Education · 1 of 5
The path
Same licence as every lawyer. The specialty comes from courses, then the firm that hires you.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
English, biology and anything that teaches you to argue on your feet.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
3 to 4 years
Kinesiology, nursing, psychology and political science all show up. Any subject works. Write the LSAT (law school admission test).
- 3
Law school (JD, juris doctor)
3 years
Take torts, insurance law, evidence, civil procedure and trial advocacy. Moot court helps.
- 4
Articling
About 1 year
8 to 10 months at an injury firm or an insurance defence firm, plus the barrister and solicitor licensing exams. Ontario's Law Practice Program is the alternative to articling.
- 5
Called to the bar
Ceremony
Junior associates run the smaller files, accident benefit claims and discoveries while learning from a senior lawyer.