In this episode, we sit down with Sanjay Kutty to unpack the highs, lows, and bold ideas behind Spark Law — a small firm he co-founded with the vision of redefining the traditional legal model.

From offering tiered, flat-rate legal services for startups to creating a collaborative co-working space for young lawyers, Spark Law set out to be a different kind of law firm — one built on innovation, community, and client-centricity. Picture “Google meets law firms” — where lawyers were encouraged to think outside the box, ditch the billable hour, and focus on growth, not just targets.

But then, COVID hit.

Sanjay shares the in-house perspective that shaped their vision, the marketing and economic hurdles they faced, and how the dream of a people-first legal space evolved. Now at boutique business law firm Linmac LLP, Sanjay reflects on what worked, what didn’t, and what he’d tell any young lawyer thinking of building something from scratch.

In this episode of Legally Abroad, hosts Samantha Allan and Kim Gale sit down with Kathryn McKaye Pretty, an Insurance Advisor from Lawyers Financial, to explore the financial challenges faced by the legal community in Canada, particularly NCA students and internationally trained lawyers. Kathryn shares invaluable insights on managing student debt, the importance of financial literacy, and how tailored insurance and investment solutions can empower legal professionals to secure their futures.

Lawyers Financial, formerly known as The Canadian Bar Insurance Association (CBIA), is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality insurance and investment products at competitive rates exclusively for the legal community. With over 40 years of experience, they offer a comprehensive suite of financial solutions, including life, health, and disability insurance, as well as investment options and pension plans, all tailored to meet the unique needs of lawyers, their families, and their firms.

Whether you're a new graduate or an experienced lawyer, this episode offers practical advice to help you achieve financial wellness while navigating the unique demands of the legal profession.

A big thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Osgoode Professional Development, a leader in lifelong learning for legal professionals; Lawyers Financial, offering comprehensive insurance and investment solutions for lawyers, and Emond Exam Prep, providing tailored study resources for Canadian legal exams!

Get ready to be inspired!

In this episode of NCA Network’s Legal Abroad, hosts Samantha Allan and Kim Gale sit down with Ishita Kashyap, a securities and capital markets lawyer, and Mrunal Masurekar, a corporate and regulatory lawyer in Toronto—co-founders of JOY (Just One Yes)!

They share their journeys, detailing the twists and turns of building careers in Toronto's competitive Bay Street arena. Their passion for assisting internationally trained lawyers (ITLs) shines as they discuss how JOY and NCA Network are paving pathways to meaningful connections and better visibility in the legal market.

Listen in for their expert advice on navigating the recruitment process, building a network, and breaking into the Canadian legal industry. JOY’s mission is clear: to empower ITLs to showcase their talents and assist employers in recognizing the incredible potential within the international legal community.

This episode is packed with practical insights and a whole lot of heart for aspiring lawyers everywhere!

Kim and Samantha are back in an all new episode to discuss the intricacies of immigrating to Canada as an internationally trained lawyer (ITL). In this crucial episode, we bring along some extra special guests, Joel S. Guberman and Lainie Appleby, esteemed immigration lawyers at Guberman Appleby Immigration Lawyers!

Our expert guests share their deep knowledge and practical tips on navigating the Canadian immigration process. They offer valuable advice on how to successfully immigrate to Canada as an ITL, from understanding the legal requirements to overcoming common challenges. Whether you're just starting your journey or are already in the process, this podcast episode is your essential guide to making a smooth transition and achieving your professional dreams in Canada!

Tune in for expert insights, candid discussions, and all the support you need to take your legal career across borders.

Dive into the world of law across provinces with our latest podcast with our hosts Kim Gale and Samantha Allan!

In this latest episode, we're joined by esteemed guests Brad Wilton, Coordinator and Membership with the Law Society of Alberta, and Len Polsky, Manager of Legal Technology and Mentorship with the Law Society of Alberta. Together, we explore the unique licensing processes in Alberta, Canada, the CPLED program, and the invaluable resources and mentorship offered by the Law Society of Ontario!

Gain insights into the journey of ITLs and the diverse pathways to becoming a lawyer in Alberta. Tune in to navigate the diverse legal landscapes of Ontario and Alberta.

Join us in a conversation with Ayaz Medhi, exploring the intricacies of managing a diverse range of clients and practices. From navigating the complexities of practice management to fostering client relationships, Ayaz shares invaluable insights and strategies for thriving in the realm of independent practice. Tune in as we uncover the keys to success for solo practice.

https://amehdilaw.com/practice-area/

Explore how Windmill Microlending empowers skilled legal professionals to conquer financial hurdles and achieve career aspirations in Canada. Unlock opportunities with low-interest loans for accreditation and training.

Join us and our featured guests, Daniel Zaiontz and Sachin Kapoor of Windmill Microlendings, as we delve into the application process, the transformative impact of Windmill, success narratives, and beyond. Tune in for actionable insights to overcome financial barriers and pave the way for your professional journey!

Join us on our latest podcast episode as we discuss the decision to abridge your articles as a student in Ontario. In this concise and insightful discussion, we provide practical guidance to help you navigate this pivotal choice.

Our guest, Meghan Thomas, Director of Professional Graduate & International Programs at Osgoode Hall Law School, shares her expertise in working with students considering abridgements. She offers valuable insights into the abridgement process and expert advice on navigating licensing requirements.

We are also joined by Prerna Arora, Founder of Kosha Legal LLP, who provides a unique perspective. Prerna, a lawyer from India currently in the 2023-24 licensing cycle, shares her experiences as a legal business owner and offers insights into her decision-making process and whether abridgements were the right fit for her situation.

Tune in to gain a clear understanding of the pros and cons of abridging your articles. Learn from Meghan's expertise and Prerna's firsthand experiences to make an informed choice about abridging your articles and chart your path to success in Ontario's legal landscape!