nca approved course in legal research and writing

The latest news from the NCA

Advisories Registration for CPLED Legal Research and Writing Course

The NCA is pleased to announce that registration for CPLED’s Legal Research and Writing (LRW) course is now available. The course costs CDN $375; registration is available through the  CPLED web site . The first course begins January 26, 2022.  The course is offered every second month of 2022. The next registration period will open January 26, 2022.

As of January 1, 2022, all new NCA applicants are required to either complete the legal research and writing module developed by the NCA and the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) or complete an NCA approved course in legal research and writing through an approved Canadian law school program.  CPLED will prioritize registration of applicants who have been assigned LRW but will fill any remaining seats with people who are electing to complete the module.  Applicants who do not yet have their NCA assessment can register for the module.

This 8-week-long, online course offers useful tips and best practices to improve writing skills. It was designed to help law students educated outside Canada learn how to conduct research and write as they prepare for bar admission and practise in the Canadian legal system. The online course consists of two modules.  Each module includes an assignment with a research and writing component, followed by a multiple-choice quiz. Students in the course may also receive direct feedback from trained assessors.

The course was piloted early in 2020 by a group of NCA students who were all at different stages in the NCA process.  They provided preliminary feedback used for further development, resulting in the course content now being offered.  The LRW course is considered a useful tool in preparing to write NCA Exams. In addition, students who successfully complete the course and take CPLED’s  Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP)  for bar admissions in provinces participating in the program will be exempt from two PREP Foundation Modules.

Latest Advisories

Removal of the nca tax exam.

Please be advised that the NCA will soon cease offering a Taxation exam. If you have to clear a Taxation exam failure to meet the requirements of your NCA assessment, please make sure you are registered by July 4th, 2024 for the last scheduled Taxation exam, which will be offered online on August 20, 2024. […]

NCA Income Tax Receipts

Please be advised that personal income tax receipts for the 2023 calendar year are now posted in your NCA portal. As per CRA guidelines, you may claim NCA exam fees as an expense. Please note that the amounts do not reflect when the payment was made, but rather when the NCA exam was written. If […]

NCA Change Fee

Please be advised that effective March 1, 2024 the fee for an assessment by the NCA (Assessment Fee) will be $400 CDN plus applicable taxes. The NCA operates on a cost recovery basis. It therefore adjusts its fees from time to time as required.

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Your first step is to apply for an assessment of your education and experience.

Latest advisory

Removal of the NCA Tax Exam 2024.03.06

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NCA Notes and NCA Exam Study Packages

NCA Exam Study Materials you can Trust! Professionally crafted to ensure premium quality. The NCA Notes we offer are comprehensive, easy to understand, student-friendly and incorporate case law, substantive content and articles (where relevant). Our study package options are the best value on the market and will optimize your chances of success.  Some of our packages work out to less than $10 per document!

Request a sample of our NCA Notes and NCA Study Materials and see why NCA Mentor TM is the #1 choice of students worldwide!  NOTE: You can purchase any or all items from each package. Send a contact form indicating your purchase or visit our sister website, ncanotes.com (NCA Notes™) to make direct purchase.

NCA Notes and Study Materials that are crafted for students, up-to-date, reliable, affordable and organized in an easy-to-understand fashion. If you want to pass on your first attempt, you have come to the right place!  

The main NCA study notes are aligned with the online NCA syllabi and presented in an organized format. For each subject, the cost of the main notes alone is $6 5 .00 . For example, item #1 of the Canadian Constitutional Law Package is the main notes. They are $65.00. The NCA SUCCESS PACKAGES  start at $150. These packages have been tailored to enhance your chances of passing on the first attempt. They have been specially formulated to guide you on critical topics (i.e., frameworks/guides), provide you with detailed Q and A samples, structured IRAC responses and much more.

All the NCA notes are up-to-date and according to the online NCA syllabi, unless otherwise specified below. As of January 1st, 2024, our complimentary update guarantee is no longer in effect. 

RECORDINGS are available for all the below subjects.  At the bottom of this page, the various recording options are explained.

As an NCA Tutor and Mentor, I offer live classes on a regular basis. For details on LIVE CLASSES and complimentary (FREE) recordings (only for select subjects) , please send us a contact form. NCA Tutoring prices vary based on the subject.  We also offer BAR tutoring for the Ontario Barrister & Solicitor.

NEW! LRW CLASSES: legal research and writing regular classes. These classes are hosted by NCA Mentor™ instructor, Shabeena Bakshi. These exclusive, one-of-a-kind seminars will assist you not only with the LRW CPLED course, but also with the NCA exams and legal career. First-come-first-serve basis (classes are capped). We use the LRW Instructor Manual to help guide the course.

See our Terms & Conditions of Use at the bottom of this page before making a purchase order.

Revamped 2024 Canadian Constitutional Law Study Package ($16 0 )

• Canadian Constitutional Law Notes (2023): 139 pages 
• Division of Powers Questions Guide: 8 pages
• 2023 Constitutional Law Sample Practice FULL Exam (100 marks, 3 hours): 5 pages
• 2023 Constitutional Law Sample Practice FULL Exam Answer Key (100 marks): 18 pages
• Charter, freedom of religion, Question and Answer (40 marks): 11 pages
• Charter, equality rights, Question and Answer (30 marks): 8 pages 
• Charter, life, liberty and security of the person, Question and Answer: 6 pages
• Charter, freedom of expression, Question and Answer: 7 pages
• True and False Quiz: 5 pages
• Fill-in-the-Blank Quiz: 3 pages
• Canadian Constitutional Law Doctrines Chart Explained with Key Case Law: 5 pages 
• Aboriginal Self Governance document: 4 pages
• Aboriginal Rights Question and Answer: 8 pages 
• Covid Division of Powers Q & A (IRAC): 6 pages
• Section 7 of the Charter, case law chart: 4 pages

*For the main notes (item 1) alone: $65.00

*For the Sample Practice Exam & Answer Key alone (items 3 and 4): $30.00

*For the Division of Powers Question Guide alone (item 2): $15

Revamped 2023 Canadian Criminal Law Study Package ($16 0 )

• Criminal Law Notes (up to date, November 2022): 174 pages
• Air of Reality document: 3 pages
• Possession Sample Question and Answer (10 marks): 3 pages
• Full Disclosure Sample Question and Answer (20 marks): 5 pages
• Bail Hearing Sample Question and Answer (20 marks): 6 pages
• Attempted Murder Sample Question and Answer (15 marks): 5 pages
• The Jury Trial/Police Vetting Sample Question and Answer (15 marks): 4 pages
• Sexual Assault & Theft Sample Question and Answer (30 marks): 6 pages
• Sample Practice Test (65 marks, 117 minutes): 11 pages
• A Note on Bill C-45, Criminal Liability of Organizations: 2 pages
• Criminal Liability of Organizations Sample Essay Question and Answer (45 marks): 6 pages
• Mental Disorder Preliminary Points: 2 pages
• The Defence of Intoxication Guide: 5 pages
• Aiding, Abetting and Counselling Guide: 5 pages

*For the Sample Practice Test and answer key alone (item 9): $30.00

Revamped 2024 Foundations of Canadian Law Study Package ($16 0 )

• NEW Foundations of Canadian Law Notes (2024): 266 pages
• Table of Contents for Foundations main notes
• Foundations Sample Practice FULL Exam (100 marks, 3 hours): 10 pages
• Foundations Sample Practice FULL Exam Answer Key (100 marks): 14 pages
• Economics & law Question and Answer, Topic 1 (10 marks): 2 pages
• Indigenous Peoples, self-governance key concepts, Topic 2 : 5 pages
• Indigenous Peoples, Bill C-262, Essay Question and Answer, Topic 2 (15 marks): 3 pages
• Equity Essay Questions and Answers, Topic 3 (20 marks): 3 pages
• International Law Essay Question and Answer, Topic 3 (20 marks): 3 pages
• International Law Problem Question and Answer, Topic 3 (20 marks): 4 pages
• The Rule of Law Essay Question and Answer, Topics 4, 5 & 9 (25 marks): 5 pages
• Canadian Electoral System Essay Question and Answer,  Topics 5, 6 & 7  (15 marks): 3 pages
• Statutory Interpretation Problem Question and Answer, Topic 9 (20 marks): 4 pages
• Administrative Law Essay Question and Answer, Topics 4, 7 & 10 (25 marks): 5 pages
• Administrative Law, the Role of Expertise Essay Question and Answer, Topic 9 & 10 (15 marks): 3 pages
• Administrative Law General Framework and Guide ( Topic 10 ): 32 pages
• Racism & The Law Foundations Brief ( Topic 1 ): 5 pages.

*For the Administrative Law Guide alone (item 15): $30.00

Revamped 2023 Canadian Professional Responsibility Study Package ( $160 )

• Professional Responsibility Notes (2023): 169 pages
• Table of Contents for professional responsibility main notes
• Professional Responsibility Sample Practice Exam, Version I (100 marks, 3 hours): 4 pages
• Professional Responsibility Sample Practice Exam Version I, Answer Key: 20 pages
• Professional Responsibility Sample Practice Exam, Version II (100 marks, 3 hours): 4 pages
• Professional Responsibility Sample Practice Exam Version II, Answer Key: 16 pages
• Essay Question and Answer, Conflict of Interest (15 marks): 4 pages
• Essay Question and Answer, Pro Bono Legal Services (15 marks): 4 pages
• Access to Justice Issues Guide: 7 pages
• Essay Question and Answer, Discrimination and Harassment (20 marks): 5 pages
• Problem Question and Answer, Joint Clients (30 marks): 6 pages
• Philosophy Schools of Thought on Ethics and Morality Question, showing difference between essay and IRAC approach (15 marks): 6 pages

*For the Sample Practice Exam VERSION I and Answer Key: $30.00

*For the Sample Practice Exam VERSION II and Answer Key: $30.00

Revamped 2023 Canadian Administrative Law Study Package ($ 160 )

• Canadian Administrative Law Notes (2023): 170 pages
• Administrative law framework/guide: 32 pages
• Substantive Review ( Vavilov ) framework/guide: 5 pages
• Summaries/Comments of Vavilov, Bell and Paul Daly article: 10 pages
• Procedural Fairness Sample Question and Answer: 9 pages
• Substantive Review Sample Question and Answer: 7 pages
• Impact of  Vavilov  on  Dore  framework: 3 pages
• Procedural Fairness framework/guide: 8 pages
• Administrative Law Bias Framework: 7 pages
• Canadian Administrative Law Quiz: 3 pages
• Charter s. 7 and administrative law case law guide: 4 pages
• Inspections and Recommendations: 3 pages
• Administrative Law Sample Practice FULL Exam (100 marks) (includes a question on procedural fairness, a true and false section, a multiple choice section, and a question on substantive review): 13 pages
• Administrative Law Sample Practice FULL Exam Answer Key (detailed, structured responses, use of IRAC): 14 pages

*For the Sample Practice Exam & Answer Key alone (items 13 and 14): $30.00

*For the Administrative law guide alone: $30.00

Tort Law Package ($150 )

• Tort Law Notes (2022): 231 pages, size 11 font (based on the SOL textbook)
• Tort Notes Table of Contents (index)
• Sample Tort Law Practice Exam (100 marks, 3 hours): 4 pages
• Sample Tort Law Practice Exam Answer Key: 18 pages
• Negligent Misrepresentation Guide: 8 pages
• Negligence Framework (main steps to answering negligence questions): 25 pages
• Tort Law Quiz: 4 pages
• Sample Tort Law Practice Test 2023 (50 marks, 90 minutes): 4 pages
• Sample Tort Law Practice Test 2023 Answer Key: 10 pages

*For the Sample Tort Law Practice Exam and Answer Key alone (items 3 and 4): $30.00

*For the Negligent Misrepresentation Guide (item 5) alone: $15.00

*For the Negligent Framework (item 6) alone: $30.00

*For the Sample Tort Law Practice Test 2023 and Answer Key (items 8 and 9) alone: $25.00

Civil Procedure Package ($16 0 )

• Civil Procedure Notes (2022): 274 pages
• Civil Procedure Notes Table of Contents
• Jurisdiction Matters and Questions: 3 pages 
• Civil Procedure Sample Practice Test with Answer Key (80 marks): 10 pages
• Appropriate Court (court selection) Chart: 1 page
• Limitations Act 2002 Important Information, FAQ and Sample Q and A: 9 pages
• Impact of Covid-19 on Civil Procedure: 4 pages
• Interlocutory versus Final Orders, Review Document and Q & A: 3 pages
• Connection between Joinder and Res Judicata: 9 pages
• Rule 20 versus Rule 21: 1 page
• Rule 21 Illustration: 6 pages
• The Notion of Proportionality in Civil Procedure: 3 pages

*For the Civil Procedure Sample Practice Test with Answer Key alone: $25.00

Business Organizations Study Package ($ 150 )

• Business Organizations Notes (2023): 249 pages
• Business Organizations Sample Practice Exam (100 marks): 5 pages
• Business Organizations Sample Practice Exam Answer Key: 13 pages
• Business Organizations FAQ: 3 pages
• The Test for Determining a Partnership: 9 pages
• Extra Provincial Licensing Question and Answer (IRAC): 3 pages
• The Basics on Shareholders: 4 pages
• Oppression Remedy Article Summary: 4 pages
• Joint Tenants versus Tenants in Common document: 2 pages
• Corporate Opportunities Case Summary: 3 pages
• Business Organizations Short Test with Answer Key (26 marks): 5 pages

*For the Sample Practice Exam and Answer Key (items 2 and 3) alone: $30.00

Contract Law Package ($150 )

• Contract Law Main Notes (2023): 120 pages, size 11.5 font (based on the Ben-Ishai casebook)
• Table of Contents
• Contract Fill In the Blanks Quiz
• Contract True and False Quiz
• Counter Offer Question (IRAC)
• Mitigation and Ambiguity Question (IRAC)
• Rescission Question (IRAC)
• Specific Performance Question (IRAC)
• Matching Case Law Worksheet

Family Law Study Package ($150)

• Family Law Ontario Notes (2023 – 2024): 152 pages
• Net Family Property Guide: 11 pages
• Wedding Gift Question and Answer (10 marks): 3 pages
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Question and Answer (15 marks): 4 pages
• True and False Quiz (15 marks): 4 pages
• Child Support Question and Answer (40 marks): 7 pages
• Spousal Support Question and Answer (25 marks): 4 pages
• Sample Family Law Practice Exam (100 marks, 3 hours): 3 pages
• Sample Family Law Practice Exam Answer Key:  18 pages
• Relocation Question and Answer (40 marks): 10 pages 

*For the Sample Family Law Practice Exam and Answer Key (items 8 and 9) alone: $30.00

*For the NFP Guide (item 2) alone: $20.00

Property Law Study Package ($160)

• Property Law Notes: 139 pages
•  Property law main notes table of contents
• Property Law Sample Practice Exam 2023 (1oo marks): 6 pages
• Property Law Sample Practice Exam Answer Key: 5 pages
• Rule against Perpetuities Quiz (10 marks): 3 pages
• Statute of Fraud Essay Question and Response (15 marks): 2 pages
• Proprietary Status of Licences Quiz (30 marks): 6 pages
• Land Titles Fraud Quiz (25 marks): 3 pages
• Positive Covenants Problem Question and Answer (20 marks): 3 pages
• The Deferred Indefeasibility Approach Quiz (10 marks): 2 pages
• The Rule in Wheeldon document: 2 pages

*For the Property Law Sample Practice Exam and Answer Key (items 3 and 4) alone: $30.00

LECTURE RECORDINGS 

• Criminal Law MOCK EXAM Workshop  (1 video: roughly 2 hours not including time set for attempting mock exam questions): includes full practice mock exam with responses ($150)
• Foundations Intensive MOCK EXAM Workshop  Recording (1 video: 5.5 hours not including time set for attempting mock exam questions): includes a full practice mock exam with responses ($150)
• Canadian Constitutional Law MOCK EXAM Workshop  Recording (1 video: roughly 2 hours not including time set for attempting mock exam questions: include full practice mock exam with responses ($150)
• Canadian Administrative Law MOCK EXAM Workshop Recording: (1 video: roughly 2.5 hours not including time set for attempting mock exam questions): include full mock exam with responses ($150)
• Tort Law Workshop Series : 3 Intensive Workshop Classes (3-3.5 hours in duration). Classes come with PowerPoint presentations and IRAC documents ($300)
• Contract Law Workshop Series : 3 Intensive Classes each accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation ($300).
• Property Law Workshop Series : 4 Intensive Classes each accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation ($300).
• Family Law Video and Audio Recording Series : 4 audio recorded lectures (1 hour each) accompanied by PowerPoint presentations and 4 video recorded lectures (1.5-2 hours each): ($350)
• REGULAR CLASS RECORDINGS (full recordings covering the syllabi): Canadian Constitutional Law, Administrative law, Professional Responsibility, Criminal law, Foundations of Canadian law, Civil Procedure, Business Organizations ( $300 each, except Foundations and Constitution, which are $350.00). Recordings are accompanied by PowerPoint Presentations. The REGULAR RECORDINGS  cover the syllabus and incorporate a plethora of Q and A (IRAC, essays, problems, etc).

Use the contact form to message us about live classes. Live Classes are offered roughly a month before each exam sitting.

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Earn your National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) requirements in one academic year.

Diversity means having a legal profession that reflects our population.

Dr. Kara Mitchelmore

CEO, Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education

About the program

Application requirements, program requirements.

• Licensing and employment process
• Tuition & Fees

Frequently asked questions

• Download the brochure

Become an accredited lawyer in Canada

The Foreign Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP) is a 12-month Post-bachelor’s Certificate offered by the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary for internationally trained lawyers who wish to become accredited to practice common law in Canada.

Please be sure to read carefully the requirements in your National Committee on Accreditation assessment report or letter and all relevant information about the Foreign Trained Lawyers Program, including the University Calendar , to see if this Program best suits your needs.

The FTLP is run by Professor Kellinde Wrightson , who is an internationally trained lawyer herself and has lived this journey. Students in the FTLP are supported by their own Admissions and Student Services Advisor and a senior Career Advisor. Professor Wrightson and a team of experienced Calgary-based legal practitioners teach the mandatory FTLP courses.

The FTLP is custom-built for the needs of internationally trained lawyers, both those who are newcomers to Canada and Canadians who have chosen to attend law school abroad and wish to return to Canada to practice common law.

The FTP covers the five core NCA common law subjects in which internationally trained lawyers must demonstrate competence: Canadian Criminal Law, Canadian Constitutional Law, Canadian Administrative Law, Foundations of Canadian Law, and Ethical Lawyering/Professional Responsibility.

In addition, the FTLP’s Law 430 Professional Development course is approved by the NCA under its Policy Manual section 10.3.1 as satisfying the NCA legal research and writing requirement. The Director of the FTLP, Professor Wrightson, teaches Law 430 and her new book Decoding Canadian Legal Research, Writing and Conventions: A Guide for Internationally Trained Lawyers is the set text and offers a host of information to help internationally trained lawyers navigate the journey to practice common law in Canada.

The FTLP’s showcase features include: 

• Law 430 Professional Development is a unique two-term course focused on pre-articling skills training and designed to equip internationally trained lawyers with the practical legal skills and career building skills necessary to compete in the articling placement market-place.
• The FTLP is designed for students who work during the day and all FTLP courses are offered via evening in-person classes .
• All lawyers wishing to practice common law in Canada must do approximately 12 months of articles (similar to an apprenticeship or internship) and the FTLP has a dedicated senior Career Advisor to guidance and assistance in acquiring articles . 
• The FTLP is an approved program of study for student loans from the Government of Alberta . If you are from a Canadian province or territory other than Alberta, you can apply to receive government student loan assistance by applying through your home province or territory .
• Our FTLP students are part of a vibrant, inclusive and supportive community and have access to Faculty of Law facilities , including the Bennett Jones Law Library.
• Upon graduation at the University of Calgary’s convocation ceremony, our FTLP students become part of the alumni of Canada’s most innovative law school .

The legal professionals I have had the privilege to article alongside have made (what can be) the long road to articling as a foreign trained lawyer all worth it. I have learnt so much from those who have helped me through my articling and I am forever grateful for the experience and insight I have gained.

Sanchia Thompson

2021/22 FTLP alumna, Articling Student, Oakley Family Law, Calgary

Ravish Ranjan, Lawyer from India, at FTLP convocation November 2023

Who should apply?

The FTLP is designed to meet the unique needs of internationally-trained lawyers who wish to practice common law in Canada. Those internationally-trained lawyers fall into two broad categories:

• Newcomers to Canada, including international students, who have obtained their legal education in common law, civil law, or both, and may have practiced law in their home jurisdictions, and either have obtained their Canadian Permanent Residence or Citizenship status, or will have the requisite immigration status to work in Canada when they do their articles after program completion.
• Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents who have obtained their legal education in common law, civil law, or both, outside Canada and have returned or are intending to return to Canada to practice common law. 

NOTE: You must apply to the  National Committee on Accreditation  to receive your Assessment Report detailing the Canadian common law subjects that you need to pass before applying to the program.

Attention: International Applicants

Before completing this application, we strongly advise that you contact our International Student Services Office  for information about being an international student in Canada, study permits, work permits, and any related visa and immigration considerations which you may need to take into account. The Program representatives cannot provide advice regarding immigration issues.

Please be aware that completion of the Program does not guarantee that you will become a Permanent Resident of Canada.

Please refer to the section “ Licensing and Employment Process for Foreign Trained Lawyers ” to ensure that you understand the pathway to practice for foreign trained lawyers in Canada. In order to complete Step 3 “Complete your Articles,” you will need to have the appropriate immigration status to enable you to be able to work in Canada.

The minimum requirements for admission to the FTLP Post-Bachelor's certificate are:

• A  completed  law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent) from an approved, recognized, accredited or otherwise accepted law school;
• A valid  National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) Assessment Report ,  issued within the last five (5) years , that shows required courses and law degree information; 
• A valid NCA Assessment Completion Report (if applicable) that shows any progress made since receiving the NCA Assessment Report;
• The language of instruction of the Applicant’s legal academic qualifications was English, and such qualifications were obtained in a country where English is an official language, or;
• Completion of the International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic test, with a minimum score of 7.0 across all of the following elements: writing, speaking, reading and listening, and;
• Your personal statement (maximum 750 words) stating who you are, your non-academic pursuits, your lived experiences, and three (3) reasons why you want to take the program;
• Your resume.

Admission to the Program is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements outlined above does not guarantee admission. Each year, 30-40 students will be granted admission. Decisions on applications and offers of admission to the FTLP are made by the Program Director, Professor Wrightson. Offers are made on a rolling basis, so if the FTLP is for you, submit your application early.

Some of the participants in the 2023/24 Advocacy Clinic

Before you start your application:

To access the online application, an eid is required..

Current and former UCalgary students/applicants : Use your previous eID, which is typically firstname.lastname. If you forgot your password,  find out how to reset it .

New applicants : you must  create an eID  before starting your application.

For help with creating an eID or with recovering a previous eID/password, please contact the  UCalgary IT Support Centre .

Applications for 2024-2025 are closed

• Applications and supporting documents due for Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents closed on May 31, 2024
• Applications for International Students closed on January 29, 2024

*Note: Offers of admission will be made on a rolling basis. The sooner we receive your completed application, the sooner it can be reviewed.   

My favourite part of the Program are the skills I’ve learnt and the connections I’ve built. I would recommend this Program 100%.

Enuwa Blessing Odinya

Lawyer from Nigeria, 2023/24 FTLP student

Completion of 24 units of coursework

Students in the FTLP must complete the following 24 units of coursework achieving a satisfactory performance:

• Law 420: Foundations of Canadian Law
• Law 430: Professional Development
• Law 400: Constitutional Law
• Law 410: Crime: Law & Procedure
• Law 503: Administrative Law
• Law 510: Ethical Lawyering

Course descriptions can be found in the University Calendar .

For clarity, successful completion of Law 400, 410, 420, 503 and 510 fulfills the educational requirements of the five core subjects in the Canadian-specific content outlined by the NCA in its Policy Manual March 31, 2023, section 5.2. Those NCA core subjects are Canadian Administrative Law, Canadian Constitutional Law, Canadian Criminal Law, Canadian Professional Responsibility (also known as Ethical Lawyering), and Foundations in Canadian Law. The FTLP course Law 430 Professional Development is approved by the NCA as satisfying its requirement for competency in Legal Research and Writing. Satisfactory performance in Faculty of Law courses is a C- or higher or a CR. See further the Faculty of Law Regulations section 3 and Appendix B  https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/departments/LA/overview .

Course overload and additional courses (LWFT courses)

Students in the FTLP who are considering applying to take a course overload, that is, courses in addition to the FTLP’s six mandatory courses, need to consider the following carefully.

Students considering applying to take LWFT courses must keep in mind that LWFT courses are only offered during the day. The additional courses are: 

• LWFT 402 Contracts
• LWFT 404 Property
• LWFT 406 Torts
• LWFT 505 Civil Procedure
• LWFT 507 Evidence
• LWFT 509 Business Associations
• LWFT 515 Family Law
• LWFT 527 Basic Tax Law
• LWFT 575 Remedies
• LWFT 598 Trusts

Admission to additional courses is granted at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Academic) (ADA). The decision of the ADA is final. The decision by the ADA to approve any additional courses is focused on ensuring students are well positioned to be successful in the FTLP. The factors which the ADA will take into account, include but are not limited to:

• Previous law school performance;
• Additional courses required by the NCA in the assessment report/letter;
• Availability of spots in additional courses;
• Ability to pay the course fee if applicable;
• Ability to attend day-time classes.

On approval by the ADA, students may take one LWFT course in addition to the FTLP requirements and pay no additional tuition.

If the NCA’s assessment report/letter requires additional courses on top of the 24 units required in the FTLP plus the one optional course, students in the FTLP may take up to a maximum of 3 additional LWFT courses upon approval of the ADA and upon payment of the applicable per-LWFT course tuition fee.

Please be sure to check the Calendar for important information regarding the  FTLP .

Students are expected to complete the FTLP Post-bachelor’s Certificate in 12 months. The maximum time allowed to complete the FTLP requirements, and any additional courses, is 3 years.

Professor Wrightson and the Program are helping me to believe in myself again, giving me the tools to be a successful lawyer and provide my future clients with high quality legal services.

Daniela Andrade Ferreira da Silva

Lawyer from Brazil, 2023/24 FTLP student

Licensing and employment process for foreign-trained lawyers

Apply to the nca.

Apply to the NCA for assessment of legal qualifications.

Complete NCA requirements

Complete NCA exams, course work or law school program as outlined in your NCA assessment.

Once complete, you will receive your Certification of Qualification.

Complete your articles

Secure an articling placement for 8 to 12 months. You must also apply for and complete a bar admission course.

Get called to the Bar

Once your articles and bar admissions course are complete, you need to arrange to be called to the bar and to apply to the relevant law society for a licence to practise law.

Alberta Bar Admission Program

I love Professor Wrightson’s Law 420 Foundations of Canadian Law because it is a good start, and her Law 430 Professional Development helps us improve the skills that are essential to be a lawyer in Canada.

Lawyer from China, 2023/24 FTLP student

Is funding available for the program?

The Foreign-Trained Lawyers Program qualifies for funding from Alberta Student Aid. Information about how to apply can be found on the Government of Alberta website. If you are from a Canadian province or territory other than Alberta, you can apply to receive government student loan assistance by applying through your home province or territory.

I am in my last year of my law degree. Can I still apply?

No. Applications to the Program without a valid NCA Assessment Report will not be considered. Your NCA Assessment Report cannot be carried out until you have completed your law degree. Therefore, you need to have finished your law degree and the NCA must have issued you with your NCA Assessment Report before you apply to the Program. Check with the NCA directly to find out the current turnaround time for the issuing of assessment reports.

I haven't received my NCA assessment yet. Can I still apply?

Are courses available individually in order for me to fulfill nca requirements.

No. The FTLP is offered as a six mandatory course Program only and it is not permissible to take anything less than those six courses. In addition, the Faculty of Law does not permit enrolment in individual JD courses.

Do I need to submit my university transcripts with my application?

No. You need only submit copies (not originals) of your university transcripts with your application. We will confirm with the NCA directly that your copies conform with the originals which you will have provided to the NCA.

If I have met the NCA’s ELP requirement, do I need to take the IELTS test?

Do i need to submit letters of reference or recommendation.

No. Letters of reference or recommendation are not required to apply to the program.

Can I complete an LLM instead of the FTLP?

No. Our LLM programs are not approved as law degrees sufficient for admission to a Canadian common law law society.

Can I do the program remotely/online?

No. The FTLP is government-approved as an in-person in-class program only.

Can I do the program part-time?

No. The FTLP is government-approved as a full-time program only.

When does the FTLP begin?

The FTLP begins in Fall term with the four-week intensive course Law 420 Foundations of Canadian Law. See the  Academic Schedule for term dates and other important dates. Please note that the Academic Schedule is updated regularly for future academic years.

When are classes held?

All classes for the FTLP mandatory courses (see the section “Completion of 24 units of course work” above) are held on weekday evenings. All classes for additional courses are held during the day.

Once I am enrolled in the FTLP, can I enrol in additional courses?

No. The FTLP is a full-time study load. Students can be approved for a course overload at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Academic). Students who wish to apply to do a course overload must go through the approved process as explained in the Course Overload and Additional Courses section on this webpage.

Does this program offer scholarships?

Unfortunately we do not offer scholarships at this time.

Can I get immigration advice from anyone in the program?

No. We are not authorized to offer advice with respect to immigration matters, including study permits, work permits, and visas. The University of Calgary provides general assistance on immigration matters for international students. Please contact our International Services team at  [email protected]  for assistance.

Questions about the Foreign-Trained Lawyers Program?

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• THE FIRST STEP: Get your credentials assessed by the  National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) 
• AFTER RECEIPT OF THE NCA ASSESSMENT: Options at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law
• The Global Professional Master of Laws Program
• Selected Courses in the JD Program
• Articling Placement in Ontario  

THE FIRST STEP: Get your credentials assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) 

Law Society of Ontario (LSO) [formerly the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC]) For practicing law in Ontario, the requirements for being licensed are set by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) only, and are not set by any law school. Therefore, please begin by reviewing both:

• the LSO information on becoming a lawyer for graduates of international law schools or non-accredited Canadian law schools  and
• the Ontario government's detailed  Career Map for Lawyers  (PDF document).

National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) Applicants with law degrees from other countries or a civil law degree from the province of Quebec who are seeking to qualify to practice law in a common law province in Canada must first determine if there are requirements to obtain in order to practice. The determination of these requirements is not done by the law school, instead it is done by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) entirely.

The NCA examines the qualifications of internationally-trained lawyers and issues assessments setting out the requirements a candidate must complete before she or he is qualified to enter the Lawyer Licensing Process in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada. In many cases, the NCA will require candidates to successfully complete specified subjects either by taking particular courses at a Canadian law school and/or by passing the NCA’s challenge examinations.

To obtain an assessment, please contact:

National Committee on Accreditation (NCA)  Federation of Law Societies of Canada World Exchange Plaza 1810-45 O'Connor St.  Ottawa ON K1P 1A4

Website:  nca.legal

  AFTER RECEIPT OF THE NCA ASSESSMENT: Options at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law 

The Faculty of Law has two options for those who seeking to complete NCA requirements, in accordance with their assessments. Admission is not guaranteed into either option, since we seek strong candidates for entry.

• The Global Professional Master of Laws Program (GPLLM)

Comparison of the OPTIONS: The GPLLM or Selected Courses in the JD Program

updated April 21, 2022

Articling Placement Schedule in Ontario

National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) applicants should note that interviews for articling placement in Ontario generally take place during the summer one full year prior to the start of the placement.

Applicants are advised to contact the Law Society of Ontario, Bar Admissions Course (416-947-3300) or on-line at  https://lso.ca/becoming-licensed/lawyer-licensing-process  as soon as possible to confirm procedures and deadlines.

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NCA Advisory Update - Legal Research and Writing

The NCA has updated their assessment policy requiring all candidates to demonstrate competence in legal research and writing effective January 1, 2022.   This means that NCA applicants will be required to complete the legal research and writing module developed by the NCA/CPLED or complete a course in legal research and writing through an approved Canadian law school program.  No exemptions/exceptions have been indicated thus far.

This update means that all candidates have to demonstrate that they have the necessary legal research and writing abilities needed for the profession that language proficiency requirements alone do not assess.  If you plan on obtaining an assessment in 2022, this should factor into your costs and timing for completion of NCA requirements, or in course planning and program completion if you are enrolled in a program at a Canadian law school.

https://nca.legal/nca-assessment-and-appeal-policy-updates/

ITLNCA condemns the #FullStop movement

ITLNCA NetworkS stand with the diversity associations to strongly condemn the divisive messaging of the #FullStop movement.

The #FullStop movement (rebranding of the #StopSOP movement) just shows how very little has changed in the last 3 years.  It shows that the need to address and confront racism and discrimination in the legal profession is on-going.  It shows exactly why training on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is necessary across the legal profession.  It also shows the importance of electing a governing body supportive and representative of the whole of the profession in 2023. 

However, please always remember that there are lawyers and associations who are passionately advocating for and supporting the need for greater equity, diversity, and inclusion.  ITLNCA NetworkS is here for all internationally trained lawyers and your contributions to our profession.  Your presence and voice is exactly what is needed for a truly inclusive and diverse legal profession in Canada.  We are here to support you and provide a positive safe space for your concerns as you navigate your career and the legal community.

NCA Advisory - In-Person Instruction

In light of the pandemic, the NCA assessment policy has been revised to provide flexibility for NCA candidates with an in-person requirement due to their distance education qualifying law degrees.  Programs will be given recognition as long as the program includes “at least 50% in-person instruction.”  Refer to your educational provider to see how they may incorporate these requirements.  ( https://nca.legal/policy-assessment-change-in-person-instruction-requirement/ )

OCTOBER 2020 NCA CHALLENGE EXAMS

Registration for October 2020 NCA Challenge exams is open.  Register before September 4, 2020 at 12:00PM (ET). 

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