Exploring Articling: Application Timing In Canadian Law

Aspiring lawyers in Canada are required to complete a period of experiential training known as articling. The process involves enrolling in a lawyer qualification process and securing an articling position, which is typically a full-time placement lasting between eight and twelve months. The timing of the application for articling depends on the specific requirements of the province and law society in question. For example, in Alberta, the application process includes submitting an Application for Admission as a Student-at-Law and an Articling Agreement Application through the Lawyer Portal. The application deadline is at least 30 days before the proposed start date of the articling term. In Ontario, candidates must choose between the Articling Program and the Law Practice Program (LPP) as their experiential training. The Articling Program was temporarily adjusted due to COVID-19, with a minimum required length of eight months and a maximum of ten months for placements between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2025. The LPP, on the other hand, offers a four-month training course followed by a four-month work placement.

The role of an articling principal

The principal must also ensure that the articled clerk receives adequate briefing on court etiquette and decorum before appearing before a court or tribunal. The principal is responsible for the conduct and actions of the articled clerk, and the client must understand and agree that the clerk will be handling the matter, except in routine cases. The principal must also ensure that the articled clerk introduces themselves as such to the judge or presiding official.

During the articling period, the principal must provide mid-term and final progress reports. They also have a responsibility to speak to the articled clerk about any conduct that is unprofessional or unsuitable for a lawyer and, if necessary, report them to the Law Society.

To act as a principal, one must have carried on the practice of law for a certain amount of time (e.g., in Nova Scotia, this is at least five years) and meet other eligibility requirements, such as not having been convicted of any charges pursuant to Part III of the Legal Profession Act within three years of the application.

Application requirements

To become a lawyer in Canada, you must complete a period of experiential training called articling. This involves applying for and securing an articling position to fulfil qualification requirements. The term 'articling student' is used to refer to individuals enrolled in the lawyer qualification process who have secured an articling position.

Articling is a full-time placement, typically lasting between eight and twelve months, depending on the province of qualification. During this time, articling students work in an office or remotely, applying knowledge gained in law school to real-life legal situations and developing practical skills.

To apply for articling positions, it is recommended to research firms based on factors such as practice areas, clients, salary range, or location. Most firms advertise articling positions on their websites, providing details in the job description that can be used to tailor your application.

• Academic Qualifications: To apply for articling, you must meet the academic qualifications required by the relevant law society. This typically includes holding a Canadian common law degree or having your degree evaluated by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) if it is a civil law or foreign law degree.
• Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP): In Alberta, applicants must successfully complete PREP, the province's bar admission program offered by the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED). Completing PREP before commencing articling may reduce the term of articles.
• Application Forms: You must complete the necessary application forms, including the Application for Admission as a Student-at-Law and the Articling Agreement Application. These forms are typically submitted electronically through the Lawyer Portal.
• Application Fees: Both the application and admission fees must be paid prior to submitting the Application for Admission. Information on the required fees and payment instructions is usually available on the website of the relevant law society.
• Proof of Identification: Provide a copy of government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or driver's licence, that includes your full legal name.
• Certificate of Standing: Obtain a Certificate of Standing from each law society or governing legal profession of which you are or have been a member, both inside and outside Canada.
• Transcripts or Confirmation of Degree Requirements: If you hold a Canadian common law degree, request an original transcript indicating that your law degree has been conferred. Alternatively, you can provide a letter from the Dean confirming that you have met all degree requirements.
• National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) Certificate: If you hold a civil law or foreign law degree, you must provide an NCA Certificate of Qualification. These documents must be sent directly from the issuer and can be submitted digitally.
• Principal Acceptance: Your chosen principal will be notified of your application and must accept the Articling Agreement through their Lawyer Portal, complete the Mandatory Principal Training Course, and meet the requirements outlined in Rule 55.
• Criminal Record Check: Obtain an official criminal record check from your local police department or the RCMP. This should be from your home province to ensure relevant information is provided. The document should be included with your application and must be dated within 90 days of submission. Alternatively, you can submit an online criminal record check from a reputable company.
• Additional Documentation: In some cases, additional documentation may be required. For example, if your law degree or NCA Certificate of Qualification was issued more than three years ago, you may need to apply for a waiver and provide a detailed resume highlighting areas related to the practice of law.

It is important to note that the specific application requirements may vary slightly between different provinces in Canada. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the guidelines provided by the relevant law society in your province.

Salary expectations

In Canada, the average salary for articling students is $52,295 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $45,000 per year and experienced workers earning up to $123,220 per year. However, salaries can range from as low as minimum wage to $90,000 per year.

In British Columbia, salaries for articling students can vary significantly depending on the region. In Vancouver, the market rate tends to be lower compared to other large cities in Canada. Downtown Vancouver firms offering civil litigation services can pay around $65,000 per year, while boutique, small, or mid-sized firms in the same area offer around $50,000 to $60,000 per year. Outside of Vancouver, in areas like Richmond, Burnaby, and Surrey, salaries can range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.

In Alberta, articling students in big law firms can expect salaries of around $80,000 per year, while mid-sized firms may offer around $65,000 per year.

It is worth noting that some firms may also offer additional benefits, such as paying for bar fees, PLTC fees, and providing salary during PLTC. Therefore, when considering salary expectations, it is important to take into account the overall compensation package, including any additional benefits or perks offered by the firm.

When applying for articling positions, it is recommended to research the salary range for the specific region and type of firm you are interested in. This information can be found through job search engines, firm websites, and resources like the NALP Canada directory of legal employers. Additionally, government articling jobs and large law firm jobs typically post their articling rates online, which can be used as a reference.

Alternatives to articling

There are two main alternatives to articling in Canada. The first is to receive an exemption. All provinces in Canada allow aspiring lawyers to bypass articling if they have already gained substantial legal work experience. The duration requirements vary across provinces.

The second alternative is to enrol in the Lawyer Practice Program (LPP) in Ontario. This is a four-month in-class learning and four-month practical education program. However, this program only satisfies lawyer licensing in Ontario.

The LPP was introduced in 2014 to address the shortage of articling positions for new law graduates in Ontario. It has been criticised for adding approximately $1,900 to the licensing fee of each graduate, and for being perceived as a second-tier option. However, supporters of the LPP argue that it provides a route to becoming a lawyer for groups that have traditionally struggled to find articling jobs, such as mature students, those with foreign law degrees, and racial minorities. The program also teaches professional skills like how to run a business, which can make it easier for new graduates to open their own offices.

How to increase your chances of securing an articling position

Articling positions are highly competitive, so it's important to be proactive and strategic in your approach. Here are some tips to boost your chances of securing an articling placement:

• Network: Get to know people who work at the firm you're interested in. Attend university career fairs, off-campus networking events, and online presentations. Utilise LinkedIn to connect with professionals and learn about the firm's culture and work environment. This will help you tailor your application and make an informed decision about whether to apply.
• Broaden your horizons: Don't limit yourself to a narrow list of firms. Explore a range of organisations, including those that may seem out of your reach. Consider in-house articling roles at companies in industries that interest you.
• Secure summer roles: Many law firms offer articling jobs to their summer students or past legal assistants and paralegals. Aim to secure a legal role during the summer to increase your chances of being considered for an articling position.
• Tailor your application: Research the firms you're applying to thoroughly. Learn about their practice areas, clients, lawyer backgrounds, and the firm's overall culture. Tailor your application to each specific firm to demonstrate your interest and fit for the role.
• Gain relevant experience: Seek out opportunities to gain legal experience, whether through summer roles, internships, or volunteering. Pro Bono Law clinics and the local Elizabeth Fry Society are great places to start. This will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
• Utilise online resources: Take advantage of online platforms such as the NALP Canada directory of legal employers and the viLawPortal, which can help you find articling opportunities and navigate the recruiting process.
• Network on LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to its full potential. Connect with lawyers in your areas of interest, research firms, and seek introductions through mutual connections.
• Join support and mentoring groups: Organisations like Global Lawyers of Canada, the NCA Network, and the ITL Network offer valuable resources, mentoring programs, and networking events for internationally trained lawyers navigating the Canadian qualification process.
• Stay informed: Keep up with recent case law and legal developments, especially in areas such as Charter and Evidence law, as this knowledge will be valuable during interviews.
• Build a positive reputation: Focus on building a reputation for competence, preparation, and fairness. The legal community can be close-knit, and your reputation can precede you. Ensure you associate yourself with reputable professionals who align with your values and career aspirations.

Frequently asked questions