By Lucianna Ciccocioppo
The first cohort of the Internationally Trained Lawyers Program
Amid plenty of family and friends, the pioneering group of the Internationally Trained Lawyers Program picked up their certificates of completion on March 25, 2011 at the University of Toronto's Faculty Club in a recognition ceremony to mark the end of their 10-month bridging program for Canadian law careers.
About 35 out of the 47 participants making up the first cohort of the unique and innovative ITL program attended and received their certificates and hearty congratulations from Ontario's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Dr. Eric Hoskins, together with Jane Kidner, assistant dean of professional legal education. CTV, OMNI-TV and the Law Times covered the event.
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Eric Hoskins with ITLP student Keisha-Ann and her daughter, and Jane Kidner, assistant dean of professional legal education.
After a warm introduction by Gina Alexandris, ITL program director, Prof. Mayo Moran, dean of the UofT law school, recalled the first day of the program when she met the students on a tour of Osgoode Hall. She lauded their contributions to Canada - the group represents some 21 different countries of origin - and highlighted the internship support from the legal community.
"The law profession really stepped up and said to UofT law school, 'Yes, we're interested.' They saw the value of having you contribute your talents in their employment setting," said Moran.
The dean spoke of the support from the Ontario government, which funded the bridging program, to help new Canadians make the transition to a legal career in Canada. The program launched in planning mode in summer 2009 and took in its first students in May 2010.
Hoskins told the audience that bridging programs are the best thing his ministry does. "When we saw the ITL proposal, we had no choice but to fund it." Said Hoskins: "Ontario is proud of all of you today."
Dr. Eric Hoskins: "Ontario is proud of you today."
Students had a chance to mingle with their classmates on campus for one last time, as many will go on to complete their accreditation exams or internships, and look for articling positions. Some have landed contract positions, and one student Nirav Bhatt, has an articling position at the Brampton firm of DaSilva, Sinton LLP.
Alumni interested in providing internship opportunities for future ITL students can contact Gina Alexandris, ITL program director, at: gina.alexandris@utoronto.ca
View the photo gallery of the event here.
Watch the coverage on CTV News (coverage begins after an ad).
Watch the coverage on the OMNI Mandarin newscast here (starts at 3:30 minutes).
"Inaugural ITLP participants receive their certificates," The Precedent Blog, April 1, 2011
From left: Akinwole Akindele, Tahlee Afzal and Mehreen Alavi (ITLP students); Jane Price, ITLP career adviser; Gina Alexandris, ITLP director; Natasha Kovacic, ITLP assistant; Natasha Smith, ITLP coordinator; Madhulika Joshi with her daughter and Lillian Nwachukwu (ITLP student).
Photos: Cliff Spicer
