If you’re an internationally trained lawyer (ITL) working toward accreditation or exploring how to build a legal career in Canada, finding clear, practical information isn’t always easy. Osgoode’s Internationally Trained Lawyers Day (OITLD) is a one-day conference designed to bring that information together, along with the people who can help you make sense of it.
Osgoode’s Internationally Trained Lawyers Day (OITLD) 2026 focuses on the realities of licensing, accreditation, and career development in the Canadian legal market. Throughout the day, sessions are built around lived experience and practical insight: how others have approached the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) process, how they’ve positioned themselves for roles in Canada, and what decisions made a difference along the way. You’ll hear from lawyers, employers, and professionals working across the legal sector, with an emphasis on concrete, experience-based perspectives rather than general advice.
This year’s conference will also feature the Executive Director of the NCA, offering attendees the opportunity to hear directly from one of the key organizations involved in the accreditation process.
A key takeaway from OITLD is that there is no single “right” path. Some ITLs pursue full licensing and traditional legal roles, while others build careers in areas like compliance, policy, or business. The day’s agenda reflects that range, helping you better understand the options available and how they align with your background and goals.
In addition to the sessions, OITLD places a strong emphasis on interaction. Structured networking opportunities—including the ITLNCA NetworkS Speed Mentoring session—are designed to help you ask specific questions and get candid answers. Whether you’re navigating the NCA process, considering further education, or actively job searching, these conversations provide direct access to people who have been through it.
One of the most valuable aspects of the conference is access. The process of becoming licensed and building a career in a new legal system can often feel fragmented, with information spread across different sources. OITLD brings those pieces together, connecting you with professionals, resources, and perspectives that can help you move forward more strategically.
The conference is designed to be useful at any stage. You might be at the beginning of the NCA process, partway through your exams, or already exploring employment opportunities. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you attend. The goal is to leave with a clearer understanding of your options and practical next steps.
OITLD 2026 takes place on June 3 at Osgoode Hall Law School (Keele Campus). Early-bird tickets are available until April 30, 2026.