How I gave up my downtown law job and moved to Kyrgyzstan

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After working for 5 years as a civil litigator, I decided to quit my job last year without anything lined up. 

 

Straight out of graduating from law school, I articled at a litigation firm in downtown Toronto, Canada. I was given the opportunity to do what many lawyers dream of. I worked on 2 jury trials, cross-examined witnesses, argued 100's of motions, appeared before judges all around Ontario, and learned from the top jury trial lawyers in Canada. I know that my confidence grew. I was no longer afraid to speak my mind in court or to grey-haired counsel. I knew that I could whip out a factum, book of authorities and motion record in one night and argue it in court the next day.

 

About 3 weeks after quitting, I applied to the Young Lawyers International Program (YLIP). YLIP is run by the Canadian Bar Association with funding from Global Affairs Canada. A cohort of young lawyers are sent to work for clinics, NGOs, and international organizations around the world to perform legal work for 6 months. You receive a stipend for your travel and living expenses.

 

This was actually my second time applying. I had applied two years ago but didn’t make it to the interview stage. Then last year because of the CBA Re-think, the program was put on hold. This was my last chance to apply before I was too old to qualify. In those two years, I did what I could to volunteer for organizations that would show my interest in international public law. I joined the OBA International Law Section, became a pro bono lawyer for the Refugee Sponsorship Support Program, became a member of the OBA’s Equality Committee and wrote articles for the International Law Section. 

 

I feel really lucky to be a part of the program. I know a lot of the other interns have worked for the UN or International Tribunals before. Just being accepted into the program is a dream come true and I am so grateful for every little step in this process. I hope this internship will be the stepping stone for a legal career in this area.