The Value of Mentorship
Moving to a new country and entering a new job market can be a very nerve-racking and confusing experience. As and NCA graduate who has studied law in the UK and USA, and landed an articling role in Canada, I know that making connections in generally closed legal markets can be difficult; but once you do, the value is immense!
Without the guidance of my mentor, not only would I have missed key recruitment deadlines, but my applications would have been weak and ineffective since I didn’t have a handle on how to market my international experience or what Canadian firms looked for in student applications (hint: It’s quite different from UK Law firms!).
Having an accomplished local lawyer guiding you through the legal licensing and job application processes, or simply providing a word of encouragement, can be the difference between feeling frustrated and alone and enjoying the challenge of uprooting and replanting your legal career in Canada. But, it’s even better if your mentor understands the unique challenges and obstacles that internationally trained lawyers face. That’s why NCA Tutor™ has launched a Mentorship Program with a team of mentors who have all been where you are—entering the Canadian legal market with a wealth of international experience and a fuzzy road map on how re-qualify in this new jurisdiction.
NCA students who have been paired with mentors from the NCA Tutor™ Mentorship program have nothing but good things to say!
"Being able to connect with a lawyer in the community who had completed the same NCA process as I did was extremely beneficial. I was able to get some valuable insight into the legal industry, including types of firms that align with my goals and what online forums lawyers use to find employment opportunities. Even after meeting with my mentor, where he took time to review my resume, he continued to send me job listings as well as offer advice to assist with my transition. Having someone in your corner during this transition period, and throughout your legal career, is paramount to success. I highly recommend the mentorship program to all NCA students!" – Gina R. 2020 Mentee.
Whether you are a new immigrant or a Canadian coming back home, getting a mentor can help you efficiently navigate the NCA and licensing process that lays ahead as well as the Canadian legal job market. If you are interested in being mentored, you can apply today on the NCA Tutor website.
Best wishes!
Tiffany
Tiffany is an LLM candidate at NYU Law. and a regular blogger for NCA Tutor™.