When it comes to attending Bond Law School, Ryan Hanna is an expert. The 2005 grad was one of the founding members of the ever-popular Canadian Law Students Association, and he currently presides over the Ontario chapter of the university’s alumni group. Since graduation, Ryan was called to the Ontario Bar and has since been working at a legal firm in Toronto.

He shares his experience and advice about studying law at Bond University?

How did you like Bond University?

Bond is amazing. I can’t speak more highly about it. The Bond education is superior to most educational experiences that you can get in Canada. As a school that teaches you the practical elements of law, Bond has cornered the market. Also, you’re studying at the Gold Coast in Australia. It was amazing. I met lots of great people and I loved the international aspect of Bond.

What are the pros and cons about studying law in Australia?

Pros: You’re going to Australia, so you will get an international experience. It not only develops your understanding of the law, but an interpersonal experience that will benefit you your entire life – which will  help you in work and personal life.

From a legal perspective, you experience comparative law, which is beneficial, because you’ll then think outside of the box.

Studying in Australia is a good selling factor for employers. You show that you are willing to travel, and that you have broad experience – those are pluses to use in your interviews for jobs. Goes beyond private practice – international firms, appreciate that you can bring those perspectives. Also, you are eligible to apply to be accredited In Australia, giving you opportunities to stay connected to Australia.

The Cons: the Canadian schools for all of their issues, are incredibly efficient at getting jobs for people. They are job placement machines. When it comes to articling in Canada, it’s all geared around campus interviews. So to get into major Bay Street firms, you’re at a disadvantage if you go to Bond. That is, unless you get into summer student articling tract. Getting started, it’s tough to get into that big firm area – but it’s not as tough to get into smaller firms. Though it’s getting better, there is still a bit of discrimination, because employers want to see Osgoode and UofT on someone’s resume, as makes them feel more comfortable. Doesn’t know what a Bond degree means – that is tough and you have to be aggressive and take a strong sense of marketing.

What advice would you offer students heading to law school overseas?

Plan, plan, plan, it’s the best thing – know what you have to do – plan and figure out your expectations and articles. NCA process has recently changed for students to make it easier. That’s the biggest advice. Don’t go there not knowing what you have to do to get back. Do as much as you can to get volunteer experience and get onto clubs- use it to sell yourself. When you’re back in Canada, they all had summer positions. You need to rely on your other experiences and background – to make you competitive.

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