If you’re interested in becoming a lawyer, Canada is a great place to do it. While the process of becoming a lawyer is different in every country, we will outline the basic steps you need to take to become a criminal lawyer in Canada. Keep in mind that this information is not legal advice, and you should always consult with an attorney if you have specific questions about your own situation.
To become a lawyer in Canada, you will need to:
-Complete an accredited law program
-Pass the Canadian Bar Exam
-Articling for 10 Months
-Be called to the bar
Admission & LSAT
In order to practice law in Canada, you must first complete an accredited law program. There are many different law schools across the country, so you will be able to find one that fits your needs and interests. LSAT is required for law school admission. The average LSAT score for students entering law school in 2017 was 155. Successful completion of law school leads to the conferral of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
As there are a limited number of law schools in Canada, the admission process is highly competitive. In order to be admitted into a law school, you will need to have strong grades, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Bar Exam
After you have completed your law degree, you will need to pass the Canadian Bar Exam. This is a challenging exam that covers a variety of topics related to Canadian law. The bar exam covers many different areas of the law, including constitutional law, criminal law, and civil procedure.
Articling
In addition to a J.D. and passing of the Bar Exam, articling is also required. Articling is a period of practical training in law that lasts for ten months. During this time, you will work under the supervision of a lawyer or a judge.
As an alternative to the articling, you can complete the Law Practice Program which is a full-time, intensive program that provides practical legal training.
Practice Area
After completing all these steps, you will be called to the bar and officially become a lawyer in Canada! This is a formal ceremony in which you are sworn in as a lawyer. Once you have been called to the bar, you will be able to start practicing law in Canada.
Most individuals focus on one area of law such as criminal law, family law, or civil litigation. A criminal lawyer will handle a variety of different cases such as fraud, sexual interference, assault causing bodily harm. You are not limited to practicing criminal law, you can also work in other areas of the law such as family law, real estate, or wills and estates.
There are many different paths you can take to become a criminal lawyer in Canada. We hope this guide has provided you with some helpful information about the steps you need to take to become a lawyer in Canada.
