Education · 1 of 4

The path

Become a lawyer, then get hired by a government prosecution service.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Strong marks in English and any writing-heavy course.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   3 to 4 years

   Any subject. Write the LSAT (law school admission test).

3. 3

   Law school (JD, juris doctor)

   3 years

   Take criminal law, evidence, criminal procedure and trial advocacy. Do a criminal moot if you can.

4. 4

   Licensing

   About 1 year

   Article at a Crown attorney's office if you can get in, or at a criminal defence firm. Both count. Then the bar exams.

5. 5

   Get hired

   0 to 3 years

   Apply to your province's Attorney General or to the PPSC (Public Prosecution Service of Canada). Openings are competitive. Many start on short contracts.