Re: NCA Exams
 

Oh yes, I forgot...the LL.B (Hons) was all in class, as was the LL.M.

Re: NCA Exams
 

I have no idea how the NCA assesses qualifications/experience. I don't think anyone does. However, everyone I know that applied some time ago and have recently applied, have been given fewer exams.

When I went through the process (2007) there were no "core" exams. Most had to write constitutional and tax, but what others one caught was a complete crapshoot. It appears that the process is far more consistent than it was.

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It may well be that this is the case now but, when I submitted my application, I had to obtain affidavits from all of the firms I had worked for in England to enable them to assess what I had been doing. It pissed me off no end as, IMO, the Certificate they give is supposed to show that the foreign lawyer has proven equivalence to a Canadian LL.B. student which, of course, does not require any form of practice. In light of what you have said, it would appear that their process is far better now.

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From my experience and that of other immigrants I know here, the NCA decision making seems very random. I had to do 8 exams (applied 2011) but they were straightforward. Now, dealing with the local Bar made the NCA look the epitome of professionalism and transparency in decision making...

I came here with an LLB (Scottish) from 1993 and only a few years of actually practising. Locally, we notice that those from non-English speaking countries have a much tougher time with the NCA. It is worth knowing that you can appeal their decision and those I know who have done this have all had the requirements reduced although they lose out because the appeal takes so long.

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Merry - I seem to remember that you did get 'called' though? Care to outline the headaches you imply here...

Thanks

FROTSUK

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Hi there
Glad to read that there is some positive news out there re the NCA. My experience has been a bit tainted. Anyhow just wondering how people are managing to studying and write 4 exams at once!!!! I'm struggling with just one. What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I guess I wanted to test the waters first (and have a bit of financial constraints). Writing the first exam "foundations" in May.

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I tried to polish off 7 in one sitting, with varying success.

Tip: Canadians like a lot of flowing, esoterical academic open-ended hogwash in their answers. It appears if you restrict your self to a practical pov, as you would in practice, they don't appreciate it. This is the experience of most people I know from The UK who are already practising lawyers.

Also, for Constitutional & Foundations (and I suppose in Property), best to remember to write substantially wherever possible about 'Native Rights'. In Crim/Evidence, throw the Charter around the place. In Admin...well, there is no help here as a topic it makes little to no sense in the first place; Admin has a 33% pass rate first time around (or so I am led to believe).

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Thanks FirstRatofftheShipUK! Your reply made me laugh. I tried the practice exams 2009 and from a practical answer maybe have a paragraph in total. Will take your advice,and give quantity in my answers. cheers!

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No problem.
I think January results would be coming out about now?, so maybe some others will chime in with some input here on how they found things generally.

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Thanks. Waiting for the May exam, want to get it out of my system! :)

What area of law are you practicing? Did you practice b4 (sorry if you answered this b4).

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Received January results for Corporate and Criminal today. I was far more relaxed about these than I was for Foundations last August because there was less of the waffley nonsense expected (and also because I'd been through the experience once). I'm dragging mine out because we're still applying for PNP so no chance of being admitted to the bar for a while yet. Now prepping for Constitutional in May.
I agree with FROTSUK about the contrast between practice and what seems to be expected in the exams (particularly Foundations/Constitutional).

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Isn't that the case in the UK too?;)

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Oh of course but when you're 18 and eager and haven't been in practice it's a lot easier to spout out that kind of stuff.

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Ok. I got my NCA letter back today and I have to write 9 exams...I expected worse as I have never litigated nor been called to the Bar and my LL.B was from 1996 and my LL.M was from 1999. I have to do all this by October 2014.

OK. Now what? Best books to get? Best notes to buy? Should I sign up for the special Osgoode or UoT course for NCA candidates? (I already live in Canada)? Should I start applying for training contracts now?

Wow. And now the work begins...

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Each syllabus has a recommended text list. Generally, it takes a book from Irwin Law and a book from Carswell and a few others.

I don't know what Province you are in or where you wish to practise but, insofar as applying for Articles goes, you will need to contact the appropriate Law Society who will let you know what the procedure for applying for Articles is. Some of them have very strict requirements as to when offers can be made and accepted