How to Become a Lawyer
by Julia McDonald
Introduction
To become a practicing lawyer in Canada, you need two to four years of a university program and a Bachelor of Laws degree from a recognized law school. Next, you must complete a period of articling, a bar admission course and exam, and be licensed in the province/territory where you'll work. This means a commitment of six to eight or more years.
In general, the factors affecting acceptance to law school include the following:
High grade point average
Some law schools require only two years of university study while others prefer an undergraduate degree. Generally, you should select courses or a degree in which you have a strong interest and include courses that will enhance and develop your skills in critical analysis, logical reasoning, written and oral communication. Here at Athabasca University, we do not have a law degree, but we have many courses and/or degrees to choose from to help with the first phase of your education. You can find out more about our courses and programs.
Competitive LSAT score
LSAT is a standardized test designed to measure certain skills necessary for success in law school.
For more information on the LSAT, visit these sites:
- lsat1.net - contains links to anything and everything on the LSAT
- Oxford Seminars-Excellence in Test Preparation
Other factors
Other factors include letters of recommendation, work experience, community involvement and a personal statement. *Some schools have separate admissions categories for mature students, as well as for Aboriginal students.
*NOTE : This information is general in nature. Admission requirements to Law programs vary from university to university. It is your responsibility to ensure courses or degrees taken at AU will be accepted at the university you wish to attend. You can view lists for Canadian or American Law Schools.
Other useful sites to explore:
- A Career in Law
- American Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association
- Canadian Law Schools
- Careers in Law An excellent resource for Ontario residents.
- From the Road to Law School: University of Victoria
- Getting into Canadian Law Schools
- Getting into US Schools
- Guide to Canadian Law Schools
- Important Information for Ontario Applicants
- Professional Schools-Law: University of Toronto
- Think About Law School: Services for Legal Education from the Law School Admission Council
Next Steps
1. Research career information on lawyer.
The following links contain useful information on duties, working conditions, skills, education, salary, employment prospects and opportunities plus a whole lot more:
- Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS)
- BC Work Futures
- Being a Lawyer
- Careers in Law
- US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Working in Canada
2. Contact your provincial or national law societies for licensing requirements.
The educational requirements for registration may vary from province to province.
3. Contact the post-secondary institutions you would like to attend.
Contact the post-secondary institutions you would like to attend to complete a Bachelor of Law degree studies. Request a course calendar and ask about admission requirements. For information about law schools:
- 2012 Directory of Canadian Universities
- Alberta EDinfo
- Choosing a Law School
- The official Guide to Canadian Law Schools
- Law Schools compiled by the American Bar Association
- International Directory of Law Schools by Hieros Gamos
- School Finder.com
4. Contact an AU Counsellor
A counsellor can provide you with more information on this particular career path and make sure the program you choose meets your goals. You can contact a counsellor by email, book a telephone appointment by calling 1-800-788-9041 ext. 6723 or use the online appointment form.
5. Contact an AU student advisor.
An advisor can help you select courses and develop a program plan for studies at Athabasca University. (For courses or programs at another institution, you must contact that institution directly for further assistance.) You can e-mail an advisor at advising@athabascau.ca or call 1-800-788-9041.For more information on this service, visit the Advising web page
6. Become an AU Student
Once you completed these steps, you are ready to become an AU Student.
References
Alberta Learning Information Services (2005). Alberta Occupational Profiles. Retrieved October 3, 2005 from http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo/
Campusaccess.com (2005). Getting into Canadian Law Schools. Retrieved on Nov. 16, 2005 from http://www.campusaccess.com/campus_web/educ/e4grad_
lacan.htm
National Occupational Classification (2001). 4112 Lawyers and Quebec Notaries. Retrieved October 3, 2005 from http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/groups/4112.shtml
Law School Admission Council (2005). Guide to Canadian to Law Schools. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2005 from http://www.lsac.org/JD/Choose/Canadian/default.asp
University of Victoria (2005). From the Road to Law School. Retrieved Oct. 3, 2005 from http://www.law.uvic.ca/Admissions/road_to_law.php
SAS for Learner Support Services - Last Updated February 26, 2013
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External Resources
- A Career in Law
- American Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association
- Canadian Law Schools
- Careers in Law
- From the Road to law School
- Getting into Canadian Law Schools
- Getting into US Schools
- Guide to Canadian Law Schools
- Important Information for Ontario Applicants
- Professional Schools-Law
- Think About Law School
