US CapM Asso relocating to Canada: Any Realistic Opportunities?

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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.

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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

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Thought this could be a really great opportunity for some folks out here 🙏🏻

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