The legal profession is as much about adaptation as it is about expertise, and few stories highlight this better than Jeremy Chua's. A seasoned lawyer from the Philippines with over six years of corporate-commercial experience, Jeremy's path to becoming a fully qualified lawyer in Canada is a testament to resilience, passion, and the support of an exceptional legal community. His story, intertwined with his time at MerGen Law, showcases the challenges of transitioning to a new legal system and the triumphs of finding a place to thrive professionally and personally.

Bridging Two Legal Worlds 

Jeremy's legal career began in the Philippines in 2016, where he worked extensively in corporate-commercial law. His practice included high-stakes transactions involving public infrastructure, transportation, and multimillion-dollar construction projects. As general counsel for a major transportation company, he navigated complex legal landscapes with precision and confidence. In 2019, Jeremy and his family decided to pursue a fresh start in Canada, drawn by the country's openness and quality of life.  

“My family wanted a change of scenery,” Jeremy shares. “The job would be the same, but the environment—Calgary's mountains, its green spaces—was the perfect choice for us.”  

However, transitioning to a new country meant starting his legal journey all over again. Jeremy enrolled in the Foreign Trained Lawyers Program at the University of Calgary, a bridging program designed to help internationally trained lawyers adapt to Canadian legal standards. Graduating in 2023, he began his articling year at MerGen Law, a pivotal step in his journey to being called to the bar in Alberta.

Finding a Community at MerGen Law 

Jeremy immediately recognized MerGen Law's unique culture and mission. The firm's appreciation for internationally trained lawyers resonated deeply with his journey.  

“MerGen Law values the experience that international lawyers bring,” Jeremy explains. “Most lawyers here come from diverse legal backgrounds, a strength the firm utilizes. From the start, I wasn't treated like someone fresh out of law school—I was given the chance to hit the ground running.”  

At MerGen Law, Jeremy found a smaller, close-knit team where every member's contribution mattered. The environment allowed him to grow as a legal professional and exposed him to the administrative and operational aspects of running a firm. This hands-on approach provided a holistic understanding of legal practice in Alberta.   

“In a smaller firm, you're exposed to everything,” he notes. “It's not just about your specific area of law; you learn the inner workings of the entire practice. That's invaluable early in your career.”

Challenges and Triumphs

Adapting to Canadian law presented its own set of challenges. While Jeremy's previous experience gave him a solid foundation, he had to relearn laws, navigate procedural nuances, and bridge cultural differences. One of his most defining moments came when he was sent to court on short notice—an intimidating prospect for someone with limited litigation experience in Canada.  

“John trusted me,” Jeremy recalls, referring to his principal at MerGen Law. “He believed in my abilities and sent me to court with just a day's notice. It was daunting, but it built my confidence. I learned to adapt quickly, even with cultural and procedural differences.”  

This trust and encouragement were recurring themes throughout Jeremy's articling experience. The firm's partners, John and Kevin, provided mentorship and the freedom for Jeremy to showcase his skills. He wasn't confined to the typical limitations of an articling student. He was given opportunities to lead, solve complex issues, and contribute to the firm's success. 

Corporate-Commercial Passion with a Personal Touch 

Jeremy's time at MerGen Law helped refine his focus within the legal field. Having worked on multimillion-dollar transactions in the Philippines, he's now passionate about helping small businesses in Calgary and beyond. His current work involves assisting clients with corporate structuring, drafting agreements, and navigating the buying and selling of businesses. This shift from large-scale corporate deals to family-run operations has given his practice a more personal dimension.  

“In the Philippines, I worked on big deals with large corporations,” Jeremy explains. “Here, I'm working with small businesses—restaurants, auto repair shops, family-run operations. These clients invest their life savings into their ventures, and there's a personal attachment. It's incredibly rewarding to help them succeed.”  

This focus on smaller businesses has deepened Jeremy's appreciation for the courage and commitment it takes to start and run a business. He's developed a personal investment in his clients' success, finding fulfillment in being part of their entrepreneurial journey.

Mentorship and Community Building

Jeremy's journey has been shaped by the guidance and mentorship he received at MerGen Law, particularly from John. Beyond technical legal skills, John taught Jeremy how to connect with Canadian clients, navigate cultural differences, and build trust—skills that are as critical as legal expertise in the profession.  

“John showed me how to be someone clients can trust,” Jeremy says. “It's not just about knowing the law; it's about building relationships.”  

As a fully qualified lawyer, Jeremy is eager to give back to the legal community. He envisions himself in a dual role: continuing to learn and grow while mentoring newer lawyers. With his unique background and wealth of experience, he's perfectly positioned to guide others in navigating the same challenges he once faced. 

Looking Ahead 

Being called to the bar in Alberta is both a culmination of years of hard work and the start of an exciting new chapter for Jeremy. He's thrilled by the opportunities ahead, from building new connections in Calgary's legal community to exploring the fast-paced world of small business law. For Jeremy, each day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference. 

“Everything feels new,” he shares. “Even with my experience, I'm constantly learning. It's exciting to build new relationships and see how business is done here.” 

Jeremy's advice to others undertaking similar journeys is simple yet profound: embrace the challenges. “Don't be afraid to jump into the deep end,” he advises. “The space where you're uncomfortable is where you grow the most. If things feel too easy, it might be time to push yourself further.”

Gratitude and Reflection 

Reflecting on his time at MerGen Law, Jeremy's gratitude shines through. He credits the firm's supportive environment and the opportunities it provided for his successful transition to Canadian law. From mentoring to fostering a culture of growth, MerGen Law has been instrumental in shaping his journey. 

“Without MerGen Law, I wouldn't have had these opportunities,” he says. “The trust and encouragement I received from John, Kevin, and the team made all the difference. I'm incredibly grateful.” 

Jeremy's story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and the power of community. As he steps into his role as a fully qualified lawyer in Alberta, his journey inspires others. It demonstrates that with the right support and determination, barriers can be overcome, and new opportunities can be achieved.

Why Choose MerGen Law? 

Jeremy's story highlights the unique culture at MerGen Law, where diversity, mentorship, and trust create an environment for lawyers to thrive. The firm's commitment to valuing experience, fostering growth, and encouraging connections within the legal community sets it apart. For Jeremy, joining MerGen Law was more than just a career move; it began a fulfilling journey in a new country.

Reach Out to MerGen Law 

If Jeremy's story resonates with you or you have legal questions and needs, MerGen Law is here to help. Whether you're navigating corporate and commercial matters, real estate transactions, or other legal challenges, our experienced team is ready to provide personalized support. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in achieving your goals.