FIDI Testimonials
I am honored to have been a successful participant in the Foot in The Door Initiative (FIDI).
Joining the FIDI program was not only a career milestone for me but also an affirmation of the value that diverse perspectives bring to the legal profession.
The program director, Ms. Shikha Shukla, helped me create a personalized schedule which was geared towards my long term career goals. With her support and leadership, I was quickly working with O&S lawyers, observing court appearances, and exercising my legal writing skills.
Additionally, the positive and inclusive atmosphere at O&S has made me feel right at home. The lawyers are diverse and enthusiastic mentors who are always willing to help. Specifically, Ms. Amanda Ovaici recognized my passion for family law and has been the most exceptional adviser-taking her time to review my drafted documents and acting as my guide while navigating the family law system.
The innovative FIDI program acted as a launchpad for my professional goals, has introduced me to a brilliant network of people and has reignited my dedication to the legal field. I could not thank Charles and his team enough for providing me this opportunity.
Volunteering with an NGO is common but with a reputed law firm! Are you out of your mind?
No, O&S is one of a kind which trusts the law students, gives them the opportunity they deserve and has opened its doors to legal realm because it has faith in them and believe that every qualified & competent person should be given a fair chance to prove themselves.
At the end, the quintessential legal experience is all that matters for your prospective employer, which O&S gifts you. Make the most of it!
My introduction to the Foot in the Door program came about serendipitously when I visited the office to drop off my resume. The program immediately resonated with me, and I am enthusiastic about contributing to the legal community through volunteer work.
Joining the esteemed team at Osuji and Smith Lawyers presents an invaluable opportunity for me to gain practical experience and familiarize myself with the intricacies of the legal profession.
As a student volunteer, I am eager to absorb insights from seasoned professionals, immerse myself in various legal tasks, collaborate with colleagues, and refine my legal skills. The firm’s commitment to excellence and dedication to nurturing emerging talent align perfectly with my aspirations for personal and professional growth
FIDI is not just a foot in the door initiative. It’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I was in Toronto, Ontario, before I moved to Calgary, Alberta, in February 2023. I started applying for volunteer positions and articling positions at every possible law firm in Calgary, Medicine Heart, Red Deer, and other cities in Alberta.
I believe I applied to almost 30 places before someone told me about the FIDI program. At first, I wasn’t that hopeful; however, when I spoke with Mr. Charles Osuji, I saw a ray of hope among all the rejections and ignored attempts to secure either a volunteer position or an articling position.
Mr. Charles Osuji gave me 15 minutes, conducted a brief interview, and asked me to get in touch with Ms. Shikha Shukla, who is the coordinator of this program. I was then invited by Ms. Shikha Shukla, and another interview was conducted, and I was selected for the volunteer position.
After so many rejections and ignored emails, I was almost ready to give up and was extremely demotivated, but this program came as a lifesaver, or, I can say, as my legal career saver in my life. I can say one thing for sure: I am never going to forget what this program and Mr. Charles Osuji did for me when nobody was even replying to my emails for a volunteer position.
I heard about Osuji and Smith through a family connection and after further research into the company, found that the Foot-in-the-Door (FIDI) initiative was exactly what I was looking for. As an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto studying political science, FIDI gave me an opportunity to dip my toe into legal work and broaden my knowledge in different areas of the law as well as the everyday practices at law firms.
Even though I am still in my undergrad and have yet to enter law school, my time at Osuji and Smith, through FIDI, has given me a chance to sit in on client consults and gain firsthand knowledge of client issues – whether employment, civil or family disputes – and the legal advice given to them to aid them in finding a resolution. Alongside this, I had the opportunity to assist lawyers draft legal documents which has given me a more concrete understanding of the legal proceedings in a case and the litigation process.
All of this together has created a diverse and immersive experience that has shown me various areas of the law and has made me yearn for law school and more opportunities to help people whenever I can.
I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have volunteered with FIDI at Osuji and Smith Lawyers. It was an awesome experience and prepared me for the moment I had been waiting for Articling.
I hope more internationally trained lawyers are opportune to join the FIDI program and gain the experience and support needed to thrive in the Canadian Legal community.
Thank you Charles Osuji for the opportunity. Thank you Osuji and Smith. Thank you FIDI!
OSHODI MISTURAH
As an internationally trained lawyer, I have found the Foot-in-the-Door Initiative (FIDI) program invaluable in my journey to integrate into the Canadian legal system.
The program has offered me the chance to grow my professional network and gain essential legal skills, including drafting legal documents, publishing my articles, and client consultations in the Canadian context, which have been instrumental in honing my skills for a successful career in Canada.
This hand-on approach provided by FIDI has been a cornerstone in preparing me for my future as a lawyer in this country.x
FIDI has been a life changer in the game of legal practice for internationally trained lawyers.
Stepping into the four walls of a law firm as an international trained lawyer with no experience in Canada was made possible by this initiative, and at Osuji and Smith Lawyers, they continually strive to educate and expose foreign trained lawyers to the style and mode of practice here in Canada to ensure that they get familiarized with the process and become better equipped to carry on the practice of law.
Being a member has exposed me to a whole lot that I could have imagined, and I am forever grateful to its founder, Charles Osuji for his unrelenting thoughtfulness in making this initiative a reality.
It is a privilege for me to participate in Foot In The Door Initiative (FIDI) a unique and excellent program started by Osuji & Smith Lawyers, Calgary. It provides great opportunity for Foreign trained lawyers to learn about how the practice of law works in Canada.
Office environment is very welcoming, and the staff are very knowledgeable and expertise in their areas of practice. Students are very well mentored. It is a law firm with a diverse team. I am grateful for this opportunity, my enormous thanks to Charles Osuji, Shikha Shukla who is the program director of FIDI and Chuk Dimiri for their support and guidance and to all Lawyers and staff of Osuji & Smith!!!
I appreciate immensely the privilege of being given the opportunity to be part of this unique initiative. I would love to give my best as long as I participate in this program.
The first time I came to know of FIDI, was from the horse’s mouth – Mr. Charles Osuji himself. The occasion was when Charles appeared as one of the honorable guest speakers at the Foreign Trained Lawyers’ Program, Faculty of Law in the University of Calgary in 2022. I was a student of the program at the time. Charles made us understand that the door is open to any would-be volunteers who would love to participate in the initiative. He made it clear that apart from building an inclusive community of lawyers, the program is designed to introduce participants to the Canadian legal practice.
What is my impression of the program so far? The very idea of being part of the Osuji and Smith Lawyers—one of the top 25 lawyers in Canada—imbues me with excitement. The practical knowledge and experience I have gained with working with co-volunteers and other lawyers of the firm this past week is considerable.
I am determined to wholeheartedly complete all given tasks and be willing to learn from others. I am also resolved to think more of the nitty-gritty of the law as opposed to the acquisition of mere head knowledge. I am convinced that the experience I will gain in this program will properly get me ready in my journey as a lawyer in this province.
My name is Tetiana Poltavets, and I was born on August 20, 1984, in the city of Dnipro, Ukraine. I completed my primary and secondary education at Secondary School No. 47 from 1991 to 2000.
In 2014, I took a significant step forward by establishing my own private practice as an attorney, specializing in family, civil, contractual, and labor law. Over the next decade, I dedicated myself to providing expert legal counsel and representation to clients, earning a reputation in my field.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I have been actively involved in community service and education. In 2022, I conducted workshops and seminars for students and cadets at Dnipropetrovsk State University of Internal Affairs, and I received a teaching certification with honors in the same year.
Furthermore, I have been committed to volunteering my legal expertise to assist victims of domestic violence from 2021 to 2023.
In 2022, I organized relief efforts for Ukrainian military personnel and civilians affected by the conflict, providing support to those in need.
In February 2024, I relocated to Calgary, Canada, seeking new opportunities and experiences. Since March 2024, I have been employed at a childcare center, where I apply my skills and dedication to nurturing the development of young children.
Outside of my professional endeavors, I am married and the parent of a 16-year-old child. My personal and professional experiences have shaped me into the individual I am today, driven by a passion for justice, education, and community service.
TETIANA POLTAVETS
Bassem is an internationally trained lawyer, with over 26 years of experience in the legal field. He is particularly skilled in negotiating, preparing, drafting, and reviewing contracts. His proficiency in English, French, and Arabic, allows him to communicate fluently and draft legal documents effectively in these languages, enhancing his ability to work in culturally diverse environments. His approach is to offer honest advice and create a clear strategy for his clients. Bassem is a straightforward legal advisor, and always tries to have a very open conversation with each client. Bassem is licensed to practice law in Lebanon and has been a member of the Beirut Bar Association since 1997.
Throughout his career, Bassem has served as an in-house lawyer for a prominent real estate development company in Lebanon, and as a corporate lawyer in his and his father’s law office. These roles have equipped him with invaluable lessons and challenges, including navigating intricate cross-border legal complexities, managing diverse legal portfolios, and understanding the nuanced dynamics of both corporate and family legal practices.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Bassem engages in activities such as hiking and swimming, which have taught him the importance of perseverance—a crucial quality in the legal profession. Additionally, his commitment to providing pro bono services, has allowed him to advocate for the needy, and serve as a compassionate lawyer.
In August 2022, following the passing of his father and the collapse of Lebanon’s legal system, Bassem moved to Canada with his family. He is now eager to integrate into the Canadian legal system and contribute effectively. To achieve this goal, he is currently enrolled in the Foreign-Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP) of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary.
As Bassem embarks on this new chapter, his aim is to leverage his strong communication and legal skills as well as extensive experience with global perspective to establish himself as a lawyer in Canada.
BASSEM EL DAOUK
Kalpeshkumar Patel, affectionately known as Kp, is a dedicated legal professional based in Calgary, Alberta. With a profound commitment to legal excellence, Kp has built a commendable career foundation, which is marked by over five years of experience as a legal assistant and advocate. He possesses a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India, and has further honed his legal expertise through the Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) by CPLED. In addition, he has earned a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) in Canada, underscoring his readiness and adaptability to the Canadian legal system.
Kp’s career trajectory showcases a versatile legal background, with significant professional experiences that span various domains, including corporate law, real estate, family litigation, and immigration law. His tenure at Hitendrakumar C Raval Advocates in India equipped him with extensive legal research, document drafting, and client representation skills, making him a formidable advocate for his clients’ rights. Furthermore, his volunteer work at Osuji and Smith Lawyers in Calgary has allowed him to contribute meaningfully to the community while continuing to enhance his legal proficiency, particularly in understanding litigation strategies and courtroom dynamics.
Outside his professional life, Kp is deeply invested in personal development and community service. He has volunteered with the Department of NSS (National Service Scheme), contributing to community development through various government schemes. Additionally, Kp values intellectual growth, which he nurtures through reading non-fiction literature, and maintains a disciplined fitness and dietary regimen.
Kp is proficient in Microsoft Office and database management and is adept at navigating legal research platforms. His certifications include a Computer Operator cum Programming Assistant Course from the Industrial Training Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, highlighting his versatile skill set.
Kp can be reached at +1 647 400 5818 or via email at [email protected].
I first heard about the Foot in the Door Initiative (FIDI) when I reached out to Charles Osuji, while I was in Nigeria, preparing to relocate to Canada.
The most enriching experience for me in the FIDI was attending consultations with experienced lawyers and gaining insights on various principles of laws that would typically require extensive study and practical experience to fully grasp. Through FIDI, I gained deeper understanding of the practice of law from the Canadian perspective. It also afforded me the opportunity of establishing professional relationships with seasoned industry practitioners who have continued to support me in my professional journey.
Chizoba Njoku is a dedicated and client-focused Legal professional volunteering with Osuji and Smith Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta. Chizoba brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in general and legal administrative duties, document management, and research.
Chizoba holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, assessed as the equivalent of a first professional degree in law by IQAS. Motivated by a desire to immerse herself in the Canadian legal industry and learn from brilliant minds within the firm, Chizoba has embarked on this volunteer opportunity to broaden her horizons and enhance her skill set.
With a background in law and extensive experience as a Legal Associate in Nigeria, Chizoba is adept at drafting documents, conducting research, and managing administrative tasks. Her accolades include being recognized as a Mondaq Thought Leading Author for her contributions to Arbitration and Dispute Resolution.
Chizoba’s skills range from effective communication and problem-solving to proficient use of legal software applications. Her adaptability and attention to detail make her a valuable asset in fast-paced environments.
CHIZOBA NJOKU
Kirti Bhardwaj is a dedicated and experienced legal professional with over four years of legal practice in India. In 2019, she immigrated to Canada and pursued a Diploma in Immigration Consultancy to further enhance her expertise in this field. Kirti holds a Bachelor of Technology from Indraprastha University, New Delhi, a Bachelor of Law degree from Panjab University, a Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism, and a Master of Laws from Kurukshetra University, India.
Early in her career, Kirti briefly worked as an Instructional Designer at Infosys before transitioning into legal practice. Her legal career in India traversed diverse civil and criminal areas of law, with a strong focus on family law and mediation, where she helped families navigate complex legal issues.
Since moving to Canada, Kirti has expanded her expertise in immigration law. She has been assisting clients as an Immigration Consultant Assistant at Blue Sphere Immigration and currently works as an Administrative Assistant in Student Services at Bow Valley College. Kirti also volunteers with the Calgary Youth Justice Society, supporting restorative justice initiatives for youth.
Having cleared her National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams in November 2023, she is now eager to pursue an articling position to further her legal career in Canada, to specialize in immigration law and family law, making a meaningful impact through her practice.
Kirti is fluent in both Hindi and English, proficient in Punjabi, and has recently embarked on learning Spanish. Kirti Bhardwaj can be contacted at 604-818-3109 and at [email protected]
Having served as in-house counsel at a major oil and gas company in the Gulf region, I took a hiatus upon relocating to Canada to prioritize my family. When I decided to return to the legal field, the journey posed challenges, but volunteering at Osuji & Smith was a turning point, providing a level playing field. This experience allowed me to showcase my talents, leading to an articling opportunity and, eventually, an associate position at Osuji & Smith.
Motivated by my personal journey and the challenges faced by internationally trained lawyers, I am actively engaged in the FIDI program to ensure others have similar opportunities. Witnessing numerous internationally trained lawyers swiftly integrate into the Canadian legal field with the help of FIDI brings me immense satisfaction, but even more so, it diversifies the Canadian Bar contributing directly to access to justice
I extend my gratitude to Charles Osuji for his forward-thinking, commitment to giving back, and for including me in this transformative journey.
With 20 years of international expertise in law, a master’s degree, and certifications in arbitration, governance, and risk compliance, my credentials seemed overlooked by Canadian employers. However, FIDI changed the narrative by opening doors and providing the launch pad I required for my Canadian legal career.
Beyond individual career advancements, my involvement with FIDI, including its diversity and inclusivity endeavors within the legal community, has deepened my understanding of the unique challenges faced by internationally trained lawyers. This experience has made me a dedicated and proactive member of the FIDI leadership team. FIDI fuses its mandate for the career advancement of internationally trained professionals with further investment in the goal of fostering a more inclusive and diverse legal community in Canada, and I am humbled to be part of this selfless initiative.
To my fellow internationally trained lawyers, your expertise is not just recognized but celebrated by FIDI, serving as the bridge to attaining the elusive ‘Canadian Experience.’ To applicants and future FIDI’ans, embrace this opportunity with fervor; your success story awaits, and I am thrilled to be part of your incredible journey!
To come…