Untangling the prickly path to practice:
the journeys of internationally trained lawyers in
Ontario
Gina Alexandris, Director ITLP
gina.alexandris@utoronto.ca
416-978-8152
www.itlp.utoronto.ca
NCON PRESENTATION
OCTOBER 13, 2011
Lawyers from around the world
are making Canada their new home
• In 2010 and 11, 1063 and 1096 lawyers from
70 different countries applied to the NCA for an
evaluation of their foreign credentials
• In 2010 and 11, 392 and 466 lawyers from
30 different countries received their Certificate
of Qualification from the NCA
(Source: NCA)
What do YOU need to know
to assist clients in THEIRjourney to
becoming a licensed lawyer in Ontario?
There is no great “
secret”to success…
but there are suggestions and recommendations:
A.
B.
C.
D.
INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION
NETWORK
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
A. INFORMATION
1. Who is Involved: National Committee and Accreditation
(www.flsc.ca), the Law Society of Upper Canada (www.lsuc.ca),
the Internationally Trained Lawyers Program
(www.itlp.utoronto.ca), Canadian law schools (in Ontario
www.ouac.on.ca), Lawyers Professional Indemnity Company
(www.lawpro.ca) and legal employers
2. Understand the Process to becoming “
Called to the Bar”in Ontario:
NCA
Application
Challenge
Exams or
Law School
Courses/
Degree
NCA
Certification
LSUC Licensing
Exams:
Barrister,
Solicitor and
Professional
Responsibility
Articling
or waiver/
abridgement
3. What is the “
Canadian Way”
:
learn how resumes and cover letters are prepared in Canada, how are
interviews conducted, what is the terminology the profession
uses…and does not use
4. Know Your Options:
Lawyer in private practice or government?
Law clerk?
Other?
…keep in mind the costs and time of the process…especially as they
arise during newcomer settlement issues
B. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Between 2000-2010, 34% of
claims through LawPro were
due to Communication Errors
(source: LawPro Magazine Article on biggest claims risks)
1. SPEAKING
2. WRITING
3. READING
4. TECHNOLOGY
C. NETWORK
•noun: an interconnected
group or system
•verb: to cultivate people who can be helpful
to one professionally, especially in finding
employment or moving to a higher position
Professional Legal Organizations (Canadian Bar
Association; Toronto Lawyers Association,
Women’
s Law Association of Ontario)
Ethnic Lawyers Groups (SABA, HOLA, CIAO, CABL)
Volunteer Organizations (legal clinics, community
groups, parent associations)
D. POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Employers consistently advise
that, in addition to the necessary skills,
a good attitude is among
a lawyer’
s best qualities!
•
•
•
•
Determination
Initiative
Flexibility
Optimism
Encourage your clients to come to one of the ITLP Open House
and Information Sessions:
November 23 (4-6pm);
January 11 (2-4pm); February 1 (4-6pm)
at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Flavelle House, Rowell Room;
OR
November 1 (4-7pm)
at the Mississauga Central Library, Classroom 3
Thank You