Hi!
I'm pursuing graduation in law from Mumbai University (India) and would like to know if any Universities in Canada offer an LLM in Intellectual Property Rights or Alternative Dispute Resolution (full time course). I would also like to know the placement scope for Indian lawyers in Canada after completion of the LLM.
Kindly help,
Thanks.

Hello,

I'm a Canadian and a graduate of the LL.B. program at the University of Ottawa. I am currently completing my articling requirements and will called to the bar of Ontario soon. I think I can provide some insight into your question.

In terms of IP or ADR, my university is generally considered the leading programs in the country in these areas. However, all of the law programs in Canada are very good and would be served well.

In terms of placement, I have some bad news for you. The LLM does not qualify you to sit for the bar or be licensed as a lawyer in Canada.

You must have your LL.B. assessed by the NCA and you will be required to write challenge exams or complete further years at a Canadian law school.

Law graduates from India are usually required to complete and pass either 10-12 challenge exams (will take you two years) or two years at a Canadian law school (common law). Once you complete this phase you receive a certificate of qualification that allows you to sit for the bar and complete the licensing requirements to be licensed as a lawyer (this process takes an additional year). This process applies to all provinces except Quebec (civil law).

It is a long and expensive process to become a lawyer in Canada and this is especially true for foreign law graduates. You will need to either establish residency or obtain a work visa before you can begin articling as well. Many immigration issues. This process has been well documented on this site so, make sure you view previous messages.

If you want to work outside of law upon completing your LLM, don't count on it. You will face major immigration barriers. Your student visa will require you to return home once you complete your degree. Most foreign students do this and use their LLM in their home countries as they are seen as valuable back home.

This is probably not what you want to here but you need to know this information before you make your choices. Also, don't waste your time trying to fight this process, as some have tried to do in the past, in an attempt to circumvent it. No one has ever been successful,

All the best in your future decisions.

hi...thanks a lot for your quick reply...
luck!

hey.. i am also currently pursuing my llb in india.. n will be applying for llm in canada this year... as u said that doing llm there gives no opportunity to get placed there.. could u elaborate n tell me can we complete the additional qualifying exams that we need to give alongside our llm?