Question - UK Lawyer

[anonymous73609]

I am a British citizen and I'm thinking of moving to Canada in the future. I completed my law degree at LSE, I have a post-graduate professional qualification as this is mandatory to be an English solicitor, and I have (nearly) completed my 'Training Contract' (the UK equivalent of an 'Articling Student' I believe). To qualify in Canada, through my research I believe I have to undertake some NCA examinations. Reading these forums, it seems as if there is some stigma towards those taking NCA exams, so I wanted to ask what the general job prospects are for someone in my situation? It seems as if after the exams, there is a struggle to find jobs and there is a tendency to prefer those educated in Canada - which I am not. Would I be able to be exempted from articling, or are there any law firms that sponsor international students (i.e., from my Big Law firm in London, we had multiple sponsorship opportunities for international students when completing the post-graduate professional qualification)? Do let me know if there is any advice if you have been in a similar situation! 

[LMP]

I'll address the stigma portion of the question. Yes, there is a stigma but it is towards (primarily) Canadian candidates who went abroad because they were unable to get admitted to a Canadian law school .

As someone from the UK who went to LSE, you won't be lumped in with such candidates. At the same time it would be beneficial to do a little leg work pre-move. Becoming familiar with the legal landscape and local bar might lead to a much softer landing for you.

[anonymous73609]

Thank you so much for the response! That does make sense. Do you have any advice on becoming familiar with the legal sector in Canada? Are there internship opportunities for example, or do most require me to be NCA certified beforehand? I was thinking of applying for a working visa (2 years) and find an internship whilst studying for the NCA, but not too sure about the route I need to take ahead.
 

I was thinking of taking the NCA exams first, and then applying for articling positions, but obviously if I do manage to find a position, I assumed I would be required to get a work permit organised first to article. Would I need to have a work permit in hand to even make the application? Or are there firms (like in the UK) which sponsor applicants? 

[Renerik]

This is approaching what we consider to be asking for legal advice -- which we do not allow on the forum. 

Your best bet is to reach out to the NCA. They've certainly answered this question multiple times and would offer you better advice than we could here.