After Law School - Becoming a Lawyer
There are many career and academic options available to a student with a law degree, however many require the student become a practicing licensed lawyer. Each province/territory has its own procedure and rules. Every student is individually responsible to ensure they meet the requirements of the Law Society in the province/territory they are interested in becoming a student-at law and eventually licensed to practice as a lawyer. As well, there are some steps to be aware of that arise during law school.
The information below is provided as an overview and the Law Society in which the student wishes to practice must be consulted. Generally the steps to becoming a lawyer are as follows:
1. Successfully complete law school (
Note: Law Societies across Canada often recommend courses
suggestions. There is one Law Society in eastern Canada that has a required
mandatory course load prior to becoming licensed in that province. It is prudent to check with the respective Law Society each year to ensure you meet the course requirements.)
2. Apply to graduate from Law School (in third year).
3. Apply for admission as a Student-at-Law with the respective Law Society (in third year). Most information can now be found on line with the respective Law Society. The Law Society will be your governing and professional body. As with all interactions at law school your professionalism and reputation are of utmost importance. You will want to ensure you have your application completed correctly and delivered to the Law Society well within the deadline periods.
4. Article or Clerkship – This process is governed by the respective Law Society. This period usually lasts approximately one year after law school when combined with the bar course. Articling is a process where a student-at-law works under the guidance of a principal which is a licensed lawyer or Judge. In the event the student is working with a Court the Articles are referred to a Clerkship. Articling is an exciting time as the student will gain invaluable experience and practical information to provide the foundation to practice as a lawyer. Students generally seek articles in the same manner as any other employment search by reviewing postings, researching and contacting employers, submitting applications and attending interviews. Recruitment usually occurs in second year at law school for articles to start and the end of third year. Summer positions are also available after first and second year with recruitment occurring early in the year. Recruitment rules are different in each province are often set by the law society and/or local bar associations. The Career Services office has numerous services and resources to assist students. It is important for students to ensure they are familiar with the rules and to contact the Career Services office if they have any questions.
5. Complete the Bar Admission Course/examinations – This process is governed by the respective Law Society. In Saskatchewan the Bar Admission program is the CPLED program which also operates in Manitoba and Alberta. SKLESI administers the program in Saskatchewan and produces a
Guide to Articling which can be found on their website.
6. Apply to be admitted a Lawyer – Near the end of articles the student will apply to the respective Law Society to become a lawyer. Each jurisdiction has developed its own application procedure which may include signing the rolls, a ceremony and taking the oath. A student-at-law should look into the procedure as soon as possible to ensure no delays in the licensing process.
A Law degree does not automatically entitle the recipient to become a member of a Law Society. Anyone who wishes to practice law should be aware that not all applications are accepted by the respective Law Society. Therefore if a prospective student has any concerns it is worthwhile to review the procedure and requirements ahead of time.
Law Society of Saskatchewan
Tel: 306-569-8242
Website:
http://www.lawsociety.sk.caSaskatchewan Legal Education Society Inc. (SKLESI)
Tel: 306-653-7580
Website:
http://www.sklesi.org