About a month after my OsgoodePD interview, an email arrived. Expecting a rejection, I was shocked to find: "Congratulations, you've been accepted!" I rushed to the bathroom, overwhelmed by waves of emotions and a touch of queasiness.

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Hi, I'm Irina, a former paralegal from Hong Kong.  Despite being an "F-student", I aspired to become a lawyer. Other law schools turned me down because of my not-so-great grades, but Osgoode Hall Law School saw value in my legal experience and offered me an opportunity.

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Becoming a licensed lawyer in Canada felt like tackling a mountain, as the NCA required me to go through not one, but two full-time legal programs. In summer 2016, at the Canadian Common Law LLM Orientation in Toronto, I was told a "B" was the pass mark. Here's the kicker – "B" is basically my "A" game. And it wasn't just about passing; I had to rock those grades to secure a spot for my second LLM program! Nerve-wracking message aside, I enjoyed the orientation. OsgoodePD hosted a warm welcome gathering at Jack Astor's, where I met fellow classmates, including John.

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A Challenging Yet Heartening Experience

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John and I took different LLM routes – he pursued International Business Law, while I focused on Canadian Common Law.  Our shared prerequisite course, "Introduction to Canadian LLM Studies", aimed to equip us with the necessary skills for our programs, such as drafting legal memos. Revisions were required for assignments that fell short of instructors’ standards.  As expected, I had to redo most of my assignments during the course. However, the instructors were helpful by providing me detailed feedback for each returned assignment, and I felt well-prepared to tackle my LLM program ahead.

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I found classes engaging with interactive discussions rather than snoozy lectures.  Professors were helpful, and I regularly ran my ideas past them for approval before diving into assignments. The grind of the program left us with sleep deprivation and breakout battles. Nonetheless, we formed study groups that were a total lifesaver. Upon completing our final exam, we hit the town for some celebratory drinks. It felt awesome after all the hard work! 

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After a dedicated year, my first LLM studies ended with strong support from professors, classmates, and OsgoodePD Faculty Team (thanks Meghan and Michael!). I wasn't merely surviving; I was thriving! My grades soared and I snagged a spot in the International Business Law LLM program. Since John had already done that program, I picked his brain for advice. I continued to stay on campus and formed new friendships. We shared insights on interviews, articling positions, and offered mutual support.

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Conquering the Bar Exams

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As my second LLM studies wrapped up, I witnessed classmates falling in love, tying the knot, securing articling positions, and returning to their home countries. Despite our diverging paths, the LLM journey stayed close to our hearts, reminding us of the battles we conquered together. I secured an articling role and geared up for the Ontario Bar exams. While some found them easy, I struggled. Asha, my LLM buddy, and I teamed up, sharing tips, resources, and encouragement. Asha aced it, but I stumbled. Still, she cheered me on, saying, "Keep going, Irina. We'll meet on the other side!"

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Two years later, I received a letter from the Law Society of Ontario, warning that another bar exam failure would result in restarting the licensing process. "This can't be happening," I panicked. Suddenly, an Instagram message popped up from Simon, a classmate from the Criminal Law class. "Hey Irina, remember me? Asha suggested I reach out to you while preparing for the Bar exams!" By the end of 2020, Simon and I passed the Bar exams. Congratulatory messages flowed from Osgoode peers, Asha included, who joyfully exclaimed, "Welcome to the other side!"

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Final Thoughts

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It's been five years since I left Osgoode, yet I'm still in touch with fellow schoolmates. Considering the Osgoode LLM programs? I highly recommend them. Beyond learning from dedicated instructors, the relationships I built at Osgoode greatly benefited my career. Unsure about the LLM path and becoming a lawyer? Don't worry. With proper support, diligence, and determination, you can undoubtedly thrive and cross the finish line!

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_{*Certain names have been altered to protect the privacy of individuals.}

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Meet the Author

Irina is a dedicated career coach specializing in helping lawyers excel in the Canadian job market. She is passionate about advocating for lawyers during job offer negotiations and provides personalized strategies for law students preparing for the Ontario Bar exams.

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To learn more about Irina, connect with her on LinkedIn and visit muicoaching.com for more information on her coaching services.