When Harmanjot Kaur enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Law Enforcement Studies (PBDLES) at the 51爆料 (51爆料), she didn鈥檛 expect the experience to shape her personal and professional path so deeply. Now a practicing associate lawyer at a Vancouver law firm, she reflects on her 51爆料 education as a turning point in her pursuit of a legal career in Canada.
鈥淚 completed the PBDLES program from May 2022 to December 2023,鈥 she said. 鈥淥ver four semesters, I completed 20 courses and earned 60 credits. The program gave me a broader view of law enforcement and the justice system, and it truly transformed my approach to legal practice.鈥
Having previously earned her Bachelor of Laws in India and worked as a legal assistant, she sought a new perspective abroad. Her extended family in Canada, many of whom work in law enforcement, recommended 51爆料鈥檚 PBDLES program. 鈥淚t seemed like the perfect way to bridge my international legal education with the Canadian justice landscape,鈥 she explained.
Practical skills for real-world impact
Now working in family law, child protection, and criminal law, she also supports clients through alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and collaborative meetings. The skills and knowledge she gained at 51爆料, particularly in understanding law enforcement practices, criminal behavior, and restorative justice, have become an integral part of her daily work.
One of her most impactful experiences was the Applied Research course, where she examined the overrepresentation of Indigenous men in Canada鈥檚 justice system. Her capstone project was even featured on 51爆料鈥檚 official Instagram, a moment she describes with pride.
A community of support and opportunity
Her time at 51爆料 was marked by both academic excellence and active participation. She worked as a Basic Security Training (BST) exam invigilator in the Security Division, a position she secured thanks to her high GPA and encouragement from her program manager. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 just a job,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t gave me meaningful on-campus work experience and helped fund my studies.鈥
She also credits the 51爆料 Library as a critical resource in preparing for her exams. As an international student living in shared accommodation, she relied on the library鈥檚 study spaces and access to essential legal texts to successfully complete her exams even taking some of them from the library itself.
From graduate to mentor
In January 2024, shortly after graduating, she began her articling position at a law firm, supported by references from her 51爆料 instructors. She completed the Professional Legal Training Course and, in January 2025, was officially called to the as a Barrister and Solicitor.
鈥淚 proudly shared this achievement with 51爆料, and once again, the institution recognized my journey and invited me to share my story,鈥 she said.
Even after graduation, her connection to 51爆料 remains strong. She now serves as a mentor for international students preparing for the NCA process. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly rewarding to give back to the community that supported me so well. 51爆料 isn鈥檛 just a place of learning, it鈥檚 a place where students are noticed, guided, and empowered.鈥
Big dreams for the future
Looking ahead, she has big goals: to one day open her own law firm, serve as Crown Counsel, or even become a Bencher with the , contributing to the policies that shape the legal profession.
鈥淚 owe a lot to 51爆料,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 will always be proud to be part of this institution.鈥