Empowering New Beginnings: Yetunde Cole’s Journey to Rebuilding a Legal Career in Nova Scotia

When Yetunde Cole relocated to Canada in 2023 with her family, she carried with her more than a decade of experience as a prosecutor and a deep commitment to her profession. Like many internationally trained lawyers, she arrived with hope for professional growth, stability, and broader opportunities for her children but also faced the reality of starting over in a new country.

Determined to continue her legal career, Yetunde quickly realized that success would require more than qualifications alone. It would take guidance, resilience, and a strong support system. That support came through ISANS, which became a cornerstone of her journey.

“From the very first meeting, ISANS became a pivotal support system in my settlement and professional journey,” Yetunde recalls.

Through ISANS, she accessed employment counselling, job search strategy workshops, practice interviews, and the Job Search Resource Centre. She also participated in online settlement courses that helped her better understand Canadian workplace culture and expectations. With personalized support from an Employment Specialist, she refined her resume to meet Canadian standards and strengthened her interview skills.

These services were not just helpful, but they were transformative. They provided the tools, confidence, and direction she needed to move forward.

“A defining moment in Yetunde’s journey came when she participated in the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Observership Program for Internationally Trained Lawyers,” says Anna McBeth, Manager, Employment & Bridging. “Following ISANS’ comprehensive screening and referral process Yetunde was accepted into the Nova Scotia department of Justice Observership Program for Internationally Trained Lawyers.” 

During her four-week placement, she gained firsthand exposure to the Canadian legal system and built meaningful professional relationships with lawyers at the department of Justice and the Public Prosecution Service, strengthening her confidence, expanding her network, and bringing her one step closer to reestablishing her legal career in Nova Scotia.

“The experience expanded my professional network and directly supported my successful transition to working in my field,” she says. “It provided the encouragement and clarity I needed.”

With persistence and dedication, Yetunde successfully completed the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) accreditation process, fulfilled all bar admission requirements, and was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in late 2025. Soon after, she secured a role with the Public Prosecution Service as a Crown Attorney, marking a powerful return to her legal career.

Yetunde’s journey is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Her success was not achieved alone but it was built through shared knowledge, guidance, and support.

Her advice to other internationally trained lawyers is simple yet profound:

“Be patient and extend yourself grace. Transitioning to a new country and rebuilding a professional identity takes time. It is okay to seek help, ask questions, and rely on support systems.”

Yetunde’s story reflects the essence that together, we grow, with the right support, determination, and community, new beginnings can lead to meaningful and rewarding success.