Gavin Howe
Getting into law school in Canada is a competitive process. There are 24 law schools in Canada, each with its own requirements for admission. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a mandatory assessment for admission into any LSAC-approved law school. A bachelor's degree is also required for law school, but there is no best major. Instead, applicants should demonstrate strong research and writing skills. Other factors that are considered include work experience, leadership, community involvement, and personal background.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of law schools in Canada | 24 |
| Requirements for admission | Vary across institutions |
| Application process | Direct applications to institutions or via LSAC/OLSAS |
| Academic requirements | Minimum 3 years of undergraduate study (90 credits) from a recognised university; most admitted students have a 4-year degree |
| GPA requirements | Considered by admissions committees; no strict minimums |
| LSAT requirements | Considered by admissions committees; no strict minimums |
| Other requirements | Personal statement, letters of reference, work/volunteer experience, academic performance |
| Special considerations | Indigenous applicants may need to complete a preliminary summer course at the University of Saskatchewan |
| Provincial considerations | Quebec: graduation from a civil law school, followed by Bar School and the Stage; Ontario: Legal Practice Program (LPP) or Articling |
| Specialisations | Business law, constitutional law, health law, international law, conflict resolution, aboriginal law, innovation and entrepreneurship |
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What You'll Learn
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardised test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for prospective law school candidates. It is an integral part of the law school admission process in Canada (for common law programs only). The test has existed since 1948 and the current form of the exam has been used since 1991. The LSAT is offered seven times a year and it costs $222 to take the test and receive one free score report. The registration deadline is typically one month before the test date.
The LSAT is designed to assess reading comprehension and logical reasoning and is scored on a scale of 120 to 180 points. The exam consists of four sections, including three scored multiple-choice sections, an unscored experimental section, and an unscored writing section. The test is 2 hours and 30 minutes long and consists of 99–102 multiple-choice questions. The LSAT is designed so that the average test-taker should not be able to answer all the questions in the time allotted.
LSAC recommends advance preparation for the LSAT due to the importance of the test in law school admissions. The structure of the LSAT and the types of questions asked are generally consistent from year to year, which allows students to practice on question types that frequently appear in examinations. LSAC offers free official practice tests that can be downloaded from their website.
When applying to law schools, candidates must submit their LSAT score through LSAC to OLSAS. Both the multiple-choice part and the LSAT writing sample must be completed for the score to be considered.
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Application process
The application process for law schools in Canada can vary depending on the province and the specific requirements of the chosen institution. However, here is a general step-by-step guide on how to apply to a law college in Canada:
Step 1: Research and Choose Your Target Law Schools
Firstly, you should research and identify the law schools in Canada that align with your interests and career goals. Consider factors such as the specializations offered, opportunities for practical experience, and the admissions requirements. There are 24 law schools in Canada, each with its own unique approach to legal education.
Step 2: Meet the Academic Prerequisites
Most law schools in Canada require applicants to have completed at least three years of full-time undergraduate study (90 credits) towards a degree or already hold an undergraduate degree. While some schools may accept a bachelor's degree in any field, others may have specific degree requirements. It is important to check the prerequisites for your chosen law schools.
Step 3: Prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The LSAT is a crucial component of your law school application. It is a standardized test that assesses your reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills. It is offered four times a year, and you should allow at least three months to prepare for it. Your LSAT score will be one of the biggest considerations for your application, so it is important to take it seriously.
Step 4: Gather Your Application Materials
You will need to submit a range of documents as part of your law school application. This typically includes official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, LSAT scores, a personal statement, and letters of reference.
Step 5: Complete and Submit Your Application
Most law schools in Canada require you to apply directly through their online portals. However, applicants to Ontario law schools must use the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS). Be sure to meet all the important deadlines and follow any specific guidelines provided by your chosen law schools.
Step 6: Consider Additional Requirements for Quebec
If you plan to practice law in Quebec, you need to be aware of the unique requirements of this province. To practice law in Quebec, you must attend a French civil law school and complete the necessary bar admission requirements, including attending Bar School and completing the Stage, which is the civil law equivalent of articling.
Step 7: Explore Indigenous-Specific Programs
If you are an Indigenous applicant, there are specific programs designed to prepare you for law school and strengthen your applications. For example, the University of Saskatchewan offers a full-time summer course that helps prepare Aboriginal students for law school.
Remember, the application process can be competitive, so it is important to put your best foot forward and showcase your unique strengths, experiences, and aspirations in your application.
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Choosing a specialisation
Look beyond legal topics
While it is easy to think of specialisations in terms of their topical focus, such as environmental law, labour law, or constitutional law, it is important to consider the lifestyle differences across different fields. For example, a criminal lawyer may need to handle a hectic and unpredictable schedule, whereas a corporate lawyer may have a more stable routine.
Try out different courses
Experimenting with different courses during your undergraduate studies or in the early years of law school can help expose you to various legal specialties. This will allow you to identify your interests and determine which specialisation aligns with your career goals.
Stay open-minded
Entering law school, you might have a specific specialisation in mind. However, it is beneficial to stay open-minded and explore other areas of law. You might discover a new interest or realise that a different specialisation better suits your strengths and weaknesses.
Consider the strengths of the law school
Different law schools may have strong programs in certain concentrations. Choosing a law school that aligns with your specialisation of interest can enhance your credibility when entering your specialised field. Additionally, consider the availability of graduate employment data to make an informed decision.
Engage in extracurricular activities
Participating in extracurricular activities, such as campus clubs, student publications, or public interest opportunities, can provide valuable real-world experience. These activities can give you an inside view of the justice system and current legal issues, allowing you to explore different legal specialties and build relationships with potential mentors or role models.
Remember, choosing a specialisation is a personal decision that should consider your interests, strengths, and career goals. While it is important to be focused, it is also common for law school graduates to evolve and explore different specialisations throughout their careers.
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Articling
To become a lawyer in Canada, articling is a mandatory step in the process. Articling involves a placement lasting nine to twelve months, where you work for one or more law firms, government agencies, or non-governmental organisations under the supervision of a licensed lawyer. This lawyer is referred to as the “principal". The principal must approve your work and, together, you must complete an Evaluation Certificate. This is then submitted to the relevant Law Society.
The specific requirements of articling vary across Canada's provinces and territories. For example, in Ontario, articling can be replaced by the eight-month Legal Practice Program, which includes four months of articling. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Law Society requires students to take a seven-week Bar Admission Course as part of their 52-week articling period. In Alberta, students who have completed the Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) are eligible for a three-month reduction to the standard 12-month articling period.
To become a Student-at-Law in Alberta, you must complete the Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) course and a clerkship/articling period. The CPLED program is also shared by Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In Manitoba, after law school, you must complete the Law Society of Manitoba's Pre-Call Education Program, which includes the Manitoba CPLED Program and an articling period.
In Quebec, bar admission usually requires graduation from a civil law school, followed by attendance at Bar School and a period of completing the "Stage", the civil law equivalent.
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Bar admission exams
Once you have completed a law degree, you will need to pass the bar admission exams for the area where you plan to practice. Canada's 14 provincial and territorial Law Societies are responsible for regulating lawyers in the public interest. Each Law Society has its own requirements for the bar admissions process.
For example, in Quebec, bar admission usually requires graduation from a civil law school, followed by attendance at Bar School and a period of completing the Stage, which is the civil law equivalent. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Law Society requires students to take a seven-week Bar Admission Course as part of their 52-week articling period. In Ontario, you can opt to take the eight-month Law Practice Program (LPP) at Toronto Metropolitan University or the University of Ottawa, which includes four months of articling.
The Federation of Law Societies of Canada offers bar admission candidates in Ontario rigorous experiential training to prepare them for the legal workplace. The NCA (National Committee on Accreditation) uses one standard of evaluation across the country, which means you only need to go through one process to qualify for entry to law society bar admissions programs in any Canadian common-law jurisdiction. The NCA does not assess people who want to practice civil law in Canada or become members of the Barreau du Québec or the Chambre des notaires du Québec.
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Frequently asked questions
You need at least three years of undergraduate study (90 credits) or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. While there is no specific major required, strong research and writing skills are essential. You also need to pass the LSAT, a standardized test held four times a year, which assesses your reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning.
Most law schools in Canada require you to apply through their online portals. However, applicants to Ontario law schools must use the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS). You will need to submit official transcripts, LSAT scores, and a personal statement as part of your application.
LSAT scores are one of the biggest considerations for your application. However, they are usually considered alongside other factors like your GPA, personal statement, work experience, and extracurricular activities. A high LSAT score alone may not guarantee admission, but it is an essential part of your application.
Popular choices for pre-law students include Political Science, History, English, Business Administration, Psychology, and STEM fields. However, admissions committees generally prioritize strong GPAs over specific majors. It is more important to choose courses that build key law school skills like writing, research, and critical thinking.
Yes, the University of Saskatchewan offers a summer course to help prepare Aboriginal students for law school. Successful completion of this program strengthens their applications to Canadian law schools and may even be required for admission to some institutions.
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