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Canadian lawyer Bruce Carlini and his wife, Julia, took up temporary residence in Portland just a few weeks ago, and already they have discovered the region鈥檚 wealth of hiking trails and other outdoorsy opportunities. They have also learned, through their own canine counterpart, that the Rose City is a paradise for dogs.

So, it鈥檚 safe to say that Carlini鈥檚 summer internship with Miller Nash has gotten off to a good start. Carlini, one of three international interns to take part in the program this year, will spend the next couple of months observing the practical perspectives of the law firm鈥檚 operations. He also will explore how to foster future business relationships between the U.S. and Canada through his new network of American colleagues.

聽Carlini, who earned degrees in civil and common law from McGill University in 2009, has worked at top-tier law firms in both Montreal and Toronto. He says the U.S. and Canada share some common legal issues, with privacy on the Internet key among them.

鈥淓-commerce is really taking over and there are multiple issues involved around that,鈥� Carlini says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 not an area that I practice in, but that鈥檚 something I hope to work on while I鈥檓 here and at least gain a broader understanding of it.鈥�

Environmental law and sustainability issues are another emerging area in Canada, and Carlini views his time in Portland as a perfect opportunity to expand his knowledge there as well.

The rewards and challenges of practicing law appear to be universal. Carlini says he is most impacted by his work when he receives a note of thanks or a word of appreciation from a client he has helped. When it comes to the difficulties of being a lawyer in Canada, achieving work-life balance is an ongoing struggle.

鈥淔ortunately I鈥檓 married to a doctor who works long hours as well so she understands, but that鈥檚 a problem for lawyers in private practice,鈥� he says.