NCA Network: Legally Abroad
It’s here. Our much awaited podcast, Legally Abroad, is now available! Follow and listen along to our new podcast, featuring a new guest on each episode, as we explore the path of an NCA candidate! From networking, to the interview process, to balancing personal vs. NCA student goals, we’ll cover it all!
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
What is "Legally Abroad" about?
So you’re looking to become a lawyer in Canada and get some Canadian experience? You’ve come to the right place! Hosted by Kim Gale and Sam Allan, we talk to NCA lawyers, industry experts, and leaders in the community to give you tips on how to navigate the process (and assure you that it really is all going to be okay). Kim founded NCA Network in 2018 and Sam was right there withe her when it all began. We’ll chat about networking, how to build your portfolio, transitioning to your career after law school and more. This is a NCA Network podcast. Join us on this legal adventure!
AVAILABLE EPISODES
EPISODE 1: FOCUS ON NETWORKING
Joan Rataic-Lang joins Kim and Sam to provide tips on networking in-person and virtually. Joan tells us what the Toronto Lawyers Association has in store for this upcoming, post-pandemic, event season. She also gives an insider scoop on how to network and how to be successful at it.
EPISODE 2: TAKE THE PLUNGE, MOVE AND KEEP YOUR PRACTICE
Alicia Windsor took the plunge and moved to Toronto but kept her freelance lawyer gig and continued drafting and advising lawyers in Florida, USA. Alicia empowers us to think outside the box with our legal careers and shares the trials and tribulations of her career thus far. Alicia reminds us to remain confident and that your experience matters.
EPISODE 3: HIRE ME
On this episode, Michael Tam explains how to create a perfect fit resume and appealing cover letter. With a dedicated passion in career development and decade long experience in the field, Michael shares valuable tips even practicing lawyers can benefit from. Ready to perfect your resume & cover letter? Stay tuned as Michael reviews Kim’s and Sam’s resumes live and provides feedback on the spot.
EPISODE 4: RESILIENCE- HOW TO HANDLE THE UPS AND DOWNS
On this episode, join us as we embark on an almost spiritual journey with newly called lawyer Ian Andrew Amirthanathan to learn more about his life and professional experience of handling the impact of mental health challenges. Ian speaks of his not so easy path into the legal profession as an NCA student, struggles of building a business as a solo practitioner in the middle of the COVID pandemic, as well as “honesty, empathy and faith” as a unique formula to heal and overcome the mental health toll of the modern day legal profession
EPISODE 5: TIPS ON HOW TO LAND AN ARTICLING JOB AT A TOP-TIER FIRM
Grab your coffee and join our discussion with Mehak Suri, an articling student at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg to learn more about her journey to Canada and meticulous networking skills to land a job at a Bay Street law firm. Mehak shares great tips and advice for those who aspire to make the next big move in their legal career and make Canada their new jurisdiction to practice.
EPISODE 6: "BARRISTER VS. SOLICITOR: ADRENALINE RUSH OR HAPPY LAW?"
Are you exploring which career path to choose and what to expect in real life practice? Did you want to focus on an area but not sure which one? Which one is right for you and where to start? We sit down with Barrister: Christopher Salazar and Solicitor: Christopher Schultz to chat about these questions for you and much more!
EPISODE 7: "LICENSING IN ONTARIO: A CHAT WITH THE LSO"
Back to basics! Are you considering starting your licensing journey in Ontario? Or are you already registered but want to know more how the entire process works? We sit down with Gina Haros and Peninah Brickman at the Law Society of Ontario to walk you through the licensing process: when and how to start the application, what steps to follow to be eligible to take the barrister and solicitor examinations, and how to overcome challenges that come along during your path into the legal profession
EPISODE 8: "LAW AND ORDER: STARTING A CRIMINAL LAW PRACTICE"
Join us as we sit with James D. Gilbert and discuss how he pivoted from an established career in sales and left his articling with one month left to go into criminal law and eventually build a practice as criminal defence lawyer. His story will serve as inspiration for many students and new calls who are interested in criminal law or pivoting practice areas after articling.
EPISODE 9: "MANAGING UP-A TEAM OF EQUALS"
Join us as we talk with Gina Alexandris and Sandra Bekhor about a refreshing subject that is almost never talked about amongst the legal community i.e ” Management” . It isn’t just a subject of interest for the MBAs but also relevant to us as lawyers when we show up at work as an employee, employee, a subordinate or a co- worker. We have the power to manage those around us to make us an invaluable part of the team and a rockstar lawyer. In this episode, we speak about how you can improve your performance at work and ensure professional growth at your workplace.
OUR OFFICIAL SPONSORS
LES RABAT JOIES
When we think of lawyers- we think black and white. But the legal area doesn’t have to be monochrome. It doesn’t have to stay conventional all the time and in all its aspects. LRJ, for Les Rabat-Joies, is a young business that specializes in original, unique, and bespoke court robes and accessories for all lawyers.
The company was created by a young lawyer who wanted to have an original tab the day she was sworn in. So, she decided to make her own, with the help of her grandma.
LRJ strives to make you stand out and feel confident. Their motto is simple: to bring a touch of colour and originality to the daily lives of lawyers. Today, LRJ still makes everything by hand in Québec and the robes are sold across Canada online! And it is super easy to order. There’s a video about how to measure yourself, and they’re customer service is amazing to help you if you have any questions.
To stand out, to be confident and to feel yourself at court, that is what LRJ aims to achieve.
Visit their website at LesRabatJoies.com and use the promo code NCA15 for 15% off! You can also reach out to them through info@lesrabatjoies.com
OSGOODE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Stand out from the crowd with an LLM from one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious law schools. OsgoodePD, the professional development arm of Osgoode Hall Law School, offers the broadest range of programs in Canada for internationally trained lawyers. With 17 LLM specializations, two graduate diplomas, legal English programs and countless non-credit options, there’s sure to be a program that fits your goals. Students choose OsgoodePD because of their reputation for academic excellence and unmatched student and career services. Osgoode also offers entrance awards of up to $30,000 for international students applying to full-time LLM programs.
Learn more about your options at osgoodepd.ca/getstarted
OSGOODE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Lumose Marketplace empowers legal professionals via legal-tech- that means if you’re a small law firm struggling with accounting, client management, court filing, dictation tools, or another headache, our marketplace and CPD courses will lead you to the solution. Currently own a small law firm, are planning to go solo, or want a step-by-step guide that your office manager or law clerk can follow without additional guidance? Get started with our legal-tech courses at https://lnkd.in/g7RYxpEE
LexisNexis Canada
LexisNexis Canada is committed to supporting NCA candidates on your journey to legal practice, with access to the best content, technology and tools for Canadian lawyers. NCA candidates have free access to Lexis Advance Quicklaw during their accreditation process. You can also extend your access for six months beyond your NCA qualification. Register for our Law Graduate Program and receive extended complimentary access to Lexis Advance Quicklaw, Practical Guidance and The Lawyer’s Daily. To register please visit: lexisnexis.ca/gradprogram
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg
We are honoured to partner with Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP and their continued support for the NCA community.
Stewart Esten LLP
We are honoured to partner with Stewart Esten LLP and their continued support for the NCA community.
Emond Exam Prep
Let Emond Exam Prep help you reach your goal. Emond Exam Prep courses and practice exams are specifically designed to help you succeed on your licensing exams. We offer live webinar and 24/7 online courses covering all the substantive topics covered by the barrister and solicitor exams. Our instructors are well-respected senior lawyers and academics, and leaders in their fields. Our practice exams are designed to mimic the Ontario licensing examinations and provide you with real-time, accurate preparation. Your success means everything to us.
To learn more, visit us at emondexamprep.ca.
Bond University
Bond University is Australia’s largest Law School for Canadian law students. The Bond Law experience goes far beyond traditional theoretical learning. Bond’s state-of-the-art Legal Skills Centre has purpose-built facilities where you will apply your learning in practice. Bond has strong links with Canada and has been training Canadian lawyers for over 20 years.
Learn more about Bond University
at https://bond.edu.au/
Windmill Microlending
Windmill Microlending is a Canadian charity focused exclusively on offering affordable microloans, of up to $15,000, to internationally-trained immigrants and refugees to help you pay for the costs of licensing, certification, training and professional development courses in Canada. Whether you have Canadian credit history or not, if you’re a foreign-trained legal professional, who wants to pursue Canadian accreditation, begin the lawyer licensing process, complete Canadian legal training or credentials, or you need help paying for cost of living while you study, Windmill can offer you the financial support you need to achieve your career goals, grow your income and reach your full career potential in Canada.
For more information, take Windmill’s two-minute online eligibility quiz by visiting
www.windmillmicrolending.org today.
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING AN EPISODE?
Our podcast focuses on the NCA experience as a foreign trained lawyer, and talks about strategies and tips on how to be successful in the Canadian legal market. We are always looking to create partnerships with other law firms, organizations, or individuals who believe in our vision of creating an inclusive legal industry.
The podcast episodes will include, amongst other things, information on the articling process, bar preparation tips, interview best practices, networking sessions, episodes with legal practitioners in all areas, and other successful NCA lawyers.
The Podcast not only aims at creating awareness about the licensing process but also encourage more and more students to network freely and seek mentorship and guidance. NCA network also recognizes that some ITLs may not always be comfortable with networking and connecting with lawyers who are not from their home jurisdiction and so the podcast would enable more and more ITLs to absorb the information without being in situations outside of their comfort zone.
As an internationally trained lawyer, Kimberly Gale founded NCA Network to create a meaningful community where internationally-trained licensees could access mentorship, support, and guidance. The NCA network is the first of its kind in Canada. It is the leading organization dedicated to supporting NCA candidates through a complex, isolating and lengthy licensing process.
If you are looking to get involved with our efforts, we offer sponsorship packages for our podcast. Click below for more details.
Email us at info@ncanetwork.com if you are interested in sponsoring with us!
