Education · 1 of 5
The path
Same licence as every lawyer, then a specialty you mostly learn on your feet in court.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
English and anything that makes you speak in front of people.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
3 to 4 years
Criminology, psychology, philosophy and political science are common. Any subject works. Write the LSAT (law school admission test).
- 3
Law school (JD, juris doctor)
3 years
Take criminal procedure, evidence, trial advocacy and the Charter. Join the criminal law clinic if your school has one.
- 4
Articling
About 1 year
8 to 10 months with a criminal defence firm, a legal clinic, or a Crown attorney office, plus the barrister and solicitor licensing exams. Ontario's Law Practice Program is the alternative to articling.
- 5
Called to the bar, then the legal aid panel
First year of practice
Most new defence lawyers join a small firm or go solo, and apply to Legal Aid Ontario's panel so they can take certificate work.