In commemoration of Canada’s Law Day, we thought it would be a great opportunity to highlight the opportunities in the legal field that exist for recent immigrants with a background in this profession. Internationally trained lawyers may find themselves wondering about how to become a lawyer in Canada, as they may face certain challenges when it comes practicing law here, due to differences in legal systems and the rigorous process of accreditation. However, there are many alternative legal careers out there, such as legal consulting, legal technology specialists, and the paralegal field, all which provide opportunities for professionals to utilize their expertise and thrive in the Canadian legal landscape.
Legal consultants advise businesses on legal matters and can work in law firms, corporations, or government agencies. This path allows lawyers to apply their diverse legal backgrounds in a Canadian business context, develop communication and negotiation skills, and offers professional growth opportunities through exposure to various industries.
Legal technology specialists help implement and manage technology systems in the legal industry, making it an attractive career path for those with expertise in both law and technology. Demand for legal technology specialists is expected to rise as technology plays a larger role in the legal field, streamlining processes and improving efficiency. This role also provides an opportunity for continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in legal technology.
Paralegals in Ontario provide legal services and taking a program in this area can help internationally trained lawyers gain Canadian-specific legal knowledge, practical experience, and networking opportunities. Pursuing a paralegal diploma is also more accessible and cost-effective than obtaining a law degree or completing the articling process, as it requires less time and resources. Additionally, working as a paralegal can open doors to various sectors such as small claims, employment law and litigation.
Overall, these alternative careers enable internationally trained lawyers to have a meaningful impact in various industries and professions. They offer opportunities for legal practitioners to leverage their unique skills and experiences, ultimately creating fulfilling and rewarding career paths in Canada.
To learn more about in-demand and alternative legal career paths for foreign-trained legal professionals in Canada, check out an informative post by Anton Haswell, Toronto School of Management’s (TSoM) Director of Legal Studies, here.
In addition, TSoM’s paralegal program “Diploma in Paralegal Studies” will help equip students with the necessary skills for a versatile legal profession. Once you finish the program, you’ll be eligible to take the LSO (Law Society of Ontario) paralegal licensing exams and work as a paralegal in the province of Ontario.
Recently, TSoM has also partnered with Windmill Microlending, which is a registered Canadian charity that offers affordable loans of up to $15,000 CAD for immigrants and refugees in Canada. These loans can help make TSoM’s Paralegal program more affordable. A Windmill microloan can be used to pay for the costs of tuition fees, accreditation, training, certification, qualifying exams, professional development courses, and even the cost of living while you study.
If you have any more questions about our Paralegal Studies program, kindly contact us at [email protected]. You can also start your application today and see if you are eligible to begin classes this fall!
