I decided I wanted to come to Canada during the final year of law school in India. Like many students approaching graduation, I was at a crossroads—figuring out what I wanted to do, who I wanted to become, and how I could make a meaningful impact. I knew I wanted to help people. I wanted to become someone my younger self would be proud of.

When you're preparing for the NCA exams, one of the most important skills you'll need to develop is the ability to think and write like a Canadian legal professional. That doesn’t just mean understanding the law—it means knowing how to apply it. One method that can simplify this process is the IRAC framework, a foundational tool for organizing legal reasoning.

The National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) plays a pivotal role for internationally trained lawyers seeking to qualify in Canada. However, one myth seems to persist in conversations about the NCA: that the process is somehow "too easy." This perception is not only inaccurate but also dismissive of the work, time, and commitment that the process actually demands.

 If you're an internationally trained lawyer hoping to practise in Canada, one of your first significant steps will be navigating the NCA process. It can seem overwhelming at first, especially when you’re still trying to understand how your legal education fits into the Canadian context. This guide offers a clear, approachable explanation of what the process involves—so you can begin your journey with confidence and clarity.           

If you’re preparing for your NCA exams, you’re likely navigating a lot of information, conflicting advice, and your own doubts. I’ve been through it—and spoken to countless international law graduates doing the same. While everyone has their own approach to studying, there are a few missteps I see often that can slow you down or add unnecessary stress.