Professional Development in the FTLP

Preparing internationally trained lawyers for the Canadian job market.

The Foreign Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP) is home to award-winning professional development programming and teaching. Our programs are designed to equip internationally trained lawyers with the practical and career-building skills necessary to pursue articling placements and to be career-ready alongside Juris Doctor (JD) students in Canada.

Apply to the NCA

Apply to the NCA for assessment of legal qualifications.

Visit NCA

Complete NCA requirements

Complete NCA exams, course work or law school program as outlined in your NCA assessment.

Once complete, you will receive your Certification of Qualification.

Complete your articles

Secure an articling placement for 8 to 12 months. You must also apply for and complete a bar admission course.

Get called to the Bar

Once your articles and bar admissions course are complete, you need to arrange to be called to the bar and to apply to the relevant law society for a licence to practise law.

Alberta Bar Admission Program

I love Professor Wrightson’s Law 420 Foundations of Canadian Law because it is a good start, and her Law 430 Professional Development helps us improve the skills that are essential to be a lawyer in Canada.

Yan Wang

Lawyer from China, 2023/24 FTLP student

1:1 Career Coaching

All FTLP students can meet with our Certified Executive Coach, Madeleine Natale, to discuss their personal job search strategy, get feedback on application documents and practice for interviews. This holistic approach to career development, ensures that your career and personal goals are considered.

Caregiver Group Coaching for Law Students

A semester-long series that supports all law students who are also caregivers—whether they are parenting, expecting a child, or supporting aging family members. Participants are provided with a confidential and reflective space to navigate the intersection of caregiving and academic life.

Job Search Accelerator Group Coaching

This eight-week coaching program supports students wishing to engage in the job search process in community and peer accountability. Participants engage in structured reflection, peer learning, and action-oriented planning tailored to their unique backgrounds and career transitions.

57%

of students reported a decrease in stress levels.

86%

of students felt clarity and direction in their job search.

100%

of students felt supported in their job search.

Peer mock interview program

This program pairs JD students who have secured legal employment with FTLP students to transmit knowledge and create mutual understanding and collaboration.

Job shadow work integrated learning experience

FTLP students have the opportunity to shadow lawyers in person from a variety of firms and organizations, such as: DLA Piper, LNG Canada, Camino Law and the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Embedded resume and cover letter skills development within the academic curriculum

FTLP students learn to craft strong, tailored documents for articling positions.

Continuing professional development competency throughout the FTLP

Using a number of tools and skills including the Law Society of Alberta’s Reflective Practice.

Additional career opportunities and services for FTLP students

Access to exclusive UCalgary Law job postings in Elevate.

Networking events, both faculty-wide, such as Small and Regional Firm Day and Public Interest Law Day, and exclusive to the FTLP, such as The Internationally Trained Lawyer Speed Meet.

“This group coaching experience equipped me with proactive career-building strategies I’ll apply at every stage of my legal journey in Canada, including networking with purpose and articulating my value."

Job Search Accelerator group coaching participant

2025