LLM graduate and internationally trained lawyer Samara Irfan shares the story of her journey to practice law in Canada
The Faculty of Law congratulates Master of Laws student Samara Irfan who officially graduated with an LLM degree from the University of Manitoba on June 5, 2026. The Robson Hall community is pleased to shine a spotlight on her accomplishments and share a bit about her as we wish her all the best in her future career. Please meet Samara Irfan, LLM.
I have wanted to become a lawyer since childhood. I still remember being in grade five when someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I immediately said, “lawyer.” As I got older, people around me often told me that law suited me because I had strong argumentation skills and cared deeply about fairness, rules, and justice.
I was always the kind of person who spoke up when something felt wrong, whether it was unfairness, people ignoring rules, or someone being treated unjustly. That early sense of fairness is what first drew me to law. Over time, I became especially interested in criminal law because it deals so closely with rights, accountability, and the justice system.
Although I moved to Canada at the age of 18 and built my life here, my legal education took a non-traditional path. I completed my LL.B. through the University of London, and after graduation, I submitted my credentials to the National Committee on Accreditation. I learned that I would need further Canadian legal education before qualifying as a lawyer in Canada. At first, the process felt overwhelming, and I questioned whether becoming a lawyer in Canada was still possible for me.
Around that time, I began working as a legal assistant at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP, where I had the opportunity to work with excellent lawyers and observe the legal profession in Canada more closely. That experience became a turning point for me. It reminded me that I did not want to remain only connected to the legal field rather I wanted to become a lawyer myself.
I also met with Laurelle Harris, Director of the Internationally Trained Lawyer Program, and I still remember her telling me, “There is light at the end of the tunnel.” That encouragement stayed with me and helped me decide to continue my NCA journey.
The LLM at the University of Manitoba felt like the right next step because it allowed me to build a stronger foundation in Canadian law while continuing toward my goal of becoming a lawyer in Canada. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made. I completed the program while working full-time and studying full-time, achieved a 4.0 GPA, and had the opportunity to focus my studies on criminal law, an area I have always been passionate about.
My LLM was course-based, so I did not complete a thesis or practicum placement. My academic focus was primarily in criminal law, public law, and Charter-related issues.
After graduation, I will be starting the University of Manitoba Internationally Trained Lawyer Program in August to complete the remaining requirements for my NCA process. I am also thrilled to share that I have already secured an articling position. I am excited for the next stage of this journey and look forward to continuing toward my goal of becoming a lawyer in Canada.
Learn more about the University of Manitoba’s Master of Laws program and the Internationally Trained Lawyer program.
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