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They are lawyers who come from around the globe, qualified to practise law in their home countries and eager to put their skills to work in Canada.

To help them do just that, the University of Toronto offers an Internationally Trained Lawyers Program (ITLP) – the only one of its kind in Canada.

The 2013-14 cohort had legally educated students who originated from China, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UK. Thirty students recently celebrated their successful completion of the program and many now have success stories to share. (.)

The program not only helps newcomer lawyers navigate the complex process of obtaining a licence to practice in Ontario but it also offers a networking and support system to help students connect with the legal profession and pursue career opportunities. Graduates such as Emeka Ezeogu write back to the ITLP with good news.

“I am indebted in gratitude to you all at ITLP for exposing me to the best people in Canada – the staff of the Legal Services Branch, Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Infrastructure,” says Ezeogu. “I wished you were here to witness the beautiful party and a gift presentation to me by the Branch ... and to crown it all, I have been offered a temporary contract employment in the Realty Policy Branch, Ministry of Infrastructure.” Emeka's spouse, Chinelo Ezeogu, was also a program participant this year.

Diana Mbai says she researched how she could practice law in Canada before she emigrated from Kenya, and found out information about the ILTP. She’s now preparing for her bar exams.

“I interned with the Royal Bank of Canada where I met lawyers and established a network of contacts that I believe will be very helpful in the near future. The program also gave me a better understanding of the Canadian legal profession,” says Mbai. “The internship opportunity was truly very important because now I have acquired some Canadian law experience.”