June 8, 2026
Life after the FTLP: Daniela Rojas
Navigating the transition into Canada鈥檚 legal profession involves more than learning a new legal system; it also means finding community. Through the 荔枝视频 Faculty of Law鈥檚 Foreign Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP), Daniela Rojas gained the tools, mentorship, and support that shaped her journey.
Originally from Costa Rica, Rojas earned her law degree from the University of Costa Rica in 2006 and practiced law for five years before moving to Canada with her husband. When her children entered school, she was inspired by the diversity in their Canadian classrooms, later deciding to settle permanently in Canada, pursue her legal career, and begin the FTLP in 2022.
According to Rojas, starting her legal career in Canada was one of the most vulnerable stages in her life, but the FTLP fostered a sense of belonging.
鈥淩ebuilding a professional identity does not happen alone. For me, it happened through grit, resiliency, commitment, community, and the relationships that will continue to shape my career,鈥 she said.
Rojas credits Kellinde Wrightson, the FTLP鈥檚 Executive Director, and Madeleine Natale, the program鈥檚 Assistant Director, for playing meaningful roles in her journey with their encouragement and mentorship.
鈥淜ellinde and Madeleine walk the extra mile for you; they go beyond what is expected to support students,鈥 she said.
Though life after the FTLP was not easy, Rojas鈥 path became clearer over time, and she considers the FTLP as a stepping stone that enabled her to be called to the bar in April of 2026.
鈥淭he FTLP was not the finish line of my journey; it was a bridge between being a lawyer trained abroad and finding my place within the Canadian legal profession,鈥 she said. 鈥淏eing called to the bar in Alberta represented the culmination of a long professional journey. It brought together my legal experience and knowledge from Costa Rica with my work and training in Canada, providing a deep sense of validation and professional accomplishment.鈥
According to Rojas, for foreign-trained lawyers, the journey of learning, adapting, and growing continues long after they are licensed. She also considers foreign-trained lawyers鈥 resilience, lived experiences, and legal knowledge make them valuable members of the profession.
Beyond the professional skills Rojas gained through the FTLP, she left the program with a stronger sense of responsibility to foreign-trained lawyers.
鈥淭he program showed me that success isn鈥檛 just about advancing personally; it鈥檚 also about creating opportunities, mentorship, and support for others navigating the same journey,鈥 she said.
Rojas joined in 2025, focusing on advocacy, mediation, access to justice, and family law. Through the firm鈥檚 collaboration with the FTLP, its partners supported initiatives that fostered connection among internationally trained lawyers. Going forward, Rojas hopes to continue collaborating with TPW Family Law LLP on these initiatives.
Today, Rojas is transitioning to an in-house counsel role at the 荔枝视频. In this role, and upon returning to the university, she hopes to continue to support the FTLP and its students as they begin their journey to becoming lawyers in Canada.
To learn more about the Foreign Trained Lawyers Program and how it can help shape your journey to practicing in Canada, visit .