Education · 1 of 5

The path

Same licence as every lawyer. The specialty comes from courses, clinics and where you article.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   English, and anything that teaches you to listen to people who are upset.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   3 to 4 years

   Psychology, social work, sociology and political science are common. Any subject works. Write the LSAT (law school admission test).

3. 3

   Law school (JD, juris doctor)

   3 years

   Take family law, evidence, negotiation and children's law. Most schools run a family law clinic or a legal aid clinic with family files.

4. 4

   Articling

   About 1 year

   8 to 10 months at a family firm or a legal clinic, plus the barrister and solicitor licensing exams. Ontario's Law Practice Program is the alternative to articling.

5. 5

   Called to the bar

   Ceremony

   Join a small firm, or go solo. Many family lawyers add mediation or collaborative training in their first few years.