phone
123456
Empowering Legal Careers
Bridge Your Path to
Canadian Law
FIDI provides internationally trained lawyers with practical experience, essential insights, and networking opportunities crucial for success in Alberta's legal market.
100+
Program Participants
95%
Success Rate
15+
Partners
35,000+
Hours of Training
Founded on Personal Experience
In 2011, Charles Osuji moved from Nigeria to Calgary, facing the daunting challenges of re-accreditation, building a network, and proving his worth as an internationally trained lawyer.
This personal journey inspired the creation of FIDI—a program dedicated to helping others overcome these same challenges and succeed in Canada’s legal profession.
What Makes FIDI Unique
We provide comprehensive, hands-on training that prepares you for a successful legal career in Canada.
Hands-On Experience
Work alongside experienced lawyers in real client meetings, negotiations.
Document Drafting
Assist in drafting legal documents, pleadings, and correspondence.
Network Building
Connect with legal professionals and build your network.
Client Interaction
Attend consultations and learn the intricacies of clients.
Our cORE VALUE
Client Consultations
Participants assist in drafting A key component involves attending consultations with clients. During these sessions, participants take detailed notes and create records, gaining insight into the intricacies of client interactions.
Active Engagement
Participants are not mere observers they actively engage in all aspects of legal practice, developing the skills necessary for a successful career in the Canadian legal system.
Client Meetings & Court Proceedings
FIDI participants accompany lawyers from Osuji & Smith in client meetings, negotiations, and court hearings, providing invaluable real-world experience.
Have a question?
Frequently Asked Questions.
You must obtain a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). The NCA evaluates your legal education and professional experience to determine if it meets Canadian standards.
After assessing your credentials, the NCA may require you to:
Pass specific NCA exams.
Take courses in specific areas of law at a Canadian law school.
Complete a Canadian common law degree program.
The process can take several years, and there are costs involved. It varies based on the additional requirements you need to meet.
Once you meet the requirements, request that your certificate be sent to the Law Society of Alberta. Afterward, you must apply online for “student-at-law” status.
To become a student-at-law, you must find an active practising lawyer to article with for a 12-month period. This recruitment process is subject to the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta.
PREP stands for the Practice Readiness Education Program. It is the bar admission program in Alberta administered by the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) designed to teach the skills and competencies required to practice law.
PREP is a 10-month program that combines both online and in-person learning modules.
Yes. You can enroll in and complete PREP either before or after applying to the Law Society for admission as a student-at-law.
Yes. While there is a tuition fee for PREP, you may be eligible for a Law Society subsidy to cover a portion of the fee.