NCA - if it were the others I could obtain past papers from them to get some sort of feel as to what subjects come up regularly.

Why aren't you working ??

Enjoying the good weather!

I am bumping this thread as my wife and I have had similar difficult experiences with the NCA, who have been anything but helpful.

She (UK-trained solicitor) and I (Canadian doctor) are moving to BC soon from the UK. I have a job sorted out already but it is amazing how restrictive the Canadian licensing authorities are! Medicine is bad but law is worse! Canada is just shooting itself in the foot - makes me embarassed of my own country.

How is everyone who is going through the NCA process getting on?

My wife is still waiting for her assessment but from people we have spoken to, the trend seems to be that the NCA are now requiring more and more exams even for people with significant PQE.

hey folks

i am a recent law graduate from glasgow university (LLB - june 2007) and i am applying for the bunac visa to go to canada for 12 months next yr.
ideally i would prefer to qualify in canada with the view of moving there but i also have the opportunity to gain my diploma next yr, before going onto a training contract with the COPFS.
Does anyone have any idea whether it is worthwhile to qualify here and then try to go down the NCA route or apply to NCA now with my LLB honours degree and sit the necessary exams? I am also v aware at how expense both routes will be so the need to make the correct choice now is even more important.

Any help or suggestions would be great!!

Thank you (n early merry xmas)

Laura

Just so we don't send people on wild goose chases, your question now has been answered in another thread, right?

i have had help finding out how to go about qualifying in canada - i was just looking for advice on whether it would be worthwhile qualifying here first i.e would it make it easier to qualify in canada or just go for the canada qualification route first?

Qualifying in England and Wales (I have no idea about Scotland) would assist slighty (less exams to take) but how easy it would be to do that with a Scottish LL.B. is not known to me. In addition, it would take at least 3 years (LPC, training contract etc) by which stage you would only just be qualified and that may not hold much weight with the NCA. I would apply to NCA to see what they want you to do and take it from there.

Another thought is to come over and do a Canadian LL.B. (that would be just as quick as qualifying in England and Wales) and then you would not have anything to do with the NCA.

I think there is alot of protectionism by the provincial professional bodies. I have anecdotely heard of requalification woes for Teachers and Radiographers, even doctors (not from a UK Doc, but one from Pakistan who would have to go through all of medical school again)

Luckily in Computing / Project Management terms our certifications are totally portable But then we are not worried about being part of some arse covering profession. If we perform badly then we are sacked or if you are a Project Manager you are crucified or sued. Whereas in my experience Solictors / Lawyers can perform poorly and you have very little recourse for action.

Lawyers can be sacked/sued as well, which is why they have to pay each year for such extortionate professional insurance fees.

When all is said and done, there is no real excuse for the protectionism over here although, once I have requalified, I hope they make it as difficult as possible for others to follow