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.
Canada, for me, represented a dream—one filled with opportunities, uncertainties, challenges, and wonder. But with that dream came countless questions:
Can I practise law in Canada with an Indian law degree? Will I need to repeat law school? Should I pursue a JD, an LLM, or a diploma? What’s best for the Canadian legal job market?
Late-night research, conversations with experienced lawyers, and endless reading finally led me to some answers—and even more questions. That’s when I discovered the NCA process. Should I complete it in India or wait until I move to Canada? - I wondered.
The NCA journey is long, and the road to becoming a licensed lawyer here is even longer. There I came to Canada as a graduate student to pursue an LLM with a specialization in Health Law. It was a transformative experience. I immersed myself in research methodology, engaged in meaningful classroom debates, and developed a deeper understanding of human rights. With every paper I wrote and every discussion I participated in, my respect for the law—and my love for Canada—grew stronger.
One of the most impactful parts of my academic journey was working under the guidance of Dr. Jennifer A. Chandler at the University of Ottawa. I had the privilege of serving as her research assistant, exploring the ethics of brain mapping in India’s criminal justice system. That experience shaped my thinking in ways I didn’t expect.
After completing my LLM, I was eager to get hands-on experience in the Canadian legal system. I became a legal assistant for an incredibly versatile and supportive lawyer, Kathleen Jin. While working full-time, I also focused on completing my NCA exams and courses. Balancing a full-time job with exam prep wasn’t easy—especially without the structure of a classroom or the camaraderie of fellow students. It often felt isolating, but I kept pushing through.
With my NCA accreditation complete, I turned to the next step: articling. My search led me to Toronto, where I joined Borders Law Firm, a boutique immigration practice. I learned a great deal from the lawyers there and gained valuable insight into the complexities of immigration law in Canada.
Then came the final hurdle: the bar exams. Looking back, there are so many things I wish I had known before diving in—like the importance of smart flagging over over-highlighting, and how different binding styles can actually affect your ability to find information quickly. I learned these lessons the hard way.
At 2:30 a.m. one night, I received the email I’d been waiting for—I had passed my second bar exam. I cried from sheer relief and joy. After all the sleepless nights, uncertainty, and hard work, I was finally going to be a lawyer. That night, I slept like a baby.
Today, I’m proud to say I am licensed to practise law in the province of Ontario.
Throughout this journey, I was contacted by many students—just like me. Internationally trained law graduates navigating unfamiliar systems, chasing big dreams, and searching for answers to overwhelming questions:
If I complete a master’s degree, do I still need to write the NCA exams? What’s the minimum number of exams required? I’ve practised law in India—do I still need to article in Canada?
I know exactly what that journey feels like—because I’ve walked it myself.
I’ve connected with so many international law graduates who are driven, capable, and passionate—but also filled with doubt. Doubts about the process, about whether they belong, and whether they’ll make it through. I’ve been there too. I’ve felt overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of my next steps. I’ve wrestled with imposter syndrome and the fear that maybe I was starting over too late, in too unfamiliar a place.
But with time, support, and persistence, I made it—and so can you.
Book a Consultation
To support others on this path, I’m currently offering 10 free 30-minute consultation sessions to international law students and graduates.
Contact us at immigrantinsights@outlook.com to see if a free session is still available — or book a personalized consult to get clarity on your next steps.
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