Lisa, if you are based in the United States, there are federal and — in most states — laws preventing age discrimination. Although this normally pertains to cases where the elderly are the subject of the discriminatory treatment, these protections also exist for the young. You are correct: Dollarama has no business discriminating against students (a rather broad term, as it could also include students of any age), and should be called out for these types of violations. If you are based in Canada, normally, the Human Rights Acts of the various provinces should provide some added protection against such mistreatment.

I agree with you. In my particular case, my length of practice time prior to arrival in Canada certainly contributed to a quicker path forward. That being said, the requirements for even myself proved rigorous. I literally threw myself into the two, separate sets of exams, and got through the process in a year. I know others whom have taken 2-3 years to complete my requirements, alone. Individuals with less overall practice time could also see a required 12-18 month period of articling for a law firm before finally achieving full licensure. And, as you noted, the process of moving from Canada to the U.S. can also involve similar transition periods and requirements. Thanks for your comment!

Kay, sorry for the belated response. The updating of my website created issues with me being able to access and respond in timely fashion. Please feel free to keep up with me via my email address: dbb@burnsidelaw.net.

Best wishes,

Derek

Sydney, thank you for the kind words. Unfortunately, the articling period is dependent upon the Bar Society being petitioned. As I already had approximately 18-19 years experience at the time of my application, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society waived the articling period. Obviously, I was relieved that they did so, as it is already onerous enough to try to professionally transfer credentials up into Atlantic Canada. Good luck on the NCAs. Derek

You are very much correct to say that the process was not designed to be easy. I am pretty much at the infancy stage of the process and eagerly anticipate the day when this would all be history and I can pen an article such as yours. I hope I would be obliged the privilege of corresponding with you in order to learn from your experience. If so, kindly advise what medium best suits you for that purpose. Thank you in advance.

I know this is quite late in regards to how long ago you posted this article. Just a question on how you got around articling in Canada. I am a recently qualified attorney looking to become a Canadian Barrister/solicitor. I will be sitting five exams for the NCAs in november but have been told I will also have to do a 10 month articling period after that.

Is there a way you got around that?

Many thanks.