Internationally trained lawyers to share their success stories at a York University milestone event
Osgoode Professional Development will host its 10th Internationally Trained Lawyers Day featuring panels, including sessions by Black Female Lawyers Network, the Canadian Hispanic Bar Association and the National Committee on Accreditation
Osgoode Hall Law School’s Internationally Trained Lawyers Day (OITLD), hosted by Osgoode Professional Development (OsgoodePD) is marking its 10th anniversary. The event will be held May 28 and 29 at York University’s Keele campus.
“The 10th celebration this year will be a two-day event,” says Meghan Thomas, director, Professional Graduate & International Programs, at OsgoodePD. “The expansion is a reflection of the rising success and contributions of internationally trained lawyers (ITLs) across Canada who are eager to share their journeys with attendees.”
The two-day event allows for more panels and sessions, including specialized sessions from current OsgoodePD students and alumni as well as organizations such as the Black Female Lawyers Network, the Canadian Hispanic Bar Association, the NCA and the Law Practice Program.
Keynote address from Justice Lorne Sossin, a former professor and dean of Osgoode Hall Law School, now appointed to the Court of Appeal for Ontario will be a highlight as well. Sossin will share insights and reflections on the evolving landscape of law and the significant role of ITLs in shaping it.
OITLD was launched in 2015 with a mission to bring together legal employers, lawyers, and law graduates from around the world to learn, share, celebrate, and advance internationally trained talent across Canada.
Since its inception, the event has been a part of OsgoodePD’s year-round efforts to supporting ITLs as they navigate the unique challenges of practicing law in Canada – be it cultural nuances, unfamiliar legal systems, or regulatory requirements.
In the early years, the event focused primarily on Canadian legal professionals offering guidance to ITLs and National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) candidates who represented a growing cohort of aspiring lawyers from Osgoode.
While numerous ITLs and NCA candidates have acquired the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the Canadian legal landscape, many have advanced to senior and decision-making roles, significantly contributing to the Canadian legal community. Today, a number of them are mentors, sharing their insights and experiences with newcomer ITLs.
