Types of Lawyers in Canada: A Complete Guide

Introduction: Why Know the Different Types of Lawyers?

Choosing a legal career means picking a path from many options. Canada’s legal field is incredibly diverse, and understanding the different types of lawyers can help you find a specialty that fits your passion. This is especially important for students considering law school or anyone curious about what lawyers actually do day-to-day. Knowing the distinctions – for example, between a criminal lawyer and a corporate lawyer – will not only help you make informed career choices, but also give you insight into the justice system and services available. In this guide, we’ll explore 20 common types of lawyers in Canada, explain what each one does, and highlight their typical salaries. We’ll also walk you through how to become a lawyer in Canada, step by step, and answer some frequently asked questions at the end. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of the legal landscape in Canada and which path might be right for you.

10 Common Types of Lawyers in Canada

Canada has many legal specializations, but some fields are especially common or well-known. Below are ten of the most common types of lawyers in Canada, along with an easy-to-read description of what they do and how much they typically earn.

1. Criminal Lawyer

What they do: Criminal lawyers represent individuals or the state in criminal cases. There are two sides to criminal law: defence lawyers who advocate for people accused of crimes, and prosecutors (Crown counsel) who bring charges on behalf of the government. Criminal lawyers handle everything from minor offenses to serious crimes, ensuring that the legal process is fair and that their client’s rights are protected. They spend a lot of time in court – examining evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making arguments to judges or juries.

Typical salary: In Canada, criminal lawyers earn around $100,000 per year on average, though this can vary with experience and whether one works in private practice or for the government. Top criminal defence lawyers or senior Crown attorneys may earn more, while junior lawyers might start at a lower range.

2. Corporate Lawyer

What they do: Corporate lawyers (also known as business lawyers) deal with the legal aspects of running companies. They help businesses form and register, draft contracts, ensure compliance with regulations, and oversee major transactions like mergers or acquisitions. If a company is buying another company or entering a big contract, corporate lawyers make sure the deal is legally sound. They often work behind the scenes, reviewing documents and advising executives on their legal duties. In essence, a corporate lawyer’s job is to protect the company’s interests and prevent legal problems before they occur.

Typical salary: Corporate law can be a lucrative field. The national average salary for a corporate lawyer in Canada is around $124,000 per year, reflecting the high responsibility of handling business deals. In major cities like Toronto or Vancouver, experienced corporate lawyers (especially those handling complex mergers and acquisitions) can earn well above this average.

3. Family Lawyer

What they do: Family lawyers help clients navigate legal issues within families. This includes divorce, child custody, adoption, and support payments. They might draft prenuptial agreements, negotiate divorce settlements, or represent a parent in a custody dispute. Family law often involves emotional situations – lawyers in this field need good people skills and empathy. In Canada, they also deal with enforcement of support orders between provinces, and sometimes even youth justice cases (since some family lawyers handle youth criminal matters under the Youth Criminal Justice Act). Essentially, a family lawyer’s role is to guide individuals through some of life’s most challenging personal legal matters in a fair and compassionate way.

Typical salary: Family lawyers in Canada typically earn around $100,000 per year. One source reports a national average of about $103,000 annually for family lawyers. Salaries can vary depending on the region and whether the lawyer is at a large firm or a smaller practice. Given the important nature of their work, experienced family lawyers are well-compensated, though not usually at the very top of the lawyer pay scale.

4. Immigration Lawyer

What they do: Immigration lawyers assist individuals, families, and businesses with immigration matters. This can involve helping someone apply for a visa or permanent residency, working on refugee and asylum cases, or guiding employers through the process of bringing foreign workers to Canada. They must be experts in Canada’s immigration laws and procedures, which can be quite complex. Immigration lawyers often prepare paperwork for visa applications, represent clients in hearings or appeals if a visa is denied, and give advice on how to meet requirements to live or work in Canada legally. With Canada being a popular destination for newcomers, immigration lawyers play a vital role in helping people make Canada their new home.

Typical salary: The earnings of immigration lawyers are generally modest compared to some other specializations. In Canada, an immigration lawyer’s national average salary is around $70,000 per year. Many immigration lawyers work in small firms or solo practices, and some may also do public interest work or work for government agencies. While the salary might be lower than corporate or tax lawyers, this field can be very rewarding personally, as these lawyers literally help build new lives.

5. Tax Lawyer

What they do: Tax lawyers specialize in the laws and regulations related to taxes. They advise both individuals and businesses on issues like tax planning, filing taxes correctly, and dealing with tax disputes. If a person or company is audited by the Canada Revenue Agency or accused of tax evasion, a tax lawyer will represent them. This type of lawyer needs to understand complex federal and provincial tax laws and often works closely with accountants. Tax lawyers also help structure business deals in ways that are tax-efficient and legal, and they keep clients up to date on changes in tax legislation.

Typical salary: Tax law is known as a high-paying specialization. The work is complex and critical (since mistakes can lead to heavy penalties or even criminal charges), and salaries reflect that. Tax lawyers in Canada often earn well into six figures – commonly in the range of $120,000 to $190,000 per year for experienced practitioners. In fact, tax lawyers are often among the best-paid lawyers because their expertise is highly valued and in demand.

6. Estate Planning (Wills & Estates) Lawyer

What they do: Estate planning lawyers help people plan for the distribution of their assets after death. This includes drafting wills, setting up trusts, and handling probate (the legal process after someone passes away). They advise clients on how to ensure their property goes to their chosen beneficiaries, how to minimize taxes on an estate, and how to make their final wishes legally binding. Estate lawyers also might assist families when a loved one dies, guiding them through executing the will or administering an estate. Essentially, these lawyers help clients plan ahead for the future and provide peace of mind about their family’s financial affairs.

Typical salary: Estate planning can be a steady and well-paying area of law. In Canada, the average salary for a wills and estates lawyer is around $134,000 per year. Many estate lawyers work in private practice or boutique firms. While they may not always earn as much as corporate or trial lawyers, experienced estate lawyers in prosperous communities can do very well. The work tends to be less volatile than, say, criminal law, which makes it an attractive career for those who prefer a more predictable practice.

7. Personal Injury Lawyer

What they do: Personal injury lawyers represent people who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Common cases involve car accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice, or product liability. These lawyers help injured clients seek compensation (damages) for their losses – such as medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Personal injury law in Canada is a part of civil law (tort law), not criminal law. Typically, personal injury lawyers negotiate with insurance companies and, if needed, file lawsuits to get fair settlements. Many work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win the case (taking a percentage of the settlement). This field requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to build a compelling case to show how the injury has affected the client’s life.

Typical salary: Personal injury lawyers’ incomes can vary widely. On average, a personal injury lawyer in Canada makes about $95,000 per year. However, the potential to earn more is there – especially if they handle major cases with large settlements. Successful personal injury lawyers who win big cases (for example, severe injuries or class actions) can earn substantial fees. The Canadian Lawyer magazine noted that personal injury practitioners can make anywhere from around $100,000 up to $190,000 in certain cases. It’s a field where a few big wins can boost the income significantly.

8. Employment and Labour Lawyer

What they do: Employment and labour lawyers deal with legal issues in the workplace. Employment law typically refers to issues in non-unionized workplaces, while labour law often refers to unionized environments (though in practice, the two terms are often used together). These lawyers might represent employees or employers in matters such as wrongful dismissal, workplace harassment, contract disputes, or collective bargaining. For instance, if someone feels they were unfairly fired or discriminated against at work, an employment lawyer can advise them of their rights and represent them in negotiations or court. Conversely, employers might hire these lawyers to ensure their contracts and policies comply with laws and to handle disputes with employees. They also play a role in forming and dissolving unions, handling strikes or negotiations, and making sure workplace safety and standards are met.

Typical salary: In Canada, employment and labour lawyers earn a healthy income. The national average for an employment lawyer is around $89,000 per year. Those numbers can rise with experience; senior lawyers or those working at large firms may earn more (six figures), while those in smaller practices or public sector roles might earn a bit less. Given the ever-present nature of workplace issues, employment lawyers are consistently in demand, which helps maintain solid salary levels in this field.

9. Intellectual Property Lawyer

What they do: Intellectual Property (IP) lawyers help protect creations of the mind – inventions, brands, artistic works, and proprietary information. The field of IP is divided into areas like patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. An IP lawyer might help an inventor file a patent to protect a new invention, or assist a company in trademarking a brand name or logo. They may also take action against someone who infringes on these rights (for example, a counterfeit goods case or an online piracy issue). IP lawyers need to understand both the legal framework and often the technical or artistic field of the IP. Their work ensures that innovators and creators get credit and compensation for their work and that businesses can safely invest in developing new products or content without fear of theft.

Typical salary: Intellectual property lawyers are highly specialized, and their pay can be quite good, especially if they focus on in-demand areas like patents in tech or pharmaceuticals. In Canada, IP lawyers often earn in the low-to-mid six figure range. One report noted that IP lawyers’ salaries can vary from about $60,000 up to $140,000 per year, with averages around the high five figures to low six figures mark. (Patent attorneys, a subset of IP lawyers with technical backgrounds, are among the top earners – often averaging around $185,000, but that includes a very specialized skill set.) In general, if you enjoy technology or art and law, IP law offers a comfortable income and the excitement of working with cutting-edge ideas.

10. Real Estate Lawyer

What they do: Real estate lawyers handle legal matters related to property, both residential and commercial. Whenever someone buys or sells a house, land, or a commercial building in Canada, a real estate lawyer usually oversees the transaction to make sure everything is done correctly. They draft and review purchase agreements, mortgage documents, and lease contracts. Real estate lawyers also conduct title searches (to ensure the seller actually has clear ownership to sell), arrange title insurance, and handle the closing process (transferring funds and registering the new ownership). In commercial real estate, they might negotiate terms for property development or zoning issues. Essentially, they make property deals legal and secure, protecting their clients (buyers, sellers, or lenders) from future disputes over the property.

Typical salary: Real estate is a staple area of legal practice, and experienced real estate lawyers are well compensated. Many real estate lawyers in Canada earn in the six-figure range. Salary surveys have shown averages around $130,000 to $145,000 per year. Canadian Lawyer magazine noted that real estate lawyers often make between $100,000 and $170,000 annually, with an average of roughly $135,000. The exact figure can depend on the region (big city property deals are higher value, for instance) and the state of the real estate market. During booming housing markets, real estate lawyers tend to see more business and potentially higher earnings.

These ten areas are among the most common and recognizable types of lawyers in Canada. Next, we’ll look at ten more specializations – some emerging or more niche – that are also important in Canada’s legal landscape.

10 Additional Types of Lawyers in Canada

Beyond the major practice areas above, there are many other types of lawyers serving various needs in Canada. Here are ten additional types of lawyers you should know about, including some growing specialties:

11. Bankruptcy and Insolvency Lawyer

What they do: Bankruptcy lawyers help individuals or businesses who have more debt than they can handle. In Canada, they guide clients through proceedings under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, working with the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy and Licensed Insolvency Trustees. For businesses, insolvency (restructuring debts rather than liquidating) is often an option – bankruptcy lawyers will negotiate with creditors, draft proposals to settle debts, or arrange the sale of assets to pay off what’s owed. They might represent the debtor (the person/business owing money) or sometimes the creditors (those who are owed money) in court. Their ultimate goal is to find a fair solution: either to relieve the debtor’s burden while paying creditors as much as possible, or to orderly wind up a business that can’t continue.

Typical salary: Bankruptcy and insolvency lawyers tend to earn salaries comparable to the general lawyer average, often in the low six figures. Since their work can involve big corporate cases or smaller personal bankruptcies, earnings vary. A mid-career bankruptcy lawyer in Canada might earn around the national lawyer average (about $100,000 per year), while those handling large corporate restructurings can earn significantly more. It’s a stable field – unfortunately, there are always bankruptcies happening, so these lawyers remain in demand through economic ups and downs.

12. Entertainment Lawyer

What they do: Entertainment lawyers handle legal issues in the entertainment and media industries. Their clients often include film and TV producers, studios, musicians, actors, writers, and artists. They negotiate and draft contracts for things like film deals, record contracts, endorsement deals, and publishing rights. For example, if a singer is signing a contract with a record label, an entertainment lawyer ensures the terms are fair (covering royalties, creative control, etc.). These lawyers also protect their clients’ intellectual property, making sure copyrights or trademarked stage names are secured. Dispute resolution can be part of the job too – such as settling disagreements over royalties or production credits. Because the entertainment world moves fast, these lawyers must be adept negotiators to secure the best deals for their creative clients.

Typical salary: Entertainment law can be quite lucrative, especially in major markets like Toronto (for film/TV) or for lawyers representing high-profile clients. In Canada, entertainment lawyers often earn high salaries; one analysis estimates an average around $159,000 per year. There is a broad range though – starting lawyers may earn less, but experienced entertainment attorneys who represent big-name artists or large production companies can earn well into six figures (some on par with top corporate lawyers). It’s a field where networking and reputation can significantly impact your earning potential.

13. Constitutional Lawyer

What they do: Constitutional lawyers specialize in issues that involve the Canadian Constitution – particularly the Charter of Rights and Freedoms – and other fundamental legal questions about government powers. They might take on cases about freedom of expression, religious rights, equality rights, or division of powers between federal and provincial governments. Often, constitutional lawyers work on high-profile litigation that can go up to the appellate courts or the Supreme Court of Canada. For example, if a new law is passed and someone believes it violates Charter rights, a constitutional lawyer would argue the case in court to challenge that law. These lawyers may work for public interest organizations, governments, or private firms that handle complex constitutional cases. Their role is crucial in shaping Canadian law because their cases can set precedents that affect the whole country.

Typical salary: Constitutional law is a somewhat niche field. Many constitutional lawyers are either in academia, government, or with non-profits, which might pay differently than private practice. A constitutional lawyer working for the federal government (e.g., Department of Justice) will earn a government counsel salary, which for an experienced lawyer can be in the low-to-mid six figures (federal lawyers might start around $95k and go up to $200k+ over years of service). In private practice, those who take on constitutional cases (often in combination with civil litigation) can also earn six figures. While not the highest-paid category, it is comfortable and tends to come with a lot of prestige due to the importance of the issues at stake.

14. Environmental Lawyer

What they do: Environmental lawyers focus on laws and regulations that protect the environment and natural resources. They might work on cases involving pollution, land use, conservation, and climate change regulations. In practice, an environmental lawyer could represent a community fighting against a polluting factory, or advise a company on how to comply with environmental regulations to get project approval. They deal with statutes like the Canadian Environmental Protection Act or provincial environmental laws. Some environmental lawyers work for government agencies or non-profits, helping to draft better environmental policies or enforce the laws we have. Others might represent businesses, guiding them through environmental assessments or defending them if they are accused of violating environmental laws. The field often involves a mix of science and law, as lawyers must understand technical reports about soil, water, or air quality.

Typical salary: Environmental law can be a passion-driven field (many do it out of concern for nature), but it can also pay well, especially if you represent corporate clients in sectors like energy or natural resources. Environmental lawyers in Canada might earn around or slightly below the national average for lawyers when working in government or non-profits (say $80,000 – $100,000 range). In the private sector, those working at major firms dealing with large energy projects can earn higher, often into the six figures. Overall, it’s a growing field as environmental concerns become more prominent, which helps ensure solid career prospects and competitive salaries.

15. Cannabis Lawyer

What they do: Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada, a new niche of cannabis law has emerged. Cannabis lawyers are experts in the laws and regulations governing the cannabis industry. They advise licensed producers, retailers, and other businesses on how to stay compliant with federal and provincial regulations. This could involve helping a client obtain a license to open a cannabis dispensary, ensuring packaging and advertising meet Health Canada rules, or advising investors looking to fund cannabis start-ups. Cannabis lawyers may also work on big business deals, like mergers and acquisitions in the cannabis sector (which has seen multi-billion dollar deals in recent years). Essentially, they combine aspects of corporate, regulatory, and even criminal law (if dealing with illicit market issues) to serve this industry. As laws evolve, cannabis lawyers must stay at the leading edge of industry developments to guide their clients in this fast-changing field.

Typical salary: Cannabis law is really a subset of business/regulatory law, so the salaries are comparable to those fields. A lawyer in this area often earns like other corporate lawyers – generally in the six figures if working with commercial clients. For instance, working in-house for a cannabis company or at a major firm’s cannabis practice group could yield a salary in the $100,000+ range, depending on experience. Because it’s a newer field, lawyers who specialize early and build a reputation can do very well as the industry grows. In short, cannabis lawyers’ pay is on par with other business lawyers; the exact figure will depend on the scale of clients (small start-up vs. large corporation) and the lawyer’s expertise.

16. Civil Rights / Human Rights Lawyer

What they do: Civil rights lawyers (often referred to as human rights lawyers in Canada) fight to protect individuals’ rights and freedoms from being violated. They take on cases of discrimination, harassment, police misconduct, or any abuse of individuals’ rights under laws like provincial human rights codes or the Charter of Rights. For example, a civil rights lawyer might represent someone who faced discrimination at work due to race or gender, or they might advocate for a group whose freedoms have been curtailed by a government policy. Many work for human rights organizations, legal aid clinics, or commissions (like a Human Rights Commission), while others may be in private practice taking on impactful cases. Their work can involve a lot of litigation, but also policy advocacy – pushing for law reforms to better protect rights. In essence, these lawyers are champions of fairness and equality, ensuring everyone’s voice can be heard in the legal system.

Typical salary: Lawyers in civil rights or human rights roles often earn less than corporate lawyers, especially if they work in non-profit or public sector roles. The national average salary for a civil rights lawyer in Canada is around $90,000 per year, though it can range widely. Some who work for government agencies or large NGOs might be in that ballpark, whereas those in smaller non-profits could earn less. Conversely, a few high-profile lawyers who take on landmark Charter cases might charge higher fees in private practice, but those cases are rarer. Many civil rights lawyers choose the field for passion over pay – but they still earn a comfortable living while making a difference.

17. Cybersecurity / Privacy Lawyer

What they do: Cybersecurity and privacy lawyers deal with the legal aspects of data protection and online security. In today’s digital age, companies and governments collect a lot of personal information, and with that comes responsibility and risk. Privacy lawyers ensure organizations comply with laws like Canada’s Privacy Act or PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) which govern how personal data can be collected, used, and disclosed. They might draft privacy policies, advise on data breach responses, and help clients implement best practices for cybersecurity. If a company experiences a hack or data breach, these lawyers will navigate the required notifications and any legal fallout. They also handle issues like spam regulations, electronic surveillance laws, and emerging areas like AI and data ethics. In short, they help clients safeguard sensitive information and avoid legal pitfalls related to technology.

Typical salary: This is an emerging and high-demand field, as virtually every sector now has to deal with cybersecurity and privacy concerns. Lawyers specializing in this area often have salaries similar to other in-demand corporate counsel. Many work in-house at tech companies or as advisors in law firms. Their salaries typically fall in the low to mid six figures depending on experience. For example, a privacy officer or cybersecurity counsel at a large company in Canada could easily be making $100,000 to $150,000+ annually. The strong demand for these skills and relatively lower supply of experts mean that compensation is robust and likely to grow.

18. Public Interest Lawyer

What they do: Public interest lawyers provide legal services with the goal of helping the public or underserved communities, rather than focusing on profit. They often work for legal aid organizations, non-profits, or advocacy groups that address issues like poverty, disability rights, environmental protection, or consumer rights. A public interest lawyer might represent tenants facing unfair evictions, advocate for policy changes to improve social welfare programs, or work on class-action lawsuits on behalf of affected groups. Essentially, they use their legal skills to advance social justice and the common good. Their cases might not always make headlines, but they profoundly affect people’s lives by improving access to justice for those who might otherwise not afford a lawyer.

Typical salary: Salaries for public interest lawyers are generally lower than those in private practice, reflecting the often non-profit funding sources. In Canada, a public interest lawyer might earn around $80,000 to $90,000 per year on average, though entry-level positions could be less and some senior roles (or government-funded positions) could be a bit more. While they may not be the highest-earning lawyers, many in this field find the work rewarding in non-monetary ways. It’s worth noting some law societies and government programs offer student loan relief or bursaries for lawyers who choose public interest careers, acknowledging the pay gap with the private sector.

19. Elder Law Lawyer

What they do: Elder law lawyers serve the legal needs of senior citizens. This is a niche that has grown as Canada’s population ages. Elder law can encompass parts of estate law, family law, healthcare law, and more. These lawyers might help older clients with wills, powers of attorney, and guardianship arrangements if they can no longer make decisions themselves. They also address issues like elder abuse (financial or otherwise), seniors’ housing contracts (retirement home agreements), and ensuring access to government benefits or pensions. In some cases, elder law attorneys may advocate for policy changes to better protect seniors’ rights and wellbeing. Think of them as specialists in the legal issues that arise in one’s golden years – they help protect the autonomy, finances, and dignity of elderly clients.

Typical salary: Elder law often overlaps with estate planning and family practice, so the income is roughly on par with those fields. Many elder law lawyers operate in small firms or solo, serving their local communities. Their earnings might be around the national average for lawyers or slightly below, say in the $80,000 to $110,000 per year range, depending on their clientele and location. Those who combine elder law with estate litigation or other specialized services can earn more. It’s a field driven more by demographic trends and often has a strong personal touch, which for many lawyers is a fulfilling aspect (with decent compensation to sustain a practice).

20. Indigenous Rights Lawyer

What they do: Indigenous rights lawyers (sometimes called Aboriginal law lawyers in Canada) focus on legal issues involving Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) and the Crown (government). They work on matters like treaty rights, land claims, self-government agreements, consultation on resource projects, and cases involving Indigenous law or the Indian Act. For example, if a First Nation argues that a government or company’s action infringes on their treaty rights or traditional lands, an Indigenous rights lawyer would represent them, potentially taking the case through tribunals or courts. These lawyers often work for Indigenous governments or organizations, or for law firms that specialize in Aboriginal law. Their role is crucial in advancing reconciliation and ensuring that Indigenous peoples’ constitutional rights are upheld. They must also be sensitive to cultural practices and often incorporate Indigenous legal principles in their work.

Typical salary: Indigenous rights lawyers can be found in a variety of settings – government (e.g., federal Department of Justice lawyers working on Aboriginal law), private firms, or directly for Indigenous communities. Salaries can vary accordingly. A government lawyer in this area might follow the standard pay scale (which can go into six figures with experience). Lawyers working for First Nations or Indigenous organizations might have modest salaries (perhaps $70,000 to $100,000 depending on funding and experience), whereas those in big law firms dealing with high-stakes negotiations (like impact benefit agreements for mining projects) could earn six-figure incomes similar to other corporate or litigation lawyers. Beyond salary, many are drawn to this field to be part of historic legal developments and to serve justice for Indigenous communities.

As you can see, the legal profession in Canada spans a wide array of specialties. Whether you’re interested in fighting for social justice, navigating business deals, or mastering tax codes, there’s a type of lawyer that fits that interest. Next, we’ll explain how you actually become a lawyer in Canada, and after that, answer a few common questions aspiring lawyers often ask.

How to Become a Lawyer in Canada (Step by Step)

Becoming a lawyer in Canada requires several stages of education and training. Here’s a clear, friendly breakdown of the typical path, from undergrad all the way to being called to the bar:

1. Earn an undergraduate degree: In Canada, you generally need at least three years of undergraduate study (though most people complete a full 4-year bachelor’s degree) before applying to law school. Your degree can be in any field – there’s no requirement for “pre-law” undergrad here. Common majors include political science, history, business, or psychology, but even science or engineering grads can go to law school. The key is to get a solid academic foundation and develop skills in research, writing, and critical thinking.
2. Write the LSAT (Law School Admission Test): The LSAT is a standardized test required by almost all Canadian law schools as part of your application. It tests logic, reasoning, and reading comprehension. Typically, you’ll take the LSAT during your undergrad (usually in third or fourth year). A good LSAT score, combined with your GPA, reference letters, and personal statement, will strengthen your law school application.
3. Graduate from law school: Apply to and complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at a law school in Canada. Law school is usually three years of full-time study. In Quebec, law degrees are a bit different (since civil law is practiced there) – they offer a B.C.L or LL.B., and you can enter after two years of CEGEP instead of a full undergrad. During law school, you’ll study core subjects like constitutional law, criminal law, contracts, and also get to choose some specialties via electives. By the end, you’ll have the academic qualification to move on to licensing.
4. Complete your province’s licensing program (bar admission program): After law school, each province has a bar admission process you must go through to become a licensed lawyer. This generally involves two components: articling and a bar admission course/exam.
   • Articling is a kind of apprenticeship where you work under a practicing lawyer (or several lawyers) for about 10 to 12 months. You’ll gain practical experience – like a medical residency but for lawyers. Some provinces offer alternatives, such as the Law Practice Program in Ontario (a 4-month practical course + placement instead of the traditional articling).
   • Bar admission course and/or exams: Most provinces require you to either take courses and pass exams, or complete an intensive program. For example, in British Columbia, you must take the 10-week Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC) and pass its exams. In Ontario, you need to pass the barrister and solicitor licensing exams. Other provinces use the CPLED “Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP)”, which is a comprehensive course with assignments instead of formal exams. The goal here is to ensure you’re practice-ready and know the professional ethics, procedures, and skills not necessarily covered in law school.
5. Get called to the bar: Once you’ve finished articling and passed the required exams or courses, you can apply to be called to the bar in your province. This is a ceremonial event where you take an oath and officially become a member of the law society (the provincial regulatory body for lawyers). After being called to the bar, congratulations! – you are now a licensed lawyer and can legally practice law in that province. (To practice in a different province later, you may need to write a transfer exam or meet other requirements, but Canada has mobility agreements that make it easier for lawyers to move between provinces.)

After all these steps, you must also be mindful of continuing professional development – lawyers in Canada are required to take ongoing education each year to keep their knowledge up to date. But in terms of becoming a lawyer, the journey typically takes about 7 years after high school (3-4 years undergrad + 3 years law school + 1 year articling/licensing). In a traditional route it’s often 7 to 8 years total post-secondary education and training.

It’s a long road, but for those passionate about law, it’s worth it. And if you’re a student considering this path, you might also be thinking about preparing for the LSAT or keeping your grades up. Don’t hesitate to seek out mentors, talk to law students or lawyers, and make use of tutoring or prep resources (for instance, if you need help with the LSAT, there are specialized tutors and programs available). The effort you invest will pay off when you’re finally able to call yourself a lawyer and start making a difference in your chosen field!

Considering law school?

Becoming a lawyer is a big decision, but it opens the door to a career where you can make a real impact. If you’re gearing up for the journey – starting with that all-important LSAT – make sure to prepare thoroughly. A great way to boost your chances is to get expert guidance. Looking for help with the LSAT or your pre-law studies? Check out TutorLyft’s LSAT tutoring program for personalized support. A strong LSAT score can propel you into the school and career of your dreams. Good luck on your path to becoming a lawyer!