Lori Meadows
International students interested in becoming lawyers in Canada must first complete an undergraduate degree and then attend a Canadian law school. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the method of entry into Law School in Canada and is held about four times a year. After graduating from law school, international students must pass the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams, which are held around four times a year. Once the NCA exams are passed, international students can work on the provincial Bar Admissions Course and complete the required internship, called articling. Finally, international students must pass the Bar Exam in their province to practice law in Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exam | Pass the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams |
| Exam subjects | Foundations of Canadian Professional Responsibility, Canadian Law, Canadian Constitutional Law, Canadian Criminal Law, Canadian Administrative Law, Contract Law, Business Organisations, Property Law and Torts |
| Exam frequency | Held around four times a year |
| Preparation | Students can study by themselves or take an NCA examination preparation course run by a Canadian law school |
| LLMs for foreign lawyers | Many law schools in Canada offer LLM programs to help foreign-trained lawyers pass the NCA exams and Provincial Bar Exams |
| Undergraduate degree | Required before applying to law school |
| LSAT | The Law School Admission Test is required for entry into law school |
| Law school | Attend a Canadian law school and complete a law degree |
| Internship | Complete a nine-month to one-year articling placement with a law firm, government agency, or non-profit |
| Bar exam | Pass the bar exam in the province where you plan to practice law |
| Licensing | Obtain a license to practice law in the province where you plan to practice |
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What You'll Learn
National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams
The National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) assesses the legal education and professional experience of individuals who obtained their credentials outside of Canada or in a Canadian civil law program. The NCA is a standing committee of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. It ensures that anyone who earned their legal education and training outside of Canada has knowledge of Canadian law similar to that offered by an approved Canadian common-law degree program. The NCA uses one standard of evaluation across the country. This means that with one process, you can qualify to enter law society bar admissions programs in any Canadian common law jurisdiction.
The NCA assesses the qualifications of all internationally trained legal graduates, including Canadian citizens who have earned their legal education abroad, newcomers to Canada with overseas legal education, or people thinking of immigrating to Canada. The NCA also assesses individuals with legal qualifications from another country or a Canadian civil law degree.
The NCA process involves writing exams, which can be taken from any location with internet service, including at home, twelve times a year. The exams cover five mandatory subject areas: Foundations of Canadian Professional Responsibility, Canadian Law, Canadian Constitutional Law, Canadian Criminal Law, and Canadian Administrative Law. Students may also have to demonstrate knowledge of Contract Law, Business Organisations, Property Law, and Torts through courses undertaken in Canada or previously when living outside of Canada.
The University of Calgary offers a Foreign Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP), a 12-month Post-bachelor’s Certificate for internationally trained lawyers who wish to become accredited to practice common law in Canada. The FTLP's Law 430 Professional Development course is approved by the NCA as satisfying the NCA legal research and writing requirement.
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Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardised test administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and is required for admission to most North American law programs. It is the method of entry into law school across the US and Canada and is held about four times a year. The LSAT is designed to evaluate the analytical, reasoning, and reading comprehension skills developed over the course of an undergraduate degree. It is also the only test that helps prospective law students determine if law school is right for them.
The LSAT is an integral part of law school admissions and is considered the single best predictor of first-year performance. The test is composed of four sections of multiple-choice questions. The LSAT system of scoring is predetermined, with scores ranging from 120 to 180. The relationship between the number of raw questions answered correctly ("raw score") and the scaled score is determined before the test is administered, through a process called equating. This means that the conversion standard is set beforehand, and the distribution of percentiles can vary during the scoring.
Students can prepare for the LSAT by taking practice tests, using preparation books, and referring to previously administered exams. Some students also opt for test preparation courses offered by companies such as Oxford Seminars and Kaplan.
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Bar Exams
To become a lawyer in Canada, foreign-trained lawyers must pass an assessment by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). The NCA will then inform the lawyer of the Canadian Law courses they must take to pass or if they must complete a Canadian LLB. The NCA assessment is a crucial step for internationally trained lawyers seeking to practise in Canada. This evaluation determines the requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Qualification, which allows you to take the relevant bar exams and become a licensed lawyer in Canada.
The NCA exams are held around four times a year, and students can either study by themselves in preparation for the exams or take a course in NCA examination preparation run by one of the law schools in Canada. The courses cover the five mandatory subject areas in the exam: Foundations of Canadian Professional Responsibility, Canadian Law, Canadian Constitutional Law, Canadian Criminal Law, and Canadian Administrative Law. Students may also have to demonstrate knowledge of Contract Law, Business Organisations, Property Law, and Torts through courses undertaken in Canada or previously outside of Canada.
Once internationally trained students have passed the NCA exam, they can move on to working on the provincial Bar Admissions Course and the articling process. The articling process is a 10-month internship where students work for one or more law firms, government agencies, or non-profits in a kind of apprenticeship. The bar exam can be taken before, during, or after the articling process.
The Ontario bar examination is a multiple-choice, open-book exam with two stages: Barrister and Solicitor exams, which are 7 hours long each. Both examinations are offered three times per year (November, March, and June). Barristers can act as advocates in legal hearings and wear gowns in court, while solicitors perform legal work outside the court, such as contracts and wills.
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Foreign Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP)
The Foreign Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP) is a 12-month post-bachelor's certificate program offered by the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary. The program is designed for internationally trained lawyers who wish to become accredited to practice common law in Canada. It covers the five core National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) common law subjects: Canadian Criminal Law, Canadian Constitutional Law, Canadian Administrative Law, Foundations of Canadian Law, and Ethical Lawyering/Professional Responsibility.
The FTLP is led by Teaching Excellence Award winner and FTLP Executive Director, Dr. Kellinde Wrightson, who is an internationally trained lawyer herself. Professor Wrightson teaches the FTLP's Law 430 Professional Development course, which is approved by the NCA as satisfying its legal research and writing requirement. Her book, "Decoding Canadian Legal Research, Writing and Conventions: A Guide for Internationally Trained Lawyers", is the set text for the course and offers a wealth of information to help international lawyers navigate the journey to practicing law in Canada.
The FTLP is designed to meet the unique needs of its students, with classes offered in the evenings and possibly on weekends to accommodate those who work full-time. The program also provides a dedicated Certified Executive Coach who offers one-on-one and group career coaching, as well as a student support staff member and a career services staff member who provides career mentorship and job placement assistance.
To apply for the FTLP, international students are advised to contact the University of Calgary's International Student Services Office to inquire about study permits, post-graduate work permits, and any visa and immigration considerations. It is important to note that completion of the program does not guarantee permanent residency or the ability to work in Canada.
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Choosing a law school
Location
Consider where in Canada you would like to study. Each province has its own bar admission requirements, so choosing a law school in the province where you plan to practice can be advantageous. Additionally, some cities may have larger immigrant populations, creating a higher demand for legal services and more job opportunities for internationally trained lawyers.
Accreditation and Licensing
Ensure that the law school you choose is accredited by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). The NCA is responsible for evaluating the credentials of internationally trained lawyers and determining the requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Qualification, which is necessary for taking the bar exams and becoming a licensed lawyer in Canada.
Specializations and Programs
Different law schools in Canada offer various specializations, such as business law, constitutional law, health law, or international law. Consider your areas of interest and choose a law school that offers specializations or programs aligned with your career goals. Some schools may also offer co-op or internship programs, providing valuable practical experience.
Admission Requirements and Preparation
Law schools in Canada typically require applicants to have an undergraduate degree and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT evaluates analytical, reasoning, and reading comprehension skills. Consider preparing for the LSAT by taking practice tests or enrolling in preparation courses offered by organizations like Oxford Seminars or Kaplan.
Support Services
Look for law schools that provide comprehensive support services for international students. This includes assistance with visa and immigration processes, academic advising, career coaching, and personal development opportunities. Support services can help you navigate the unique challenges and opportunities you may encounter as an international student.
Reputation and Diversity
Research the reputation and diversity of the law schools you're considering. Osgoode Hall Law School, for instance, is known for being Canada's oldest and most diverse law school, with a commitment to integrating internationally trained lawyers. The University of Calgary's Faculty of Law also offers a dedicated program for internationally trained lawyers, providing tailored support and advising.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to obtain an undergraduate degree. After graduating, students can apply to law school in Canada.
International students need to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) to apply to law school in Canada. This test is designed to evaluate the analytical, reasoning, and reading comprehension skills of the applicant.
After graduating with a law degree, students need to find an articling placement. This is a period of nine months to a year of working for one or more law firms, government agencies, or non-profits in a kind of apprenticeship.
The final step is to pass the bar exam in the province in which you plan to practice. Once this exam is passed, you are free to practice as a lawyer in that province.
