Becoming a lawyer in Canada requires a combination of academic qualifications, practical training, and passing the bar exam. The process of becoming a lawyer typically takes several years to complete, and you will need to follow these specific steps:
Obtain a Bachelor's degree: You will need a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. There are no specific undergraduate degrees required to become a lawyer, but degrees in political science, philosophy, or history may be helpful.
Take the LSAT: The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardised test that is required for admission to most law schools in Canada. You will need to achieve a competitive score on the LSAT to be considered for admission.
Attend law school: After completing your undergraduate degree and LSAT, you will need to attend an accredited law school in Canada and obtain an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) or a JD (Juris Doctorate). These law school programs are typically three years long.
Articling: After completing law school, you will need to complete a period of articling, which is a period of supervised work experience at a law firm or other legal organization. Articling typically lasts for one year.
Pass the bar exam: After completing your articling period, you will need to pass the bar exam in the province or territory where you wish to practice law. The bar exam is typically a two-day examination that tests your knowledge of Canadian law.
Get licensed: After passing the bar exam, you will need to apply for a license to practice law in your chosen province or territory.
The requirements for becoming a lawyer may vary slightly between provinces and territories in Canada. It is a good idea to research the specific requirements in the area you want to practise law.
