Great Place, Great People
From articling student to partner and Head of Commercial Real Estate in 10 years
Steven Pordage joined the firm in 2012 as an articling student and has been a member of its real estate practice since September 2013. In January 2022 Steven was made partner and Head of Commercial Real Estate.

From my first day as a summer student, the firm really showed a commitment to my growth and development. I received a tremendous amount of support from everyone at the firm. The lawyers were all, without exception, extremely generous with their time and very knowledgeable. Administrative staff was always incredibly kind and patient with me. The marketing group has always been supportive in helping me increase my profile. Pallett Valo has worked with me since my first day to try and achieve my career goals. It was not just about increasing my legal acumen, but really taking control of what I wanted and helping me get there. Now, as I have taken on more of a leadership role, I see that it was not just something that happened organically. There is a concerted effort and a lot of hard work that goes into developing people at the firm. I feel very fortunate that I was able to start my career at Pallett Valo and, if all goes well, I hope to finish it here as well.
- B.A. (Hons.), University of Toronto (2009)
- J.D., Queen’s University Faculty of Law (2012)
- Called to the Ontario Bar, 2013
What our former students have to say

At Pallett Valo, I’ve had the opportunity to do complex and meaningful work that touches upon various aspects of the law, while learning from lawyers and staff who are always willing to help and who are committed to my growth. The supportive mentorship, feedback process, and culture of collegiality at the firm have made this an ideal place to start my career.
- Lawyer, Commercial Real Estate

Articling at Pallett Valo has given me the chance to work with and learn from many lawyers in a variety of areas of law, and through them I have been given interesting and meaningful work. The environment at Pallett Valo has allowed me to feel comfortable and supported, all of which has made my time here an incredibly rewarding experience.
- Lawyer, Business Law
What our students have to say

My experience as a student at Pallett Valo has been both productive and rewarding. Through the meaningful assignments across various legal fields, I have had the opportunity to develop practical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the legal profession. The associates and partners are knowledgeable, approachable, and generous with their time and feedback. Their patience and commitment to mentoring demonstrate a genuine desire to facilitate a smooth transition from student to lawyer. I am grateful to have begun my legal career here.

Pallett Valo has provided an exceptional environment to begin my legal career. As a student, I have been entrusted with substantive work across a range of practice areas, allowing me to build both confidence and competence. The firm’s collaborative atmosphere, combined with the approachability of lawyers at all levels, has fostered continuous learning and growth. The strong emphasis on support and open communication has made my experience as a student both educational and fulfilling.