Hey guys!

I am keen on applying for an LLM in Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law with UoC, I would be highly grateful if anyone could point out the the difference between the thesis based and course based LLM, and also what would be the job prospects for an Indian lawyer in Calgary?

Thanks!

The thesis option is usually geared towards students planning to work in academia or research. The course option tends to appeal more to practising oil & gas lawyers. It just depends on your goals. Calgary is very welcoming to foreigners and there is a large south Asian community- the mayor is of Pakistani background. However, there is no shortage of lawyers and Calgary keeps absorbing more graduates from ON where there is a surplus. It's better than the US but not a great job market these days.The real hurdle is the NCA. No one will hire a foreign grad unless they can practice in Canada. Once you pass the NCA, expect to be starting from zero as a foreign educated lawyer...

Hey !

Thanks for your prompt reply, I really appreciate it.
I would like to know, if I could appear for NCA before completing my LLM and work as a trainee with a law firm?
Also, does Canadian law firms take foreign law grads (pursuing LLM) for apprenticeship ?

Thanks!

To be admitted to practice, you just need an LLB or JD. Your LLM courses will only count towards the NCA if they fall within the required areas. You won't know what exams they want you to take until they evaluate your credentials. Unless you spend the time and money to do an LLM that is geared towards passing the NCA- UBC and U of T have those. Those could be good because you will have access to the careers services office at the law school. Finding a job is always a process. The large and medium firms tend to have one organized intake for new law graduates a year. They don't need to deal with the NCA stuff- they can fill their positions from that year's graduates. Small firms have less bureaucracy so they can do whatever they want. That might be your best bet but it will be a challenge because you can't practice until you qualify to be an articling student (i.e. pass the NCA).

So basically the choice of LLM is a significant factor to clear NCA. Thanks for the help, grumpy JD.
Could you tell me about the subjects covered under NCA, that would help me to select the suitable college for LLM (and even the subjects I should opt for)?
Thanks :)

No, you misunderstood. Typical thesis based LLMs are academic degrees and won't help you get closer to qualifying for legal practice. UBC and Toronto offer a special LLMs for foreign graduates that will help you towards qualifying. The NCA will decide which courses you need based on where and what you studied.

Alright, so in that case, when I apply for an LLM is that has to be via NCA or I directly apply to the college and then the college follows the due procedure of evaluating my credentials?

Honestly, NCA has nothing to do with yr doing an LLM. all NCA wants to see is how much of canadian law you know or have studied.

basically in Canada one has to have a Canadian law degree containing the approx 9 core subjects (just like it is in England and Wales). so once someone from another jurisdiction applies to enter the canadian bar the NCA weighs the candidate's credentials and decideds whether s/he should be required to do all the Canadian law core subjects or only some of them.

I believe grumpyJD was referring to the LLMCL offered by UBC and UofT which teaches most of the core subjects of Canadian law. hence once you complete such a LLM u have studied all core subjects and hence it will increase yr chances of being approved by NCA to enter the Canadian bar.

Oh alright!Thanks a lot M_M, that indeed cleared few of my major doubts on credentials required for a foreign lawyer to practice in Canada.
Well, I want to specialize in oil and gas sector, whereas UoT concentrates on area of business law, criminal law, legal theory and health law, ethics and policy. Besides, it would be great if you could enlighten me on the provinces of the country (Canada), and whether qualifying NCA would entitle one to practice in any province irrespective of whichever province one studied or qualified from?

Regards

Sorry shivi. i don't know the answer to the question u have asked.
best wishes
M_M

Each province is a little different. For oil & gas, you should check the requirements of the Law Society of Alberta. Calgary is the main centre of that industry- much more than Toronto or Vancouver.

Never mind, thanks anyway for your help M_M :)

Sure, I shall do that.Thanks for the help grumpy JD :)

Regards