So, I’ve looked into all the requirements, the various law societies’ criteria, the NCA, licensing, articling, costs... it seems qualifying in Canada (or at least in Toronto) is a laborious and financially-draining endeavour.

Where I am: I’m in the U.K. and I’ve finished a conversion masters in Law at the University of Bristol (a two-year intensive QLD); and I’m currently completing my LPC part-time. I’ve had no loans so this has been funded by working two jobs and a scholarship by the Law Society. I have just over two years paralegal experience, currently working in Crown Court crime.

I have read countless articles, blog posts, threads on the topic of qualifying in Canada and honestly I’m in total despair. Not really for the academic hurdles to jump through (I’ve just accepted those), but more so the actual legal work and if it’s available for foreign lawyers. I’m so keen to get an NCA assessment but reading everything I have thus far inspires nothing but anxiety and hopelessness.

Oroginally, my plan was to go over and clerk or perform a legal assistant role and save for the NCA examinations but am I correct in thinking they are reserved for certificate-holders? I know paralegalling is a licensed profession and not an option (it is money I just can’t spend). Even with an NCA certificate of qualification, can one be hired for these legal assistant roles? Even if I theoretically could be, is the Canadian legal market welcoming to Brits? From what I’ve read.... it seems that we’re seen as second-rate and that employers tend to hire more locally. I’m sure this isn’t quite true but you’ll forgive me for thinking that after reading several damning articles on the topic.

Then of course comes the question of articling. I don’t even know where to begin. It just looks impossible for a foreigner to article (well, very very difficult). I see many qualify here in England and Wales and have decades of experience before going over and even they struggle. I’m not even qualified and as such feel very very pessimistic about it all. I’m up for a challenge - of course - but I need to be realistic if I’m going to save and commit thousands in the hope of one day becoming qualified. My question is just does it happen? Would I be taken seriously once I obtained my accreditation? Would I have any chance of articling /do non-Canadians have good prospects for article training? Is this just one big pipe dream and the chances of making it work are as slim as they say?

If anyone could shed light below or PM me I’d be so grateful. I know this reads pretty frantically, apologies in advanced. I just don’t know what to think.

Many thanks,

J.

Firstly, thank you very much for the link and replying! Yes, Leicester is an extremely popular course for the Canadians here (25% of their cohort are Canadian). Similarly, my course must have been some 50% Canadians!

I guess it’s just an issue of being transferable. I have some good experience of paralegalling here (the role is effectively the same as in Ontario, but I don’t have to be licensed) but it doesn’t seem enough to clerk or provide legal assistance! Do you practise law?

As with many others, Canada has just always been a bit of a dream. It just seems so rich with natural beauty and culture. I presume you’re an ex-pat, too? Why did you move over?

Thanks - J.

I am an English Solictor currently in Canada and going through the NCAs. The exams are manageable, so don't worry about that. It's getting articles that is the challenge.

As a law graduate who is not yet a qualified lawyer, I'd say you have little to lose. Apply for a IEC visa and see how you do here (look at other complementary career paths that can offer you some experience). Uk employers value overseas experience so if you decide to return, you will be no worse off.