Keith Mack
Studying law is a dream for many, but the path to becoming a lawyer can be long and complex. In Canada, for example, there are at least five steps to becoming a lawyer, including completing a bachelor's degree or undergraduate studies, taking the LSAT, and enrolling in a law program. While the major of your undergraduate degree is not important, achieving a high GPA is, as law schools are competitive. In the US, the process is similar, with most law schools requiring applicants to have completed at least three years of undergraduate studies. In some states, it is possible to take the bar exam without attending law school through an apprenticeship program, but this route is time-consuming and limits you to practicing law in that state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree required | Yes, a bachelor's degree or undergraduate studies are required to qualify for admission to a law program. |
| Duration of undergraduate degree | Typically three or four years of full-time studies. |
| Subject of undergraduate degree | Any subject is acceptable, though some law schools prefer certain subjects. |
| Institution of undergraduate degree | It is not necessary to obtain your undergraduate degree from the same university where you will study law. |
| Standardized tests | Most Canadian law schools require the LSAT. |
| Law school duration | Typically three years. |
| Law school location | It is recommended to attend law school in the country where you intend to practice law. |
| Apprenticeships | In some U.S. states, it is possible to take the bar exam without attending law school through a structured apprenticeship program. |
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What You'll Learn
Undergraduate degree requirements
To study law in Canada, you must first complete an undergraduate degree or bachelor's degree. Most law schools in Canada require at least three years of full-time undergraduate study, although some degrees take four years to complete. There is no specific field of study required for your undergraduate degree, and it does not have to be from the same university where you will be studying law. However, it is important to choose a reputable and accredited institution. International students can also apply to Canadian law schools with an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in their home country.
When applying to law school, your undergraduate degree serves as important insurance. If you are unable to complete law school, your undergraduate major will become very important for your career prospects. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a high GPA during your undergraduate studies. Additionally, you will need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) to gain admission to most Canadian law schools. The LSAT consists of multiple-choice questions and a brief essay, testing your reading comprehension and analytical skills. While most law schools do not require a minimum LSAT score, a higher score will strengthen your application.
It is worth noting that some colleges in Canada offer diploma programs that may not satisfy the entry requirements for law school. Universities, on the other hand, typically confer degrees such as bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, which are generally accepted for law school admissions. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the college or university you choose offers a degree program that meets the academic eligibility criteria for law school in Canada.
In certain states in the US, such as California, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, it is possible to take the bar exam without attending law school through a structured apprenticeship program. However, this option may not be available in all states, and it may be more time-consuming and limiting in terms of practising law in other states. Therefore, obtaining an undergraduate degree and completing law school is generally the preferred path for those aspiring to pursue a career in law.
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LSAT scores
To study law in Canada, you must first complete your bachelor's degree or undergraduate studies. Most Canadian law schools require the standard LSAT, a standardised test accepted by all American Bar Association-approved law programs in the US. The LSAT is often considered the most important factor in admission to law school. However, it is not the only factor, and admissions statistics vary across schools.
The LSAT consists of two portions, both of which must be completed. The first part includes several sections of multiple-choice questions and problems designed to test your reading comprehension and ability to think logically and analytically. The second part involves writing a brief essay, which is done separately from the multiple-choice portion. The LSAT does not test factual information on law or any other subject area. You may write the test more than once, but you should check with your desired law schools to see how they treat multiple test writings.
Your LSAT score will be posted to the LSAT Status page of your LSAC JD Account, and you will receive an email when your score is available. Your score is released only to you and the law schools to which you have applied. You can also request that your score be released to other law schools during the registration process. LSAT scores are valid for up to five testing years after the testing year in which the score is earned.
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Law school application process
To study law at a college or university, you must first complete your bachelor's degree or undergraduate studies. This is because law schools typically require applicants to have completed at least three years of full-time undergraduate study, although some degrees require four years.
There is no specific degree or area of study required for law school applications. Your bachelor's degree may or may not be related to the legal field. It is also not required that you earn your bachelor's degree with the same university where you'll be studying law.
Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, the next step is to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is a standardised test created and administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), an independent non-profit organisation based in the US. It is held online and may be taken in any country with reliable internet service. The LSAT consists of two portions, both of which must be completed: multiple-choice questions and problems designed to test reading comprehension and your ability to think logically and analytically, and a brief essay, which is done separately from the multiple-choice portion. It is important to prepare for the LSAT, as it can take multiple months, and you should aim to get your score before your first law school application is due.
After completing your bachelor's degree and taking the LSAT, you can start applying to law schools. Most law schools open their applications by September, and it is beneficial to submit your application as early as possible. You should carefully read the application, as short-answer questions and supplemental essay prompts may change year to year. You will need to compile a list of requirements for each target school, and you may need to submit transcripts and letters of recommendation. It is recommended that you start working on your personal statement in September, so that you have plenty of time to revise, reflect and get feedback.
It is important to note that the application process may vary slightly depending on the law school and your location. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the specific requirements of your chosen law schools.
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Law school alternatives
In Canada and the US, a bachelor's degree is required to qualify for admission to a law program. However, this does not have to be law-related, and any undergraduate degree is good preparation for law school. For example, students at the University of Toronto have degrees in a range of subjects, from engineering to music.
There are, however, alternatives to the traditional route of obtaining a bachelor's degree and then going to law school. These include:
- 3-3 programs: Students attend both college and law school at the same school, taking six years in total to complete both.
- Spring entry programs: Some law schools offer programs that start in the spring semester, allowing students to start law school immediately after graduating from college a semester early.
- Part-time programs: Some law schools offer part-time programs where students attend classes in the evening, allowing them to work full-time and keep earning throughout law school.
- Hybrid programs: Some law schools offer partial distance learning, allowing students to attend remotely and only come to campus for part of the year.
There are also alternative career paths for those who want to work in the legal sector but not as lawyers. For example, at UC Berkeley, the PPIA Junior Summer Institute offers a seven-week program to improve participants' analytical and quantitative skills, which are vital for success in public policy, international affairs, and law. Other roles in the legal sector include political associates, research associates, and public defender client advocates.
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Law school graduate prospects
Law school graduates have promising job prospects. The majority of law school graduates are employed at a law firm, with over 85% of law school students from the class of 2023 securing a job within 10 months of graduation. This is the highest figure measured in over a decade and is a slight increase from the class of 2022, which reported an 84.6% job placement rate.
However, it is important to note that the legal job market is subject to fluctuations, with periods of high demand followed by periods of contraction. While the class of 2023 enjoyed record-high employment rates, subsequent classes may face a more challenging job market. The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) reported a "drop in demand for new law talent at law firms," resulting in a softer recruiting cycle.
To enhance their employability, law school graduates can consider obtaining a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is required to practice law in common law provinces in Canada. Alternatively, a civil law degree is needed to practice in Quebec. Law schools may offer combined programs covering common and civil law or joint degrees with other fields of study.
Additionally, law school graduates should aim for strong academic performance and gain practical experience through internships or summer programs. Networking and building connections within the legal community can also improve job prospects.
In summary, while the job market for law school graduates varies over time, the majority of graduates find employment within 10 months. To maximize their chances of employment, graduates should focus on academic excellence, practical experience, and industry connections.
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Frequently asked questions
In Canada, you need to have completed a bachelor's degree or undergraduate studies. This can be in any subject and does not have to be law-related.
Yes, you will need to take the LSAT exam. This consists of multiple-choice questions and an essay, testing your reading comprehension and ability to think logically and analytically.
It usually takes three to four years to complete a law degree at college.
In some states, such as California, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, you can take the bar exam without going to law school through a structured apprenticeship program. However, this route is often time-consuming, and you can only practice law in that state.
