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Undergraduate studies came to a sudden halt, the dreadful Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) had been written, and now the waiting game for those Law Schools admissions.

I can say with sincerity that I wasn’t the most stellar student, nor was I amongst those at the “bottom of the barrel”.  MY GPA and LSAT score were competitive however I was not amongst the top tier students applying for a covenanted spot in one of the six Ontario law schools.

My brother-in-law had mentioned to me that his brother (let’s call him “Frank”) and another friend (“Kevin”) skipped across the pond and attended a British University; the former remaining in England and practicing as an in-house lawyer for an extremely large, global Corporation in London, the latter returning back to Canada to complete his legal studies, now practicing at a prominent Bay Street firm in Toronto.

After contacting those schools I had applied to in Ontario (four to be exact), I was told that I was on the “waiting list” for admission.  Eager to commence my legal studies and not at all enthusiastic about delaying for a year, I decided to consult with Frank and Kevin.  Sharing their experiences, I chose to apply to British Universities through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Admissions arrived!!! Though relieved that I was able to continue my education, I was still hoping for a spot in one of my preferred Ontario schools.  The deadline for a confirmed acceptance in the UK quickly approached so I decided to accept.  At this point, I was forced to send in a deposit for my tuition fees and withdraw my applications submitted to the Ontario Law School Admissions Service (OLSAS).

After the completion of my first year of law in England, I honestly considered remaining for the duration of the legal studies … but nevertheless I decided to apply back to Canada as a student with “Advanced Standing”.[1]  At this point, though the admissions committee required an LSAT (not sure if it is still a requirement), law school grades were the pivotal focus (as we all know, the LSAT is merely a standardized test used to weed out qualified applicants and has absolutely no bearing on ones ability to excel in the field of Law).  Fortunately, I was able to excel in my legal academics and scored first class and upper second class honours.[2]

After the completion of my first year overseas, I was accepted into my second year at a couple Ontario Law Schools.[3] I was torn with leaving the great friends, beautiful landscape and lifestyle offered in London, but was compelled to return.  Consequently, I completed my legal studies and earned an LL.B. from an accredited Ontario Law School in a total of three years, wrote the Ontario Bar exams, completed my articles and now practice as a solicitor specializing in Corporate/Commercial, Finance, Real Estate and Estate Planning.[4]

For those interested in taking a path similar to the one described, I can say with utmost conviction that my experience overseas allowed me to not only gain a significant amount of independence and continue the journey for my desired profession, but also to travel and meet a very diverse group of peers from all over the world which have developed into long lasting friendships.

Philip A. Kuca – B.A. (Hons.), LL.B.

Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public

02-10-2009

[1] Not all Canadian Law Schools accept admissions for students with Advanced Standing, others.  Consult each individual academic institution for admission requirements.

[2] Grading scale is different from the norm of Canadian Universities.

[3] All credits were honoured save and except for Constitutional Law and Foundations of Canadian Law.

[4] I should caution the reader that if an LL.B. is completed in the UK, accreditation is required which can take an addition year (or even two) through a Canadian Law School before being called to the Bar.