Congrats to Thabang: His Story on Becoming a Canadian Citizen & Lawyer

Today, we extend our congratulations to one of the NCA Tutor Mentors and Tutors, Thabang Pebane, on his recent acquisition of Canadian citizenship! To celebrate this significant achievement, we sat down with Thabang to hear his incredible journey of becoming a Canadian Lawyer and citizen. Read on to discover his story, from coming from South Africa to Canada and qualifying as a lawyer in Canada through a UK GDL and LPC program.

TS: Congratulations are definitely in order! I heard you just obtained your Canadian citizenship?

TP: Yes, it happened recently, and it marks ten years of being on this journey. It's a great feeling because not long before that, I secured my first associate position at a Personal Injury firm. It felt like everything came full circle on the day I became a citizen, enhancing my sense of belonging in this country.

TS: That's wonderful! Was it challenging not being a citizen while navigating the legal job market?

TP: There were definitely challenges lurking beneath the surface. Being a non-citizen per se may not be a direct barrier to accessing the job market, but becoming a citizen has certainly boosted my confidence. The legal field still carries ethnic and racial stigma, and as a foreign-trained lawyer, being relatable to others can be advantageous when seeking employment in the legal job market.

TS: It's true; many of our readers can relate to those challenges. What motivated you to come to Canada and pursue a legal career?

TP: Initially, I came to Canada with aspirations of playing professional soccer and getting drafted into the NCAA with a US scholarship. In 2010, I moved to Toronto from South Africa and joined a soccer academy, hoping to be scouted by a US college. However, my plans for a soccer career didn't pan out as expected.

At that time, I wasn't particularly interested in academics. Nevertheless, I enrolled at the University of Toronto, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminology. My studies and volunteer experiences ignited my interest in law, witnessing the dynamic role of lawyers and their ability to effect change. This led me to consider a career in law.

TS: It's fascinating how our passions and experiences shape our career paths. Why did you choose to study law in the UK?

TP: Gaining admission to a Canadian law school is highly competitive, and as an average student, I didn't dedicate myself enough to secure a spot in one. However, my time at U of T honed my ability to absorb information and boosted my academic confidence. During my third or fourth year, I decided to become a lawyer and researched alternative paths. I discovered the option of obtaining a law degree abroad and returning to Canada to qualify as a lawyer. That's when I chose to pursue a Graduate Diploma in Law and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Cardiff, UK.

TS: Did you anticipate the challenges of coming back to Canada and finding a job as a foreign-trained lawyer?

TP: I followed the typical path of browsing various law programs in foreign jurisdictions and reading blogs about foreign-trained lawyers in Canada. Sadly, I came across mostly negative comments about foreign-trained lawyers/students, which surprised me, given that the NCA and the Law Society allow foreign-trained professionals to practice in Canada. However, I didn't let the stigma deter me and changed my mindset to pursue my law school journey abroad.

TS: It's commendable that you overcame those doubts and pursued your dream. How did you end up securing articling?

TP: After applying for the NCA in 2016, I was faced with eight exams, and like many others, I felt alone and unsure of what to do. Fortunately, I found Liran at LexPD and used his tutoring resources, which helped build my confidence and get through my first set of NCA exams. Juggling full-time jobs and family responsibilities, while studying for the exams, can be daunting for many foreign-trained students. My experience and challenges inspired me to become a part-time tutor for LexPD, helping others navigate the process.

TS: That's truly inspiring, and it highlights the importance of perseverance and support in the NCA journey. What happened after you finished articling?

TP: Around five to six months into my articling, the firm I was working for merged with a larger Personal Injury firm. After completing my articles, I wasn't surprised when I didn't get hired back; it wasn't the right fit for me. So, I decided to set up my own sole practice, focusing mainly on criminal defense. It was a valuable experience, and I am grateful for the mentors who guided me throughout the process. Recently, I joined a well-known mid-sized personal injury firm as an associate, and I also work part-time as a law tutor at LexPD.

TS: Your journey showcases resilience and adaptability. Looking back, is there anything you would advise future NCA students to avoid?

TP: I regret not putting myself out there even more. Many foreign-trained students hold themselves back and are afraid to be their authentic selves. As an NCA candidate, authenticity is crucial because your uniqueness sets you apart. Embrace your individuality and let your work speak for itself.

TS: Your story is truly inspiring, Thabang. It shows how, as NCA students, we solve unique challenges, making us better lawyers in the end. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us!