Foreign Legal Counsel (not admitted to the Bar) - NOC 41101 or 42200 for Express Entry?

[Cameli]

Hello everyone,

I would really appreciate your advice regarding the appropriate NOC code for my foreign work experience under Express Entry.

I am a Legal Affairs Officer (In-House Legal Counsel) in Morocco with a Master's degree in Law. My work includes providing legal advice, drafting and negotiating contracts, managing legal compliance and litigation files, and handling other corporate legal matters.

Although my responsibilities closely match NOC 41101 (Lawyers and Quebec notaries), I am not admitted to the Bar, as my position does not require Bar membership under Moroccan law. This makes me unsure whether I should select NOC 41101 or NOC 42200 (Paralegals and related occupations) for my Express Entry profile.

My main question is:
For foreign work experience, is the NOC determined primarily by the duties performed, even without Bar admission, or would NOC 42200 be the more appropriate choice?

If anyone has been in a similar situation or has official guidance or personal experience, I would greatly appreciate your advice.

Thank you!

 

[CanGoldDigger]

Definitely not 41101.

 

[Cameli]

Definitely not 41101.

Thank you for your feedback. Do you think Bar admission is the determining and essential factor for choosing NOC 41101? My understanding is that the NOC should primarily be based on the actual job duties performed rather than professional licensing alone.