Application Tips for Internationally Trained Lawyers

It’s difficult to write a one-size-fits-all blog post for internationally trained lawyers, because “internationally trained lawyer” is such a broad category. And actually, that’s one of the most important insights we can offer when it comes to preparing your application.

Having a law degree is just one part of your story. A strong application for graduate legal studies goes beyond credentials – it communicates your experiences, motivations, and future goals. The Admissions Committee wants to understand how this program fits into the larger context of your professional journey.

The Qualitative Section of the Application

Unlike many other graduate programs, OsgoodePD’s applications for the Professional LLM and Graduate Diploma do not include a traditional personal statement. Instead, we ask a single open-ended question: “What is your primary objective for undertaking academic study, and how will this program help you achieve it?”

At first glance, it may seem simple, but responses range from a single sentence (“I want to complete my NCA requirements”) to multi-page essays that begin with childhood memories. The strongest responses usually fall somewhere in the middle: focused, reflective, and tailored to your individual background and goals.

A few things to keep in mind:

Demonstrate your graduate-level writing skills.
Treat this as a piece of professional writing. Be clear, concise, and well-organized. A strong answer doesn’t just outline your goals, it also shows that you’re ready for the academic demands of graduate study.

If your primary goal is to meet NCA requirements:
That’s a perfectly valid reason to apply, but take it a step further. Why this program, specifically? Have you considered (or attempted) challenge exams? How does this program support your career aspirations? A response like “I’ve reviewed the NCA process and chose this program for its structured support in [X subject] because I plan to practise in [Y area]” is far more compelling than simply stating your intent to fulfill requirements. It shows you’ve done your homework and made an informed choice.

If your professional experience isn’t in a traditional legal role:
Make the connection clear. Don’t assume the Committee will make the leap for you. For example, if you’ve worked in social work and aim to practise family law, explain how that experience shapes your legal perspective. The same goes for experience in finance, education, tech, or government – draw a clear line between your past work and your legal ambitions.

Choosing the Right Referees

References help the Committee in two key ways: validating or contextualizing your professional experience, and assessing your academic readiness. Aim to select referees who can speak credibly to at least one of those areas – ideally both. Avoid choosing referees who don’t have direct insight into your academic or professional background.

If you’re unsure who to ask:
We understand that not everyone has access to ideal referees, especially if you haven’t worked in English, or have been out of school for many years. In those cases, choose someone who knows you well and can speak meaningfully about your character or capabilities. Then, set them up for success: explain what the program is, what the Committee is looking for, and why you’re applying. Without context, referees may default to vague or generic feedback. With guidance, they can speak to your work ethic, critical thinking, communication, or commitment to growth.

Reviewing Your Resume

You don’t need to start from scratch, but you should take time to ensure your resume or CV is clear, complete, and tailored for this application. At minimum, include:

• All university-level education (with dates and degrees awarded)
• Your year(s) and jurisdiction(s) of call, if applicable
• Relevant legal experience (including job title, location, and whether you practised)
• Legal experience outside of Canada—don’t leave this out!
• Non-legal roles that intersect with legal work—make this connection explicit (e.g., regulation, compliance, contracts)

Every detail in your application helps the Committee understand who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re headed. Taking the time to reflect and be intentional in your responses will go a long way.