About FIDI
PROGRAM OUTLINE
The ‘Foot in the Door’ Initiative is designed to introduce you to legal practice in Canada and help you grow your professional network here. It will open a gateway for you to seamlessly integrate into mainstream legal practice in Canada. Through this initiative, you will learn and practice essential legal skills, and gain valuable Canadian work experience. Successful completion of the program should prepare you for your journey as a new lawyer in Canada.
Note: We recognize that securing an articling position as a student-at-law is a necessary step before applying for a license to practice law. All participants are expected to look for an articling position.
FIDI PROGRAM SCHEDULE: MIN. 9 HRS/WEEK & MAX. 20 HRS/WEEK
PROGRAM DURATION: Three (3) months
COMPONENT #1 – Client Consultations
ESSENTIAL COMPONENT DETAILS
Clients consult with designated lawyers either remotely or in-person.
You are expected to attend consult meetings along with the designated lawyer and prepare accurate and detailed notes.
A Client Consultation Note template will be provided to you.
KEY OUTCOME #1
Learning how to provide solution-oriented feedback and navigate fast-paced & complex situations with ease.
COMPONENT #2 – Assisting Designated Lawyers
ESSENTIAL COMPONENT DETAILS
You are expected to assist designated lawyers with preparing necessary documents and file-work for assigned cases.
Templates and sample documents will be provided to you.
You must be prepared to attend court proceedings with designated lawyers – remotely, and in-person — if required.
KEY OUTCOME #2
Learning how to prepare drafts and conduct legal research for cases with lawyers.
COMPONENT #3 – Networking in Alberta
ESSENTIAL COMPONENT DETAILS
You will be exposed to not-for-profit organizations, municipal bodies and legal clinics. These include Legal Aid Alberta, Pro Bono Law Alberta, Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC), the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary and Calgary Police Service.
You will be given opportunities to interact with guest speakers, renowned lawyers and law professors in Canada through organized seminars conducted remotely, or in-person.
KEY OUTCOME #3
Developing and fostering a meaningful professional network in Canada.
COMPONENT #4 – Professional Personality Development
ESSENTIAL COMPONENT DETAILS
You will be expected to participate in organized monthly mock trials, and moot court sessions with designated lawyers in the office boardroom.
You will be assisted with preparing for articling job interviews.
KEY OUTCOME #4
Familiarizing with court etiquettes and procedures.
Learning how to prepare and present arguments.
COMPONENT #5 -Liaise With Legal Assistant / Paralegal Team
ESSENTIAL COMPONENT DETAILS
Our Proficient Legal Assistant/ Paralegal Team is our first point of contact with clients after consultation.
All initial Legal Documents are prepared, such as Retainer Agreements/Drafting of Court Documents/accepting payments from Clients.
KEY OUTCOME #5
Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of filing pleadings and other court documents and dealing with court clerks.
Understanding office workplace culture.
