COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM
THE INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM
COMPREHENSIVE
PROGRAM
ITLP Comprehensive Program
An immersion in Canadian law,
culture and workplace
The Comprehensive Program is the flagship program of the Internationally
Trained Lawyers Program (ITLP) and is suitable for internationally trained
lawyers and international law graduates who want to practise law in Canada.
This full-time, one-year program, which runs from
May to the following April each year, provides you
with the opportunity to immerse yourself in all
aspects of the Canadian legal environment.
You will learn about various areas of Canadian law
as part of your preparation to write the National
Committee on Accreditation (NCA) Challenge
Exams which are a pre-requisite to becoming a
Canadian licensed lawyer.
You will undertake legal research, write case briefs
and other legal documents, and get training in
evolving legal technologies.
Through career skills, culture and communication
courses, you will familiarize yourself with and
prepare for the Canadian workplace.
As well, you will have the incredible opportunity to
apply for a three-month, unpaid internship in a law
firm, government, corporate or board setting.
what to expect
What to expect in and
outside the classroom
A commitment of time
The Comprehensive Program is full-time, composed
of academic classroom learning and practical
experiences.
• From May to January you can expect to be in
the classroom for 12-15 hours, two or three days
a week depending on the subjects scheduled
for that term.
• If you secure an internship placement1, you will
be working at that placement during regular work
hours (generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in February,
March and April.
• You will need to commit up to three hours of
preparation time outside the class for every hour of
scheduled class time.
• Classes may be held during the day and/or
evening, depending on the term and instructor.
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Comprehensive Program
If you do not do an internship, you may participate
in career counselling and practical opportunities to
complement your learning.
learning
Learning focused in three principal areas
Legal-related learning
In only nine months you will acquire a solid
understanding of Canadian law and learn how
to apply that knowledge in completing the
NCA exams.
You will receive 200+ hours of academic instruction in NCA
subject areas to assist you in preparing for the NCA Challenge
Exams including:
• academic training in five core NCA subject areas: Canadian
Constitutional Law, Canadian Administrative Law, Canadian Criminal
Law, Foundations of Canadian Law, and Canadian Professional
Responsibility; and
• instruction in other NCA subject areas such as Torts, Evidence,
Property, Contracts and Corporate Law.
As well, you will receive 50 hours of intensive instruction in legal
research, analysis and writing that includes: a study of the processes
(legislative, judicial and executive) relevant to legal research; practice
in applying legal research and analysis to solve real-life legal problems;
and training in writing case briefs, opinions, facta and other legal
documents.
“The ITLP is an excellent
bridging program with two
unique components: internship
and tutoring. Through the
program I gained great insight
about the Canadian workplace
culture and developed the
courage and necessary skills
to successfully handle the
interviews. This program
offers a very good platform
for a foreign-trained lawyer
contemplating transitioning
into Canada and practising law
in Ontario.”
Nirav Bhatt
Called to the Bar in Ontario
and India
ITLP 2010–11; Intern,
Heenan Blaikie LLP
Partner, Aastha Lawyers, LLP
Through technology training that includes hands-on learning you will
learn how to use legal technologies for client communication, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, and an understanding of the role
of evolving technologies in legal practice.
Workplace learning
The ITLP Comprehensive Program supports your transition to the
Canadian legal workplace through:
• an assessment of your English language skills and the
opportunity to take a 15-module course designed to improve
profession-specific language and communication skills; and
• courses, classes and workshops to familiarize you with
Canadian workplace culture, communication and conduct and
build your career development skills.
On-the-job learning and experience
One of the principal goals of the ITLP Comprehensive Program is to
help you plan your legal career in Canada.
• Through workshops, networking sessions and coaching, you
will learn to build a profile, write a resume and cover letter, and
prepare for an interview.
• You will also have the opportunity to apply for a three-month,
unpaid work placement internship with a law firm, government
office or other legal employer.2
2
Internships are not guaranteed. Students must qualify, apply and be
accepted by a prospective placement.
How to apply
To apply to the ITLP’s Comprehensive
Program, you will need to:
» complete an online application,
including a personal statement
outlining your reasons for applying
to this program;
» provide supporting documentation
such as your law school transcripts,
licence to practice outside Canada
(if applicable) and the required
documentation from the NCA;
» prove your English language
proficiency (if applicable);
» pay the application fee.
Go to iltp.utoronto.ca/application
Comprehensive Program
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COMPREHENSIVE
PROGRAM
Is this the right program for you?
The Comprehensive Program is the most complete and intensive of the four programs in the
ITLP roster. It ensures that graduates are well positioned to continue on the road to becoming
fully trained and licensed lawyers in Canada.
But it also demands a significant commitment of time and energy on your part. Students
are discouraged from taking on any paid employment during the one-year of study; you
are encouraged to make the Comprehensive Program your major focus.
If you require financial support, please visit the ITLP website to learn more about bursary
support that is available.
eligibility
Eligibility criteria
To be considered eligible to apply for the Comprehensive Program, you must submit
documentation that indicates you meet the following criteria:
• you have a law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a
country outside of Canada;
• you have had or are in the process of having
your legal credentials assessed by the NCA;
• your primary language is English and/or
you graduated from a university where the
language of instruction and examination
was English. If this is not the case, you may
be required to take an English language
proficiency test (available from external
testing agencies) in time for the test results to
be included with your ITLP application; and
• computer proficiency is also desirable.
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Comprehensive Program
itlp.utoronto.ca
Important
website links
For more information about the
ITLP Comprehensive Program,
course schedule and descriptions,
as well as admission criteria and
financial aid, go to:
itlp.utoronto.ca/programs/
comprehensive-program
“The ITLP Comprehensive Program is, for me, a 360-degree experience. On the one hand
it provides a deep and high-quality substantive knowledge of Canadian law delivered by
outstanding and experienced legal professionals. On the other hand, ITLP’s training approach
seems unique in the sense that it also guides and encourages participants to get involved with
the Canadian legal system. This combined approach gave me the tools and skills to research
and select the most effective steps to achieving my career goals.”
“I now feel confident that I will always find or create the appropriate paths and opportunities
for my career. That confidence is rooted in my ITLP experience.”
Antonio F. Urdaneta
Called to the Bar in Venezuela
ITLP 2012-13
Advisor, Human Rights Legal Support Centre (Ontario)
Comprehensive Program
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COMPREHENSIVE
PROGRAM
The Internationally Trained Lawyers Program:
An Overview
A unique program tailored to your unique needs
If you are a foreign-trained lawyer or an international law graduate who wants to practise
law in Canada - but are unsure of where to start - the Internationally Trained Lawyers
Program (ITLP) at the University of Toronto is tailor-made for you.
The ITLP is designed to bridge your past to your future - and to help you prepare for
the two major steps you need to take to get there: becoming accredited; and becoming
licensed, a multi-step process that can take from two to four years to complete.
And because no two lawyers or law graduates have the same needs, goals and
backgrounds, the ITLP offers you a choice of four different full- or part-time programs,
each designed to help you transition successfully into a legal career in Canada.
becoming a lawyer
Steps to becoming a licensed lawyer
1
Accreditation - Obtain a Certificate of Qualification (1-2 years)
You must apply to the National
Committee on Accreditation
(NCA) to have your credentials
and experience (academic and
professional) assessed.
The NCA will determine what you
must do to obtain a Certificate of
Qualification, including the areas
in which you need to demonstrate
competence (through challenge
exams or law school courses).
Once you have completed those
steps, you can apply for your NCA
Certificate of Qualification which
in turn will allow you to move to
the next step: applying to the Bar
admission/licensing process in the
Canadian province or territory of
your choice.
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Comprehensive Program
ITLP programs to consider
The Comprehensive Program is a one-year full-time
immersion in Canadian law, legal technology, career skills,
workplace culture and communication. It also provides an
opportunity to apply for on-the-job experience through a
three-month unpaid internship in a law-related workplace.
The academic component is built around the five NCA core
subjects, as well as other areas of law, ensuring you are well
prepared to write the required NCA exams.
This program is suitable for internationally trained lawyers
and international law graduates and includes elements of
many of the part-time programs also offered by the ITLP.
OR
The NCA Review Program (NCAR) focuses on helping
students prepare for and write the NCA Challenge Exams
in specific areas of law. Students can choose which NCA
subjects they wish to take.
The NCAR is a part-time program that complements the
timing of the NCA exam schedule, and is also available
on-line for distance learners.
“What I found extremely
valuable were the additional
classes in areas such as
culture and communication,
career development, and legal
research. The tendency is to think of only
the NCA component… But it was the
cultural component that turned out to
be very helpful because practising in my
home jurisdiction, India, is very different
from what it is in North America. Now I
am confident that I will be able to carve
my niche in the legal industry here.”
Parul Suthar
Called to the Bar in India
ITLP 2012-13; Intern, Ontario Ministry of the
Attorney General
2
Obtain a license to practise law from the Law Society (1-2 years)
To become an Ontario-licensed lawyer, you must
complete a set of licensing exams (Bar exams) and a
Professional Responsibility online course set by the
Law Society of Upper Canada (the governing body for
lawyers in Ontario).
As well you must “article,” that is, work as an intern
for 10 months for a Law Society-approved employer
or complete the Law Society’s Law Practice Program
(LPP). Some students qualify for an articling
abridgement or exemption.
ITLP programs to consider
The Bar Exam Prep Course (BEPC) is an
intensive, two-week course that prepares
you to write the Barrister and Solicitor Law
Society-required exams that students must
pass to become licensed as a lawyer in
Ontario. You can attend classes in-person
and it is also available on-line as a live
webcast or as a taped recording.
Only then can you apply to the Law Society to be “called
to the Bar” and become a licensed Ontario lawyer.
Launch your legal career
If you need help developing career and job search skills - but do not want
the academic and other supports available in other ITLP programs - we have
a program for you.
The Career Program is a part-time program that offers one-on-one career
counselling, learning about career-relevant subjects such as the legal
environment and workplace culture, resume writing and preparing for an
interview, as well as practical work opportunities.
The ITLP will give you the foundation on which to build your future
Canadian legal career with confidence.
Comprehensive Program
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THE UNIQUE
BENEFITS OF THE ITLP
A track record of success
More than 77% of graduates who
responded to our survey, reported that
they successfully completed their NCA
requirements. And almost 80% of
graduates who responded to our survey,
reported that they were employed as
a lawyer or in a law-related profession.
Overwhelmingly, they credit the ITLP
program with providing the focus and
guidance to fulfill their dreams of a legal
career in Canada.
A world-class program in a
world-class university
The ITLP is a program of the University
of Toronto’s Faculty of Law - one of the
world’s leading law schools and a magnet
for this country’s leading legal minds,
students and faculty alike.
The university itself is a world-renowned
institution, consistently ranked as the
best Canadian university and among the
top 20 in the world. It offers students a
wide range of resources including firstclass libraries.
Located in the heart of the great city of
Toronto, the ITLP puts you in the centre of
the action - close to the city’s commercial
core, its federal and provincial courts
and its many cultural and entertainment
venues that reflect the diversity of the
city. Moreover, as one of Canada’s oldest
universities, the U of T’s green campus
offers an oasis of calm in one of the world’s
major international cities.
A faculty of leading law practitioners
You will be taught by members of the
university’s law faculty as well as senior
members of the Bar and bench in Ontario,
ensuring not only first-class instruction
but also a lively intellectual community in
which to debate and discuss.
A network of exceptional colleagues
from around the world
As an ITLP student, you will be part of a
unique network of some of the world’s
brightest and best.
Your colleagues will come from more
than 40 countries and speak on average
three languages. More than 75 per cent
are already licensed to practise law in
another country, and many have worked
in a law-related occupation.
For more information
ITLP programs in detail
Detailed information on each
ITLP program is available at:
itlp.utoronto.ca/programs
Admissions criteria,
applications
For information on admissions
criteria and eligibility for each
of the four ITLP programs, and
for application information, go
to: itlp.utoronto.ca/admissionseligibility
Like you, they are highly motivated,
talented, and passionate about joining
the Canadian legal community.
Financial aid, tuition
For information on bursaries
and loans, and tuition costs,
go to: itlp.utoronto.ca/tuitionfinancial-aid
A dedicated professional team
Whether it’s the ITLP team who administer
the program, or the Career Advisor who
guides your job search, or any of the other
professionals you will encounter in the
ITLP program, you’ll quickly realize this is
a very special group of people committed
to helping facilitate your transition into the
legal workplace in Canada.
Becoming a lawyer in Canada
Links to information on the
licensing process, and how
to become a lawyer are at:
itlp.utoronto.ca/practise-lawin-canada
A flexible approach to learning
Our programs are available in a variety of
formats for in-class and distance learners.
ENROLL IN OUR COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM OR SELECT ONLY WHAT YOU NEED:
THE CAREER PROGRAM, THE NCA REVIEW PROGRAM OR THE BAR EXAM PREP COURSE.
COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM
CAREER PROGRAM
NCA REVIEW PROGRAM
BAR EXAM PREP COURSE
THE INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM
THE INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM
THE INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM
THE INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS PROGRAM
COMPREHENSIVE
PROGRAM
CAREER
PROGRAM
NCA REVIEW
PROGRAM
BAR EXAM
PREP COURSE