Several times each month, we are pleased to republish a recent book review from the Canadian Law Library Review (CLLR). CLLR is the official journal of the Canadian Association of Law Libraries (CALL/ACBD), and its reviews cover both practice-oriented and academic publications related to the law.
Decoding Canadian Legal Research, Writing, and Conventions: A Guide for Internationally Trained Lawyers. By Kellinde Wrightson. Toronto, ON: Emond Montgomery, 2024. xviii, 259 p. Includes bibliographic references and index. ISBN 9781774624296 (softcover) $56.00; ISBN 9781774624319 (ePub) $50.00.
Reviewed by Dominique Garingan
Manager, Legal Learning & Development
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Navigating a new legal system is a daunting endeavour that poses unique challenges for internationally trained lawyers (ITLs) in Canada. ITLs must not only understand new substantive laws but also integrate into a distinct legal culture with its own research methodologies, writing conventions, and professional norms. Decoding Legal Research, Writing, and Conventions: A Guide for Internationally Trained Lawyers, authored by Dr. Kellinde Wrightson, is a timely and indispensable resource.
Wrightson is well positioned to write this guide. She is an internationally trained lawyer who successfully navigated the Canadian accreditation process and is now the executive director of the Foreign Trained Lawyers Program at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. Her personal journey and professional role in leading this program provide authenticity and credibility that will resonate with readers. Her insights are born from experience, allowing the book to address specific challenges ITLs face with both empathy and understanding.
What makes this text particularly valuable is its dual benefit: it is not just for the ITLs themselves, helping them steer through the intricacies of the Canadian legal landscape, but also for the legal professionals who support them. Many law librarians see firsthand the challenges and triumphs of ITLs as they transition into the Canadian legal profession. Decoding Canadian Legal Research, Writing, and Conventions reflects the key needs of ITLs and offers a holistic understanding of their unique context, addressing not only the how but also the why of Canadian legal practice. For librarians and other legal learning and information professionals, this book is a treasure trove of insights for better understanding the hurdles ITLs face, thus enabling them to tailor ITL-directed support more effectively. The book provides ideas for developing targeted learning opportunities, creating specialized research guides, and offering one-on-one assistance directly addressing the pain points of this demographic.
It is intended to be a companion to Emond’s text The Comprehensive Guide to Legal Research, Writing & Analysis (McCarney et al, 2024). The two work in tandem, with Decoding providing the context and specific guidance for ITLs, and The Comprehensive Guide offering the foundational principles and detailed mechanics of legal research and writing in Canada. That said, this book can stand on its own.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical, real-world applications. It is structured to help with both academic progression in law schools and professional development at law firms. After an overview of the Canadian legal market and the accreditation system in Part 1, Part 2: Legal Research and Writing Through an International Lens provides a comprehensive introduction to Canadian legal research, writing, and communication. It demystifies the structure of Canadian law, explaining the common law tradition as well as Quebec’s civil law system, and provides clear, step-by-step guidance on how to conduct effective legal research using a variety of resources. The chapters on understanding and using legal research databases, problem-based thinking, and the case brief are particularly helpful, as they break down these foundational legal skills for those trained in different systems. There is also practical advice on drafting memoranda of law, factums, and opinion letters, all of which are crucial skills for both law school and professional practice.
Part 3: Last Words offers invaluable advice on how to network effectively, apply for articling and associate positions, prepare for interviews, and build a professional brand. The book does not shy away from the challenges ITLs may face when entering the legal job market. For example, it acknowledges the difficulties of navigating the National Committee on Accreditation process, the pressure of securing articling positions, the reality of potential career setbacks, and why some employers may differentiate ITLs from Canadian JD graduates in the recruitment process. However, it also addresses these challenges in a positive and proactive tone. The discussions on drafting effective cover letters and resumes, as well as preparing for interviews, offer a helpful perspective, providing a roadmap for how to present one’s skills in a manner that aligns with Canadian professional norms. This gives insight into some of the challenges ITLs face in securing legal employment and equips them with tools to boost their professional self-advocacy.
The book’s practical approach is key. It is filled with practical tips and tricks for those transitioning to the Canadian research framework, and it highlights the importance of understanding the hierarchy of sources and provides a clear roadmap for developing a research plan. It outlines procedural steps and offers illustrative examples and sample documents. It also addresses the nuances of legal citation and offers clear instructions on how to conform to Canadian legal writing conventions.
One of the most powerful messages of the book is related to how ITLs can and should leverage their skills and expertise. Rather than viewing their earlier legal training as a hurdle, the book encourages them to see it as a unique asset. The book offers guidance on how to articulate the value of their international experience to potential employers, highlighting skills such as adaptability, cross-cultural competence, and a global perspective on legal issues. This reframing is a critical psychological shift that empowers ITLs to approach their academic and professional careers with confidence. For example, a lawyer with a background in international trade law from another jurisdiction can bring a nuanced understanding of global business practices to a Canadian firm. The book provides concrete examples and advice on how to showcase these transferable skills effectively.
Overall, Decoding Canadian Legal Research, Writing, and Conventions is an important and inclusive contribution to legal literature. The book aims to empower ITLs in law school and in the early to mid-level years of their careers, making it a valuable addition to academic, courthouse, law society, and law firm library collections. More than just a reference guide, it almost serves as a mentor within a book. It provides ITLs with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the Canadian legal profession. For law librarians and other legal learning professionals, it is an essential resource that deepens our understanding and enhances our ability to support this talented and determined group of legal practitioners.
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