Education · 1 of 4

The path

A short college program, a placement, then learn the firm's systems.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Any stream. English marks and typing speed matter.

2. 2

   College diploma

   1 to 2 years

   Law clerk (2 years) or legal administrative assistant (1 year). Litigation, real estate, corporate, family and wills procedures, plus legal software.

3. 3

   Placement

   4 to 8 weeks

   Most programs end with a few weeks in a law office. It is your first reference.

4. 4

   First job

   1 to 2 years

   Junior clerk or assistant. You learn one practice area and the firm's systems.

5. 5

   Optional certification

   1 to 3 years part-time

   In Ontario, the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario runs a voluntary certification. Some firms want it for senior roles.