After receiving your NCA assessment, you'll have a list of required exams. This list often includes one or more elective subjects. While the term "elective" suggests a free choice, for many internationally trained lawyers, certain exams are assigned based on a detailed review of their academic background. Making an informed decision can significantly impact your study journey and even your future career path.
The elective exams currently offered by the NCA include:
- Business Organizations
- Civil Procedure
- Commercial Law
- Contracts
- Evidence
- Family Law
- Property Law
- Remedies
- Torts
A Critical Note on Three "Electives"
It is crucial to understand that Contracts, Property, and Torts are considered mandatory foundational subjects of a common law degree. The NCA may waive them if you have demonstrated sufficient competence in a common law setting, such as a law degree from the UK, Australia, or the US. However, these exams are often assigned to students who did not perform well in those subjects in their common law degree, or to those who come from a civil law background and need to prove their understanding of these core principles. For many, these are not a choice, but a requirement.
Once you have clarity on which of these (if any) are assigned to you, you can then focus on choosing your true electives.
Strategy 1: Leverage Available Support (Like NCA Tutor!)
One of the most practical and often overlooked strategies is to choose electives where you can readily access high-quality study support. Studying for NCA exams is challenging, and having expert guidance can make all the difference.
At NCA Tutor, we understand this need. We offer comprehensive support for several key elective subjects:
Classes On-Demand: We provide specialized on-demand classes for Property Law and Family Law, designed to walk you through the syllabus, key concepts, and exam strategies.
Detailed Study Materials: To further enhance your learning, we offer meticulously crafted study materials for Family Law, Contract Law, Tort Law, Property Law, Civil Procedure, and Business Organizations. These materials are invaluable resources for understanding complex topics and preparing efficiently.
Opting for subjects where you can receive structured support can significantly boost your confidence and chances of success.
Strategy 2: Align with Your Interests and Future Practice Areas
If the NCA gives you the flexibility to choose, one of the most fulfilling ways to select your electives is to align them with subjects that genuinely interest you or that you envision practicing in. Passion for a subject can transform study from a chore into an engaging exploration, making it easier to stay motivated and absorb complex information.
Are you fascinated by the intricacies of corporate governance? Consider Business Organizations.
Do you have a strong sense of justice for individuals? Family Law or Torts might be for you.
Interested in how disputes are resolved in court? Civil Procedure offers a deep dive.
Choosing an elective that sparks your curiosity can make the entire NCA process more enjoyable and lay a foundational understanding for your future specialization.
Strategy 3: Prepare for the Bar Exam Simultaneously
For those planning to be called to the bar in Canada (e.g., in Ontario through the Barrister & Solicitor exams), choosing certain NCA electives can offer a strategic advantage. Some NCA electives cover areas of law that are also extensively tested on the provincial bar exams. By tackling these subjects during your NCA journey, you're essentially getting a head start on your bar exam preparation.
Key subjects that often overlap significantly with Canadian bar exams include:
Business Organizations: This subject is a cornerstone of corporate and commercial law and is a major component of most bar exams.
Family Law: Essential for those considering family law practice, it also appears on many bar exams.
Civil Procedure: Understanding how courts function and litigation proceeds is fundamental and heavily tested on bar exams.
By strategically selecting these electives, you can optimize your study time and gain a valuable foundational understanding that will serve you twice over.
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, the best elective choice is one that balances your personal interests, leverages available support, and aligns with your long-term career goals. Take the time to review the NCA syllabi for each elective, understand what each subject entails, and consider how it fits into your broader plan for becoming a licensed lawyer in Canada.
Need help navigating your elective choices or want to dive into a subject with expert guidance? Contact NCA Tutor today to discuss your options and explore our specialized classes and study materials.
