US CapM Asso relocating to Canada: Any Realistic Opportunities?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Following!

like

I don’t think you can get a role at a Canadian law firm without a Ontario bar. There are US-barred attorneys working for US firms but the offices are pretty small, and competition is fierce for those roles.

like

Thanks - yeah I do hope the US firms’ Canadian offices get larger. Time to hit the NCA prep course!

Hi folks - first time posting here.

I’m a junior US capital markets associate at a V10 biglaw’s int’l office, having done quite a number of registered offerings for FPIs and bunch of Reg S/144As for ~4yrs after getting my JD at a T14. I’m seeking to relocate to Canada within 2/3years with family.

From my chats with alums, recruiters and current lawyers here, it seemed that -
1. The US CapM hiring needs is virtually non-existent now and won’t be too much larger in 2/3 years;
2. Works requiring US qualification is very limited in general; and
3. I’d be better off getting an Ontario bar. I’d have to either attend a Canadian law school and do articling, or pursue the NCA- LPP route, which would take a lot of time and still make me start from 0PQE.

Therefore, I’d appreciate it if y’all could let me know what’s the best route to proceed from your point of view:
1. Bite the bullet and retool as a Canadian lawyer at age 33, competing with 25-year-old fresh grads;
2. Switch to investment banking/consulting/funds/etc. (have been trying to network there but still very low visibility on the market there)
3. Switch to public service (again, with no Ontario Bar the options would be quite limited even with PR status).

Ultimate aim is just to continue doing what I’m good at whilst being reasonably financially sustainable. I am pretty open-minded and would appreciate your feedbacks.

Thanks AS2! Yes in-house positions would be great, too, so definitely would be interested. I figured the int’l big law market in Canada is quite small so I’ll need to stock up as much good karma as possible to have a chance 🥲 don’t necessarily have to continue being a cm lawyer though, happy to retool if I get to wear a wig in court

Related Posts

Rise and shine! Any recruiters for CVS 🥹☺️ in the building?

like

So what’s the new number that every will say will cause the bubble to burst (but won’t actually happen)?

Any good books recommendation on effective client communication/business writing?

like

2 weeks unassigned in may. Can I use PTO for those 2 weeks even if I haven’t accrued it yet? 1st year, and what are the cons of two weeks off? Like utilization. Etc

like

Any new seniors already regretting banking that bonus and committing to another 3 years?? 😬

likefunny

I’m studying for the SHRM-CP with the Mometrix (study guides, online course, and flash cards), however I’m super overwhelmed with all of the information. What are some best practices to ensure I grasp all of the concept ? Any advice would be much appreciated!!!

If you have 2 offers, but one is substantially higher than the other, what is the best way to leverage the higher offer to raise the lower one? I want to make sure I am tactful in how I do it. Based on the two roles the lower one does not need to match it but I would like to get it as close as possible. TIA!

like

What do you think is reasonable to ask for salary wise? 4 yoe consulting, 6 yrs total work exp. In DC area (federal projects).

Interviewing with a few different firms for senior consultant level positions. Trying to come in on the higher end of the SC scale but not the responsibilities of manager.

Checking to see if I sound crazy when I talk to recruiters. Thanks for the help!

like

I got LinkedIn messages from two recruiters about EY FAAS and KPMG M&A Advisory positions around 2 months ago. I know it’s been a while but should I reply to the messages letting them know I’m interested in hearing about any open positions available, or would I have better luck getting a referral from someone?

like

The right mentor will have such a positive impact on both your private life, start a business or career!!!

Post Photo
like

She doesn't know the real reason why I'm lukewarm about kids: I don't think she's matured enough. I'm trying to plan for retirement and a house, but all she wants is her next overseas vacation

like

Hi what is an acceptable salary range for an associate director in biotech( +10 y experience)

like

Considering a Product Owner role. Any best practices of what questions to ask during an interview? First phase deals with a virtual Teams interview with the recruiter and her manager on Tuesday. Excited since this is a hop from a Product Analyst role and entails an offer of over $30,000 from what I'm getting now! This would be a permanent full-time compared to my current contractor role that ends in March.

like

Hello everyone, hope you are doing well! Currently I’m trying to help a friend in finding a job in Dubai (HR role). Please let me know if you can refer him. Thanks a lot!

I have a question for associates, what would help you the most in your job right now? It could be technical, communication, training, mental health. What are you biggest problems and struggles?

like

How soon you can change project in bny Mellon technology? Whom to contact for project change?

I’d like to see Honda remake the S2000 to counter the Supra and the new Z, I think it could be a cool add. Pic below is what got my attention. What other discontinued cars do you all think would be worth a comeback?

Post Photo
like

Looking for information on companies hiring EMT-Bs in and around Clearwater, Largo, Tampa, FL.
Looking to hear which places I will be able to get a higher salary. Working as an ER tech or privatized ambulance.

Folks that got a prenup. How and where did you get it? We have spoken to a couple of lawyers and it simply seems to be a back and forth they want to do to rack up billable hours/complicate the issue. My SO and I pretty much know what we want. We are doing it mainly to protect my SOs inheritance. Looking for the simplest way to execute this. TIA for any advice.

like

Additional Posts in Canada Biglaw

Is it a realistic possibility to move from articling at a private firm in Windsor to an associate at Bay Street? I'm currently doing corporate commercial work.

Davies associates, what are the compensation and hours like?

like

Trying to rid myself of ID work and get into commercial lit at big shop. I’m just about a year in, and so I was wondering if it makes sense to go to a smaller/midsized shop first then see where I’m at in 3-5 years if big law is still a goal.

like

Any firms hiring commercial lit? Looking to lateral in the new year. 2nd year

What are the bonus thresholds and percentages at your firm?

like

I’m a junior litigation lawyer based in Windsor looking to lateral to corporate big law. I have been doing commercial litigation, tax litigation, and tax planning. I’ve done corporate reorganization, corporate structuring, rollovers so corporate would not be completely new to me. I did a solicitor rotation during articling and was involved with several m&a deals. Has anyone managed to make the jump from litigation in Windsor to Toronto big law corporate? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

How difficult would it be for a well-credentialed US lawyer (approx 7 YOE) to qualify and practice in Toronto? I’m a Canadian (from AB) who went to law school in the US (top 3 school), practiced for 4 years at a strong Wall St firm, and now has been in-house as a corporate generalist for a couple years. I want to move back to Canada permanently, and have just kicked off the NCA process, but will I have any realistic prospects of having a successful legal career, or am I too far along?

like

Anyone know anything about Norton Rose’s culture/associate lifestyle/ hours? Specifically in the Montreal’s business law group and their culture? Thanks!

How much do partners make?

Just got out of articling at a boutique tax firm and looking to lateral into a bigger firm. Anyone have suggestions for a medium sized firm in Toronto with a good tax practice? Thanks!

Anyone ever make the transition from corporate/commercial to advocacy? Suffering a crisis of conscience and want to start using my skills to help in a different way. My background is entirely in business and tech. Would love any insight. (I’m a 3rd year)

The lack of Canadian Big Law gossip and rants are disappointing. Do you all actually like your jobs!?!?

Watching US salaries increase AGAIN and wondering why Canadian firms don’t have the same pressure to follow these raises. Is it the relatively small number of big firms? Is it that all the big firm managers work together to keep the market in line? Is it the lack of reporting in the Canadian legal press? I feel like we are all getting screwed.

like

Anyone want to discuss salary? $145k, called to the bar in 2016, target 1800-2000 hours

Internationally Trained Lawyer new to Calgary and looking for an articling position or any advice leading towards that. I’ve done a lot of corporate law and insolvency.

like

Do most big law firms in Canada have mat leave top ups?

like

Any experiences with coworking office spaces in Vancouver? Looking for an office space for 1 day per week around the downtown area.

Anyone want to lateral to a U.S. firm? My firm is hiring across all offices and has a bunch of openings in corporate/lit, with a focus on tech. DM me if you're interested.

like

No active posters? Here for the unfiltered gossip!!

Do Canadian firms have any interest in hiring American JDs given the market and that Canadian associates are moving to the US?

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal