Internationally trained lawyer spotlight: Andrew Wildes

This fall, the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba welcomed the inaugural class of the Internationally Trained Lawyer program. These seven Winnipeggers hail from across the globe and have already completed law school, practiced law, and some have even taught law. Through the Internationally Trained Lawyer Program, they are working to meet the necessary requirements to practice law in Canada, studying alongside students in our Juris Doctor program at Robson Hall. Please welcome Andrew Wildes. He is expected to complete the program in April, 2026 and is currently seeking an articling position.

How did you hear about the program?
I first read about the program in an article on UM Today when it was being developed, and I remember thinking, this is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. At the time, I was looking at online law courses offered by schools in other provinces. But the idea of studying in person here at Robson Hall—learning directly from professors and connecting with other legal professionals—was much more appealing. So, I decided to wait for the program to launch. 

What inspired you to apply?
The program felt like a one-stop opportunity. It allowed me to meet my National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) requirements while also building the relationships that are so essential for a successful legal career in Canada.

Last year, I passed the Canadian Securities Course without a background in finance, which gave me confidence that I could study for and pass the NCA exams on my own. But I also knew that a fulfilling legal career is about more than just qualifications. I wanted to connect with other lawyers, learn from their experiences, and really understand the nuances of Canadian law that you just don’t get from a textbook.

What was your pathway to law?
I became interested in law near the end of high school, but I had a few competing interests. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Communication from the University of the West Indies in 2007 and was passionate about journalism and storytelling. But the law kept calling me back.

About a year later, I returned to study law while working part-time as a news reporter.

Where are you hoping to go from here?
I hope to practice law as part of a passionate, collaborative team doing meaningful work. I’ve worked in both defence and government and found each experience deeply rewarding. My time in government included proceeds of crime investigations, which sparked my interest in anti–money laundering compliance and securities regulation.

Having migrated from Jamaica, I also understand the challenges of navigating the immigration system, so immigration law is certainly an area of interest. I’m also drawn to criminal law because I’m passionate about preventing and correcting wrongful convictions. Above all, I want my work to make a genuine difference in people’s lives.