If you’ve been searching for how to become a lawyer in Canada, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most frequently asked questions among aspiring lawyers, internationally trained legal professionals and career changers alike.
While many people expect a straightforward answer, the reality is that how to become a lawyer in Canada depends on where you earned your law degree, your options for completing your NCA requirements (if you’re internationally trained), and the province in which you want to become licensed.
Law Degree
In Canada, you must have a qualifying law degree (typically a JD/LLB) to become a lawyer. There isn’t an option to write bar exams or enter the licensing process without first having a qualifying law degree.
If you’ve graduated with a JD/LLB in Canadian common law from a Canadian law school, your next steps are to complete your province’s experiential training requirements (such as articling), pass the applicable licensing exams and apply for a licence with your regional law society. In Canada, licensing is regulated at the provincial and territorial level, so requirements vary by jurisdiction.
If you’ve graduated with a JD/LLB (or another qualifying law degree) from a law school outside Canada and intend to practise in a Canadian common law jurisdiction, your first step is to apply for an assessment from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). Your NCA assessment will outline the requirements you must meet before proceeding with your law society’s licensing process.
Understanding the NCA Process
OsgoodePD has expertise in understanding the NCA process, including the NCA’s assessment policies and requirements and how they apply generally to different categories of applicants. We are pleased to help you identify possible pathways and options for accreditation. However, OsgoodePD cannot provide binding advice or guarantees regarding NCA requirements for any individual. As an NCA candidate, you are responsible for obtaining your assessment and securing approval from the NCA for any plan of study intended to satisfy NCA requirements.
At OsgoodePD, we’ve spent more than a decade working in this space, helping thousands of internationally trained lawyers pursue their goal of becoming licensed to practise law in Canada. Every day, we connect with current and prospective students to discuss their goals and share advice and information about the accreditation process. Watch the information session above to learn more about the accreditation process and explore your options.
If you’re researching how to become a lawyer in Canada, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
We’re here to help you understand your options. Contact us to discuss your goals and explore possible pathways.
Understanding Your NCA Assessment
Once you receive your NCA assessment, take time to review it carefully. Your certification requirements are set by the NCA and may include several components. It’s essential that you understand exactly what those requirements are and that your proposed study plan is approved by the NCA in advance. Without that confirmation, you risk completing coursework that does not ultimately satisfy your requirements.
Your options generally fall into three categories.
1) Write NCA Challenge Exams
NCA challenge exams are three-hour, open-book examinations that test your knowledge of a particular NCA subject. The exams are held online at set times throughout the year. You can find exam schedules and sample exams on the NCA’s website.
Writing challenge exams can be a great option for self-motivated, independent learners. If you come from a common law background, writing challenge exams may be a time- and cost-effective way to meet your assigned subject requirements.
However, there are some downsides to self-study. It may not be suitable for everyone, as some individuals benefit from more structured learning environments and guidance from instructors. Additionally, limited feedback on exam performance can make it difficult to identify areas for improvement. Finally, although the exams cover core subjects, they may not include all the content covered by your licensing exams, which could leave gaps in your knowledge. For example, family law isn’t a mandatory NCA subject, but your licensing exams may cover it extensively.
2) Complete NCA-Accredited Courses or Programs
Several universities offer courses and programs with NCA-accredited content. OsgoodePD is home to Canada’s oldest NCA-accredited graduate program, the LLM in Canadian Common Law, and the broadest range of options for internationally trained lawyers.
Keep in mind that not every student can complete all their NCA requirements through an LLM. The number of requirements you can complete within a program depends on your NCA assessment and the program’s degree requirements. Students in the Canadian Common Law specialization can typically complete five to eight NCA subjects.
3) Complete a Mix of Self-Study Challenge Exams and NCA-Accredited Courses or Programs
This option allows you to strike a balance between self-study and structured learning by combining challenge exams with NCA-accredited courses or programs. By tailoring your approach, you can focus on self-study for subjects you are more comfortable with while seeking additional support through courses, such as single-course enrolment, in areas where you need more guidance.
Provincial Licensing Requirements
Lawyer licensing requirements differ across Canada because they are set at the provincial and territorial, rather than federal, level. Each jurisdiction has its own law society, which is responsible for setting entry standards, rules of conduct and licensing requirements.
For more information, explore the Canadian Bar Association’s resources and the licensing requirements for the province or territory where you intend to practise.
We’re Here to Help
The answer to how to become a lawyer in Canada is not the same for everyone. Internationally trained lawyers often assume there is a single path, but ultimately, the path you take is informed by your NCA assessment, goals and priorities, and the province in which you want to become licensed.
Wondering if the Professional LLM is right for you? Get information on course requirements, application dates, tuition and more!