YOUR GUIDE TO PRACTISING LAW IN CANADA. The Internationally Trained Lawyers Program at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law

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1 YOUR GUIDE TO PRACTISING LAW IN CANADA The Internationally Trained Lawyers Program at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law

2 Launch Your Legal Career at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law Make good friendships with the other students because they become your support system and understand what you are going through. Rosie Jessani (Pakistan), ITLP Student, 2014 If you are an internationally trained lawyer (or an international law graduate) who is new to Canada, or who is thinking about immigrating to Canada, the University of Toronto Faculty of Law offers a unique program unlike any other in North America. The Internationally Trained Lawyers Program (ITLP) is the only program of its kind in Canada that prepares internationally educated and trained lawyers to enter the Canadian legal profession with confidence. The ITLP focuses entirely on lawyers and the legal profession. Recognizing that each lawyer s needs are different, the ITLP offers a variety of components that can be tailored to meet those needs. Located in the heart of Canada s largest city, Toronto, Ontario, the ITLP offers academic courses in legal subject areas, training in workplace culture and communication, professional language training, and much more, to prepare internationally trained lawyers for professional licensure, and ultimately legal employment. Working closely with prominent corporate and government partners in the legal profession, the ITLP offers innovative preparation to facilitate your transition into the Canadian legal workplace. Since launching in 2009, the ITLP has assisted over 400 internationally trained lawyers from over 40 countries around the world. To date, many of those have gone on to become fully licensed in Ontario and are now practising law. I appreciated the thought which went into organizing our orientation program. In particular, I would like to mention our worthwhile visit to the provincial legislature. While studying Foundations of Canadian Law and Constitutional Law, I realized the importance of that visit. Madhulika Joshi (India), Called to the Bar in India, ITLP Intern with Ministry of the Attorney General, 2011 THE ITLP PROGRAMS OFFER: Over 200 hours of legal academic instruction and hands-on NCA examination practice; Courses taught by leading faculty, law practitioners and judges; Academic training in all core NCA subject areas, including: Canadian Constitutional Law, Canadian Administrative Law, Canadian Criminal Law, Foundations of Canadian Law, and Professional Responsibility, as well as Torts, Property, Contracts and Evidence; Workplace culture and communication training; Language and Communication Assessment; Language and Communication Course; Approximately 50 hours of instruction in Canadian legal research and writing; Legal Technology Course; Career skills instruction, career workshops and networking events; One-on-one career coaching with an experienced Legal Career Advisor; Career internship opportunities in legal offices, including all three levels of government, legal clinics, administrative tribunals, corporate counsel offices and leading Canadian law firms; Mentorship opportunities; Review courses in NCA subject areas; Bar exam preparation courses; Network of culturally diverse colleagues; Partnerships with key stakeholders in the legal profession. 2 INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM 3

3 What You Need to Know Getting licensed to practise law in Ontario, Canada is a long and challenging journey that takes approximately two to four years to complete. You must meet the following two requirements before you are entitled to practise law in Ontario: First you must obtain a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). Second, you must obtain a License to practise law in Ontario from the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC). Requirement 1: Certificate of Qualification Obtaining a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) requires that you write a set of Challenge Exams set by the NCA, or take approved law courses at a Canadian law school. Typically internationally trained lawyers are asked to write between five and ten exams. These exams often take between one and two years to complete. You must contact the NCA directly to find out more about what exams you are required to write. See Step 1 below. Requirement 2: License to Practise Law Once you have obtained your NCA Certificate of Qualification, you must obtain a License to practise law in Ontario. To do this, you must write the provincial Licensing exams (also called Bar exams) set by the Law Society of Upper Canada in Ontario (LSUC) and a Professional Responsibility exam. You must also Article (work as an intern) for 10 months at an approved legal employer, or obtain an articling abridgement or exemption from the LSUC. As of spring 2014, you may complete the LSUC s Law Practice Program (LPP) instead of articling (see Once you have completed your licensing exams and have articled or completed the LPP, you are qualified to be Called to the Bar to practise law in Ontario. Typically this process takes between one and two years to complete. See Step 4 below. I have come a long way from where I was in Before joining the ITLP, I was clueless on how to get through the NCA process. The professors guided us and helped us achieve our goals. I have every reason to thank ITLP for my success! Mehreen Alavi (Pakistan), Called to the Bar in Ontario, England, Wales and Pakistan, ITLP Intern with Torys LLP, 2011 Getting Started: STEP 1: Contact the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) and apply to have your legal credentials assessed. Visit the NCA web site at To enter the legal profession in Canada you must first have your legal credentials assessed by the NCA. The NCA is the standing committee of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada that assesses the legal education and professional experience of individuals who obtained their credentials outside of Canada. The NCA usually requires most internationally trained lawyers to write between five and ten NCA Challenge Exams, or attend and complete specific law school courses. You will need to provide the NCA with all education and legal documentation from the issuing institution. This involves submission of original academic and professional transcripts and records directly from your university, law school, and licensing body to the NCA. The review of your file may take several months and will only begin once your file is complete. Once your file has been reviewed, you will receive a letter from the NCA informing you of the assessment of your credentials and listing the NCA exams, and/or law school courses you are required to complete. STEP 2: Apply to the Internationally Trained Lawyers Program at the U of T Faculty of Law to help you prepare for your NCA Challenge Exams, and much more. Here you will build your confidence and your personal network of legal colleagues. It is an experience you will never forget or regret. Application details and deadlines are available on the ITLP website at We welcome you to fill out an application form. Our Comprehensive Program begins in May of each year and ends the following April. The ITLP also offers additional shorter courses to help students with NCA exams, career planning, and Bar Exam preparation. These programs take place throughout the year and have different application deadlines. Check our website for more information. Alternatively, you may choose to self-study and take the NCA exams on your own. The ITLP is not a requirement. However, we strongly recommend that you learn more about the ITLP programs and how they can help you to succeed. If you choose to enroll in a Canadian law school instead of writing NCA exams, you should be aware that applications to Ontario law schools are due May 1st each year for classes beginning in September. If you are required to take a full three-year degree at a law school, applications are due November 1st of the previous year. Applications are made online through the Ontario Law School Application Service at For more information about the process and applying to take law school courses, visit the U of T Faculty of Law website at STEP 3: Complete the NCA Challenge Exams (or courses at an approved law school). Once you have completed your NCA Challenge Exams, apply to the NCA for a Certificate of Qualification. Most law societies in Canada accept the NCA s Certificate of Qualification for the purpose of entry to their bar admission or licensing process. STEP 4: Once you have your NCA Certificate of Qualification, you are eligible to begin Ontario s Licensing Process to be Called to the Bar and become a lawyer. This process includes a Solicitor Examination, a Barrister Examination, and up to 10 months articling in a law office, as well as the completion of a Professional Responsibility Course. You may also qualify for an articling abridgement or an articling exemption. The ITLP offers a program to assist you with your Bar Exam preparation. Go to for more information on the Bar Exam Preparation Course (BEPC) and the lawyer licensing process. STEP 5: Once you have completed the LSUC licensing requirements, including the Barrister and Solicitor Exams, the Professional Responsibility Course and the articling component, you may apply to the LSUC to be Called to the Bar both as a Barrister and a Solicitor. 4 INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM 5

4 The ITLP Programs: The ITLP offers four core programs to help internationally trained lawyers who are at various stages in the accreditation and licensing process. Find the one that is right for you: 1. The Comprehensive Program A full-time program for those starting out on their journey to becoming a lawyer in Canada. Our students come from over 40 countries around the world. The one thing they all have in common is the desire to practise law in Canada. For more information see below. 2. The Career Program A part-time program for those who do not need help with their NCA exams or LSUC requirements, but would like assistance finding a job. For more information see below. 3. The NCA Review Program (NCAR) A part-time program for students who only need to have academic assistance with passing their NCA exams. This is a four-day (21 hour) course that is offered evenings and weekends. For more information see below. 4. The Bar Exam Prep Course (BEPC) A part-time program for students who already have their NCA Certificate of Qualification but who want academic assistance with passing the Licensing Exams. This is a two-week program that is offered evenings and weekends twice per year, immediately prior to the Law Society s Licensing Exams. For more information see below. Everywhere I turn, people tell me of the many challenges of foreign trained professionals. Then I look at the ITLP and I remember all the wonderful people who are making it their life s work to help us succeed in Canada. I am really looking forward to my internship opportunity and I am very grateful to all of you who helped in making the dream of practising law in Canada a reality! Susanna Crichlow (Trinidad and Tobago), Called to the Bar in Ontario and Trinidad and Tobago, ITLP Intern with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, 2011 Program #1: The Comprehensive Program This one-year, full-time program is suitable for most internationally trained lawyers who are starting out on their journey to becoming licensed to practise law in Ontario. It runs for one full year, from May until the following April. For those who are further along in the process, we offer three additional part-time programs that may be of interest to you. But for most, the Comprehensive Program is the right place to begin. What does the Comprehensive Program include? 1. Academic instruction in five NCA core subject areas: Foundations of Canadian Law Professional Responsibility Canadian Administrative Law Canadian Criminal Law Canadian Constitutional Law 2. Academic instruction in additional NCA subject areas, that may include 1 : Torts Evidence Property Contracts Corporate Law 3. Career workshops and training Individualized and dedicated career planning Job skills workshops including resume and cover letter preparation and interview skills Panels, networking sessions, career colloquia Mentorship opportunities 4. Career internships for those who qualify Three-month unpaid work placements at leading legal firms, companies and government offices An opportunity to participate in a competitive work placement interview process Access to in-house educational opportunities at internship employers Access to an expanded professional network via internship contacts 5. Cultural fluency training Online course on workplace culture and communication Additional workshops and instruction on effective workplace communication and conduct 6. Language and communication assessment and training Professional language and communication assessment identifying individual strengths and challenges A 15-module language and communication course designed to increase profession specific language and communication skills 7. Legal research and writing Instruction in the fundamental elements of Canadian legal research, analysis and writing Examination of the legislative, judicial and executive processes relevant to legal research, the primary and secondary sources of law, and tools and methods for case and legislative research and analysis The application of legal research and analytical skills to solve practical legal problems, with an emphasis on federal and Ontario law Training in legal writing of case briefs, memoranda, opinions and facta 8. Legal technology training Training in effective use of a series of electronic resources to gather necessary information, communicate with clients and colleagues, maintain client records, meet reporting requirements and represent clients Overview of the important legal technologies and software used in legal practice and the role of legal technology in Canada today Instruction and practice opportunities to allow students to develop the necessary technical skills and knowledge 9. Access to the ITLP Resource and Information Centre Up-to-date legal resources Weekly legal publications Online legal resources Access to an office computer, printer, scanner and copier 10. Additional benefits: Access to the U of T Bora Laskin Law Library and other University libraries on campus Participation in Orientation activities Networking opportunities Dedicated student support by the ITLP team 1 Not all subjects are offered every year. Course availability depends upon student demand and enrollment each year. 6 INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM 7

5 The ITLP Programs: Program #2: The Career Program Designed for students who need support in their job search but who do not want academic and other supports offered in the ITLP Comprehensive Program, the Career Program is offered part time over six months. It includes group workshops, individual career counselling and coaching sessions as well as career panels, networking meetings, career colloquia, and mentorship supports. Students meet monthly in workshops focused on career development, workplace culture, and effective professional communication. In the workshops students are introduced to the legal profession and the role of the lawyer in Ontario, the lawyer recruitment process, organizational culture in the Canadian legal workplace, resume and cover letter preparation, interviewing for a legal position, networking skills and much more. Special events, panels, and networking sessions are offered as part of the Career Program, and allow students to meet with and learn from members of the profession. As well, the Career Program offers one-on-one career counselling and coaching with an experienced Legal Career Advisor who will support students in making their own personal job search plan, and exploring the types of employment and workplaces that are best suited to their individual interests and abilities. More information about the Career Program is available on the ITLP website at The ITLP Career Program filled the gap that I felt existed between me and students graduating from Canadian law schools. Now, as a Licensed Lawyer in Ontario, I continue to draw tremendous moral and practical support from the ITLP and use the knowledge and network I gained from the Career Program. Labiba Rukhsana (Pakistan), Called to the Bar in Ontario, ITLP Student, 2012 Program #3: The NCA Review Program (NCAR) One of the biggest challenges that internationally trained lawyers face is having to self-study and write the NCA Challenge Exams all on their own, without any help, to obtain their Certificate of Qualification. This self-study method has been what most foreign trained lawyers have had to do for many years. With no supports available, the self-study method often ended in failure to complete the requirements, and ultimately disappointment. In 2010, the ITLP launched the NCAR program to provide academic support and training for the NCA Challenge Exams to lawyers who could not commit to full-time study. This program offers guided instruction by trained teachers based on the NCA Syllabus. Courses in many of the NCA subject areas are offered during evenings and weekends. Students may take as many or as few subjects as they need. The NCAR program also includes lessons in exam preparation and practice exam opportunities. Please refer to the ITLP website at for more detailed information about the NCAR courses and timetable. The NCAR Program put 900 pages of material in perspective. The instructors were enthusiastic about the subject and approachable which created an easy learning environment. Nadia Singh (Guyana), Called to the Bar in Guyana, ITLP Student, 2013 Program #4: The Bar Exam Prep Course (BEPC) Successfully passing the Bar Exams and achieving membership with the Law Society of Upper Canada is one of the final steps to becoming a lawyer and one of the first steps towards building your legal career in Ontario. Indeed, the Bar Exams can be a challenge for both Canadian-trained and internationally-trained lawyers alike. The Bar Exam Prep Course (BEPC) provides students with the foundational knowledge, guidance and support essential to successfully navigate the process. BEPC is a two-week intensive course that takes place over evenings and weekends. It includes a discussion of the exam format, sample questions and advice on exam-taking strategy, and provides students with a framework for creating an effective study schedule. Each BEPC class is led by an experienced lawyer or instructor from a variety of professional backgrounds, including corporate firms, sole practitioners, government counsel, Judges and legal academics. Many BEPC instructors have taught previous sessions of the course, and have been very well-received by students. In addition to providing their extensive knowledge and unique perspectives on the legal materials, instructors are available to answer questions and provide further clarification on the legal topics being covered. Precision. Quality. Result-oriented. These three words describe the University of Toronto s BEPC program. The program is the candidate s best investment tool to pass both the Barrister and Solicitor exams. James Lam (Malaysia), Called to the Bar in Malaysia, ITLP Student, INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM 9

6 Housed in a First-Class Law School in a World-Class University The University of Toronto is a world-renowned university in a celebrated city where knowledge meets achievement, history meets future and ambition meets inspiration. The Faculty of Law is one of the world s greatest law schools, a dynamic and social community that attracts top students and the country s finest scholars. You will have great pride in learning from exceptional teachers within this environment. Tuition Tuition varies from program to program and year to year. Please check our website at for the current tuition. Application Deadlines Each of our programs has a different application deadline. Please check our website at for application deadline dates. I am very fortunate to have found and joined the ITLP. Jose Reny Albarico (Philippines), Called to the Bar in the Philippines, ITLP Intern with Ministry of the Attorney General, 2011 ITLP Partners and Supporters The ITLP benefits from its connections with the following partners and supporters that include many of Ontario s finest law firms, corporations and government offices. Led by a Team of Dedicated Professionals The ITLP has a tremendous team of dedicated individuals who support the program broadly and each student individually. This includes our team of dedicated staff working in the ITLP offices, as well as a large team of instructors, guest speakers, and so many others whose goal is to ensure that our students have the tools and skills they need to join and excel in the Canadian legal profession. Located in a Thriving, Diverse Metropolitan City Toronto is the capital city of the province of Ontario, and offers the best of all worlds. The city has, at its very core, exceptional diversity: nearly half of Toronto s 2.79 million residents were born outside Canada. Our country s living mosaic continues to draw the best and the brightest, who come here seeking world-class business, culture and education. They find it, too, in the Fortune 500 company headquarters along Bay Street; in the research centres throughout the city; in the museums and galleries; and in the many literary, music and film festivals that take place throughout the year. Toronto s transit system (TTC) is fast, clean and reliable, and can be used to visit Toronto s many eclectic neighbourhoods, each with a distinct personality, ripe for exploration. Learn Alongside a Diverse Network of Exceptional Colleagues From the very first day, you will meet motivated and talented colleagues from around the globe who share your passion for law and determination to join the legal profession in Canada. Our students include judges, administrative tribunal members, private practice lawyers, corporate counsel, law professors and recent graduates. These classmates will become your first colleagues in your Canadian legal network, and many will become lifelong friends. Aird and Berlis LLP AM Law ATP Law Office Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Canadian Association of Black Lawyers Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP City of Toronto Legal Services Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Deloitte Dentons Canada LLP Department of Justice Canada Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers Health Professions Appeal and Review Board Health Services Appeal and Review Board Heenan Blaikie LLP Hispanic Ontario Lawyers Association Kellogg Canada Inc. LawPRO Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) Linus Ali Law Mann Law Barristers and Solicitors McCarthy Tétrault LLP McMillan LLP Miller Thomson LLP Ontario - Criminal Law Division Ontario - Legal Services Division Ontario - Policy and Adjudicative Tribunals Division Ontario - Victims and Vulnerable Persons Division Mississauga Law Chambers National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN) Ontario Power Generation Inc. Ontario Securities Commission RBC Law Group Separy Law South Asian Bar Association of Toronto Sran, Chadha & Bhatt, LLP Stikeman Elliott LLP The Mentoring Partnership Torys LLP 10 INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM 11

7 Important Legal Resources Internationally Trained Lawyers Program University of Toronto Faculty of Law National Committee on Accreditation Law Society of Upper Canada Ontario Immigration Legal Career Map working/oi_how_work_lawyer_ CM.html Ontario Universities Application Centre Citizenship and Immigration Canada Welcome to Ontario Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants Prepare for Canada The career development program has helped me to appreciate the Canadian workplace, and now I think I am ready to work. Chinelo Ezeogu (Nigeria), Called to the Bar in Nigeria, ITLP Student, Funded by: Internationally Trained Lawyers Program University of Toronto Faculty of Law 3rd Floor, 655 Spadina Avenue Toronto, ON M5S 2H9 Tel: Fax: itlprogram.law@utoronto.ca