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JD/LLM/MBA/anything else?
[Moderator note: Post title corrected]
These 2 are easy options for you. Canada has something like a series of tests (NCA Exams- Law), which you have to take to become a solicitor (1 year) You can't go to Quebec thou. New Zealand also it is possible to convert your Indian Law Degree.
But trust me, the pay is so low in Canada and even NZ, if you are going to firms in Bay Street it will be manageable, but almost impossible to get unless you have worked in a Tier 1 Law Firm in India.
Even some T1/2 A3's in India (AZB, CAM, Wadia Gandhy & likes) who migrated to Canada are doing low-paying immigration filing and compliance work. Canada is not an international business hub like London and it has a small economy unlike the US, so does the work. You may even start your career for C$30 K per year (almost poverty wages)
It will take 10 years for you to settle in as a lawyer in Canada. After 10 years, even if you start at a small firm you can make CA$150K (good life in the suburbs) Is it worth it----- ask yourself.
If you already have a good life/future in India (Tier 1/2 or even 3/4, Good Chambers/Seniors, or a Govt job, I won't say Canada and NZ are worth it for you.
1. How exactly does one go about securing these Bay Streets jobs? How can I build my profile to become competitive for them? Also, I know about NCAs and they seem like a cakewalk. However, I'm concerned about the articling requirement - it seems like there are more students than actual spots.
2. Any suggestions on alternatives? Ideally, something law adjacent but I'm open to all options at this stage. I'm willing to do another degree if need be.
I look forward to your response. Thank you.
Don't be hurt. But if you are a Tier 1 Associate trying to move to Canada or NZ. It's fairly possible for you to get Into a Bay Street Firm.
But the problem is that Canadian Legal Market has an overflow of Talent. That too highly educated (LLM - US, UK) talent because of excessively qualified migration. There is very less illegal immigration. And the ones immigrating are over qualified for every job.
With a Tier 1 Law Firm job in India, if you move to USA, if you have immigration (firms hate to sponsor you) with an LLM you can easily get into a AM 100. It's super easy. Not so easy in Canada.
I know people who work at Target and Walmart secretly with NIT Degrees.
Getting a law firm job is not as easy as getting in India. So don't have high expectations. Since I am not in Canada. Will give more details in the future. This is what my friends have experienced.
(Low Salaries, Highly Competitive & Tough to get to Bay Street)
I think you should go to Canada. If you value your spouse and if you like the country as such. I was a bit negative, I didn't even talk about the positive side actually.