NCA Network: Legally Abroad

Dive into the world of law across provinces with our latest podcast with our hosts Kim Gale and Samantha Allan! In this latest episode, we're joined by esteemed guests Brad Wilton, Coordinator and Membership with the Law Society of Alberta, and Len Polsky, Manager of Legal Technology and Mentorship with the Law Society of Alberta. Together, we explore the unique licensing processes in Alberta, Canada, the CPLED program, and the invaluable resources and mentorship offered by the Law Society of Ontario! Gain insights into the journey of ITLs and the diverse pathways to becoming a lawyer in Alberta. Tune in to navigate the diverse legal landscapes of Ontario and Alberta.

Join us in a conversation with Ayaz Medhi, exploring the intricacies of managing a diverse range of clients and practices. From navigating the complexities of practice management to fostering client relationships, Ayaz shares invaluable insights and strategies for thriving in the realm of independent practice. Tune in as we uncover the keys to success for solo practice. https://amehdilaw.com/practice-area/

Explore how Windmill Microlending empowers skilled legal professionals to conquer financial hurdles and achieve career aspirations in Canada. Unlock opportunities with low-interest loans for accreditation and training. Join us and our featured guests, Daniel Zaiontz and Sachin Kapoor of Windmill Microlendings, as we delve into the application process, the transformative impact of Windmill, success narratives, and beyond. Tune in for actionable insights to overcome financial barriers and pave the way for your professional journey!

Join us on our latest podcast episode as we discuss the decision to abridge your articles as a student in Ontario. In this concise and insightful discussion, we provide practical guidance to help you navigate this pivotal choice. Our guest, Meghan Thomas, Director of Professional Graduate & International Programs at Osgoode Hall Law School, shares her expertise in working with students considering abridgements. She offers valuable insights into the abridgement process and expert advice on navigating licensing requirements. We are also joined by Prerna Arora, Founder of Kosha Legal LLP, who provides a unique perspective. Prerna, a lawyer from India currently in the 2023-24 licensing cycle, shares her experiences as a legal business owner and offers insights into her decision-making process and whether abridgements were the right fit for her situation. Tune in to gain a clear understanding of the pros and cons of abridging your articles. Learn from Meghan's expertise and Prerna's firsthand experiences to make an informed choice about abridging your articles and chart your path to success in Ontario's legal landscape!

Join us with Deborah Wolfe, Executive Director of the National Committee on Accreditation where she maps out the whole NCA process. How does the accreditation system work? What subjects do you need to become a lawyer? Are you coming from a non-common law jurisdiction? We get answers and much more from Deborah to help you truly understand what NCA does and how it is crucial for your legal journey in Canada!

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. We talk to you about how you can improve your performance at work and ensure professional growth at your workplace. Recommended reading: Quiet by Susan Cain and Successful Women Think Differently by Valorie Burton. Also check out Susan Cain’s ted talk, the power of introverts https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts/c

Dare to change your established career and dive into legal profession? Looking for an inspiration? Join us as we sit with James 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 defense lawyer. His story will serve as an inspiration for many students and new calls who are interested in criminal law or pivoting practice areas after articling.

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.

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!

Looking to immigrate to Canada and start or continue your legal career path? This podcast is custom fit for you! 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.

On today’s 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.

Ready to perfect your resume & cover letter? Stay tuned as Michael Tam (Osgoode) reviews Kim’s and Sam’s resumes live and provides feedback on the spot. Embarking on a journey of becoming a lawyer can be challenging. Especially when you are expected to not only study well, but also present your skills and abilities well. In this episode, Michael Tam explains how to do it in a perfect fit resume and appealing cover letter. With a dedicated passion in career development and decade long experience in the field at Osgoode Hall Law School, Michael shares valuable tips even practicing lawyers can benefit from.

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.

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.