Mike joined ZSA as a consultant in our Western and International Divisions in 2011. He works extensively with law firms, corporations, partners, and associates in the Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton legal markets. Mike also assists Canadian and foreign qualified lawyers in finding legal positions in many of the major financial centers of the world with a particular focus on the London and Dubai markets.

Mike obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia and his law degree from the University of Victoria. Mike began his legal career at Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer in Calgary, Alberta where he articled and worked as an associate in the finance and corporate departments. Looking for international experience, Mike decided to work as an associate at SJ Berwin in London, England. He eventually settled back in his hometown of Vancouver, B.C. where he worked for Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. Mike has been called to the bar in each of British Columbia, Alberta, and England & Wales. In his spare time, Mike enjoys travelling, playing sports and following his favorite hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks.

Katrina Sriranpong

Candidate

With Mikes Aujla’s help, I was hired as a Corporate Immigration Lawyer. I was recommended to ZSA by a friend, who had a successful experience with Paul. Overall, Mike provided excellent service! I was delighted that his services did not simply end when I was offered a position. He went beyond his duties by contacting me after I was offered the position to make sure everything went smoothly and to make sure I felt confident with the transition. I have used one recruitment agency in the past and ZSA far surpasses them. ZSA is quick and the contact with the recruiter is constant. Thus, you always feel like you know what is going on and the status of the job. In addition, Mike made himself available to talk with me after the interview and also after the second meeting with my employer. I found this helpful and it demonstrated exceptional client service skills. I would certainly use the services of ZSA again!

Candidate at Top Firm

ZSA was recommended to me by Michelle Fivel at Major, Lindsey and Africa (a recruiting firm in the States). I spoke with an individual at the Counsel Network initially (as they were recommended to me by a friend), but as they didn't seem to have much in the way of opportunities for a U.S. attorney, I thought to reach out to ZSA as well. Mike Aujla was very pro-active and was quick to respond to my questions. Mike is also very patient and I appreciated that quality since I had many questions due to my unfamiliarity with the Vancouver market. Although my situation was one that I believe required more work, Mike nevertheless continued to reach out to firms for me and act as my advocate. In comparison with past recruiters, ZSA was great! I thought I had a practically impossible situation, but I was able to land an offer as a mid-level corporate associate as a result of Mike’s efforts after working with Mike for only about 2 months! Thanks again Mike.

Matthew

Candidate

I worked with Mike on my transition between private practice firms. Mike was extremely helpful in educating me on the process, preparing me for the various interviews and emphasizing my skills to my new employer. His attention to my application was thorough and fulsome and it was a pleasure working with Mike in my last move. I would recommend Mike for anyone keen on learning about or seeking out other employment opportunities in the market.

Mason

Candidate

As a young professional himself, Mike was able to connect with me at a different level than most recruiters. With his experience working in large national firms both in Canada and overseas, he offers insightful advice on how to manoeuvre the tricky legal market to best accomplish your career aspirations. After going through this recruitment process with him, he is no longer a mere acquaintance, but rather a trusted advisor and friend.

Brian Bidyk

Partner / Heenan Blaikie LLP CAL

We have hired a few different positions through Mike Aujla, and most recently a junior to mid-level energy associate. We engaged ZSA because of Mike’s reliability and convenience. We contacted a few other recruiting firms and had meetings with candidates who we thought might be interested. We had a great experience. Mike is very practical, reliable and reasonable and is easy to work with. He continually provided good results and candidates to us. They brought us 2 good candidates that we would not have otherwise encountered without Mike. Mike also helped in convincing the candidates what Heenan had to offer and helped us in making the decision and setting the salary. We have used other recruiters and found our experiences with ZSA to be as good if not better in almost all cases.

Carly Currie

BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc.

Our organization was looking for an attorney based in Saskatoon. We did attempt to advertise internally prior to contacting Mike, but then chose to engage ZSA as a result of our previous successful relationship. We really enjoyed working with Mike. He was responsive and easy to work with, flexible to what we needed and with respect to the time difference as I am based in Australia. He was always responsive and friendly. I would definitely use ZSA again.

Samantha Kernahan

Legal Counsel, McLennan Ross LLP

I recently changed the direction of my legal career by seeking a place in private practice after years as in-house counsel. Without the assistance of Mike Aujla of ZSA's Calgary office, my transition to a practice that fit with my goals and personal values would not have been possible. Mike was highly attentive to my needs and sought to assist me whenever and however he could by answering questions and sharing his knowledge of firm cultures. I sincerely appreciated Mike's positive attitude towards my job search which kept me in the right frame of mind as I approached my interviews. Mike was more like a friend and coach rather than a mere service provider during the time we worked together. I am now settled at a very good firm with a rewarding practice. I wish to thank Mike for his efforts on my behalf and congratulate him for demonstrating excellence in his work.