Life after the FTLP: Davud Camgöz

The transition into Canada’s legal profession can be complex for internationally trained lawyers. For Davud Camgöz, the University of Calgary’s Foreign Trained Lawyer Program (FTLP) became a key step in navigating that process.

Originally from Turkey, Camgöz completed his legal education at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul in 2018 and the following year moved to Calgary to continue his legal career in Canada.

Like many foreign-trained lawyers, Camgöz needed to align his experience and education to a new legal context. As he worked to establish himself, he discovered the FTLP.

Like students completing the JD program, FTLP students are required to article before practicing. According to Camgöz, this step was one of the most difficult parts of the process, but one that he viewed as a valuable opportunity to develop professional judgment, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Now working at Carbert Waite LLP, Camgöz is focused on establishing his name in estate litigation law while actively pursuing volunteer opportunities to support other incoming foreign-trained lawyers. 

Working as the Director of Mentorship at Global Lawyers of Canada, Camgöz leads the development of a mentorship program designed to assist those at the early stages of their career transition. Another initiative, inspired by the FTLP shadow program, is currently in development and aimed at helping FTLP students build relationships with legal professionals by providing opportunities to shadow lawyers and gain insight into the day-to-day practice of law in Canada. 

According to Camgöz, for foreign-trained lawyers in particular, networking plays a crucial role in a successful legal career. His goal with his work at Global Lawyers of Canada is to provide the same encouragement and guidance he received through the FTLP while empowering others to navigate the challenges of entering the Canadian legal profession. 

Camgöz’s experience with the FTLP has inspired him to give back to other foreign-trained lawyers to help ensure their success in the transition. “The help of the FTLP was essential,” he said. “If other people didn't help and mentor me, I wouldn't be here.”

To learn more about the Foreign Trained Lawyers Program and explore its unique offerings, visit our website.