lawyers, I joined MB as a student. After morning classes at the École du Barreau, I worked in the afternoon at MB.

30 years later, it is with enthusiasm that I still practice my profession, in a stimulating work environment.

I have an exciting practice in labor law and health law. The clients I represent are in big part players in our health and social services sector. The files entrusted to me often touch on human rights and freedoms. I have the privilege of pleading regularly before administrative tribunals, grievance arbitrators as well as superior courts (Superior Court and Court of Appeal). A very motivating part of my job is to advise senior management in complex cases which sometimes have media impacts.

5 years ago, my partners asked me to take the role of managing partner of the firm. This involves representing MB in contractual relations, determining the firm’s strategic directions and ensuring its financial management. I also make sure, with our executive committee, to put internal policies in place aimed at promoting our rigorous practice in an environment conducive to the development of each of our team members.

I am proud that the notoriety of MB is tributary to the quality of its professionals, as we all work with the goal of exceeding expectations.

The sustainability of our practice depends on our succession. I make sure that our articling students and lawyers have what they need to develop to their full potential. Our mentoring program adapts to the development of each individual in relation with the level at which he is at in his practice.

MB also cares about the personal development of its members outside of the office. We are convinced that good professional development goes hand in hand with a satisfying personal life, be it family, sports, or culture. It is with this in mind that the cabinet adopted a formal policy on the right to disconnect. Yes, a career as a lawyer requires a lot of involvement. Personal life does too. We are convinced that it is quite possible to combine both.

Gabriel Pichette

Lawyer, member of the Articling Students Recruitment Committee

The famous course aux stages! I was far from being convinced that I wanted to participate in this race … but after discussing with several lawyers who demystified the process (which believe me, does not have to be very complicated!), I am still at this firm I chose and who chose me during the 2017 edition.

We are regularly asked why Monette, to which I simply answer: the team! Team members become not only your resource and your reference, but also your friends, whether they are partners, lawyers or administrative staff.

The important factor, I believe, in the course aux stage is not to do it just to do it. If you are not ready, I suggest you wait – you will find something, don’t worry. Be curious, do your research, write and speak with different firms, lawyers or people who know the market. This is the only way to find out what really interests you. Once you have completed this step (your research 😉!), you will be better equipped to distinguish yourself from other students. The interest you show will be felt as it will be real. Being yourself : there is no better way.

If you want to learn more about us or just want to chat, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Anne-Frédérique Brodeur

Lawyer, member of the Articling Students Recruitment Committee

Monette is not only the work environment where I work as a lawyer, it is also a living environment in which we get involved, we develop and we carry out projects that inspire us. It’s the latitude and openness for new ideas that drives me to get involved in the various firm’s committees.

As soon as I arrived at Monette as a student, I discovered that my colleagues were not only sources of help and collaboration, but also partners in sports, happy hours and activities of all kinds.

We are always available to think about and discuss the reasoning to adopt in cases and of course, to chat about weekends and less serious matters.

I think that one of my greatest finds at Monette are these colleagues with whom I enjoy working and with whom I have developed a great bond.

Obviously, the beginning of a law practice is synonymous with questions, a lot of questions …, not only in the context of cases, but also about everything that goes with the administration of the practice. Can always address these questions over a laid-back lunch with my mentor.

Mentoring is therefore the chance to benefit from something precious : time of an experienced lawyer, to discuss anything that can help us move forward, with a partner with whom we can build a trust relationship. It is also the chance to benefit from advice on how to be better equipped at the start of our practice.

Janie-Pier Joyal

Head of the Articling Students Recruitment Committee

I am delighted to act as Maître de stage and to oversee the recruiting of our articling students. From the moment I arrived at the firm, I have enjoyed being involved in recruiting and I participated in the evolution of our recruitment process.

My studies in industrial relations and my experiences in staffing allowed me to acquire useful knowledge to recruit and integrate new members into the team. That said, when we recruit our future colleagues, our future partners, even our future friends, all of us give their 100%!

We want the selection process to be rigorous, but also fun for you. We want to share with you the friendly, stimulating and team spirit that exists at Monette. The recruiting process is undoubtedly stressful, but with the team we have, it’s easy to make it enjoyable.

This dynamic is also present in our mentorship program. I believe in a friendly, honest and close relationship. My goal is for you to be able to touch on a wide variety of areas of practice so that you will orient your interests. I want you to feel included in the team because your presence is sincerely important to the firm. I am here to support you, guide you and listen to you during your articling.

Catherine Peck

Lawyer and former articling student

Monette Barakett has been and remains a huge favorite because of the team. I was supported as soon as I arrived, even and most importantly while working from home! In addition to my “Maître de stage”, I was paired with a mentor and two experienced lawyers who followed up with me every week. This allowed me to discuss my mandates, to ask all my questions, to be reassured and equipped throughout my first months at the office.

MB isn’t like any other workplace. The office stands out for its personalized supervision, the diversity of mandates and its open-mindedness. As an articling student, we are quickly involved in various labour law, health, litigation and occupational health and safety cases. We plead before tribunals (!), a step that is certainly stressful, but when you have colleagues who listen, help and advise you, the rite of passage is super rewarding.

The firm attaches great importance to relational development within the team. Several activities allow us to bond outside of work.

MB takes me out of my comfort zone while allowing me to be myself. There is nothing like the authenticity of each member of a team. All these reasons make MB an ideal choice to start your career as a lawyer.