How to Immigrate to Canada for Lawyer Careers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nYou can immigrate to Canada and become a lawyer, but you have to complete a series of steps to get accredited before you can practice law. The National Committee on Accreditation<\/a> (NCA) which is part of the Federation of Law Societies in Canada (FLSC), assesses the qualifications of all internationally-trained legal graduates, whether they are Canadian citizens who have obtained their legal education abroad or newcomers to Canada with an overseas legal education. You can start the assessment process<\/a> before moving to Canada. The NCA will not process your application until they get all your documents and the required fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBefore You Move to Canada to Continue Your Law Career<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you have international qualifications, it\u2019s helpful to know how your qualifications will be assessed. It\u2019s also important to research the Canadian labour market to identify if there is a demand for the type of law that you want to practice. Ensuring that a demand exists will go a long way to continuing your law career in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are steps that you can take before you immigrate to improve your chances of practicing law in Canada:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Attend the webinar How to Find Your First Job in Canada as a Newcomer<\/em><\/strong> to learn about job search strategies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Contact the provincial or territorial law society where you plan to settle in Canada to find out about the:\n
\n- The process to follow to obtain a law license, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Steps you can take before and after you immigrate to Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Documents you require<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Assessment fees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Assess your language skills by taking an online self-assessment on the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks<\/a> website.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Improve your language skills and enroll in language classes while still in your home country and continue them after moving to Canada. You\u2019ll need to prove your English or French (depending on your destination province) language competency or be tested. Good communication skills are essential in lawyer careers. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Understand how the law is practiced in Canada and familiarize yourself with the provincial legislation where you\u2019ll settle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Research lawyer salary, benefits, and compensation. Lawyer salaries can change a lot based on where you live. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Know the name of your job title in Canada so that you know what job titles to search for.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
What to Expect When Pursuing a Lawyer Career in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you want to continue your law career in Canada, it\u2019s essential to research what\u2019s required. You may need to upgrade your skills and prepare for licensing exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lawyers and notaries belong to a regulated profession in Canada. This means that you must be licensed by the provincial or territorial law society where you settle. It can take both significant time and money to prepare to work as a lawyer in Canada and you need to plan for that reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FLSC<\/a> is the national body that coordinates the provincial and territorial law societies that exist in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe English-speaking provinces of Canada follow the English common law traditions, while in the French-speaking province of Quebec, the legal tradition is based on civil law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To practice law in the province of Quebec, a bachelor\u2019s degree in civil law from a recognized law school and a master\u2019s degree in notarial law are required along with licensing by the Chambre des notaires du Qu\u00e9bec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nEmployment Outlook for Lawyer Jobs in Canada <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Lawyer](\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2-What-to-Expect-When-Pursuing-a-Lawyer-Career-in-Canada.png\")
The labour supply and demand conditions for lawyers in Canada are balanced. <\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe labour market conditions (supply and demand) for lawyer careers in Canada are balanced. It\u2019s expected that 39,200 lawyer jobs will become available from 2022-2031 and there will be enough job seekers to fill these roles, including new immigrants. The Government of Canada\u2019s Job Bank<\/a> is a valuable resource with key facts and figures about working as a lawyer in Canada. You\u2019ll also find information about wages<\/a> (national, provincial, and regional averages) job prospects<\/a>, and a summary of labour market conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nStart Your Research with the NOC Code for Lawyer Jobs in Canada<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTo begin your research, you can refer to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 41101<\/a> for Lawyers and Quebec notaries. Here you\u2019ll get a profile and overview of the main duties, employment requirements, and other job titles that employers may advertise for. This is helpful to know when you begin your job search in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"National](\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-27-1024x862.png\")
Use the NOC to gain general information about the role, example titles, and employment requirements. <\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nRequirements to Become a Lawyer in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhether you are an internationally trained lawyer immigrating to Canada, a Canadian citizen who has obtained a legal education abroad, or even a prospective immigrant, the NCA will assess your qualifications. You can apply while still in your home country \u2013 your citizenship, nationality, and residency are not factors in the assessment process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n5 Steps to Accreditation as a Lawyer in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n1. Apply for a Certificate of Qualification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSubmit your application<\/a> to the NCA with the right documents and payment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n2. NCA Assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe NCA assesses each application on an individual basis, taking into account legal education and professional experience, and determines what further education is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n3. NCA Assignments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe NCA will tell you what you must do to qualify for law society bar admission (known as “assignments”). Applicants from a common-law jurisdiction may be asked to take several NCA exam<\/a>s or equivalent courses at a Canadian law school<\/a>. Applicants from a non-common law jurisdiction, who have had minimal or no exposure to common law, are usually required to obtain a Canadian LLB\/JD degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n4. Complete Your NCA Assignments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe NCA will send you a letter to describe the legal education you need to complete your assignments<\/a>. These assignments ensure that your knowledge of Canadian law is similar to someone who got their degree from a Canadian common law program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n5. NCA Issues a Certificate of Qualification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen you meet the requirements successfully, the NCA will issue you a Certificate of Qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With your NCA Certificate of Qualification in hand, you can apply for student-at-law status with the Law Society of your province (see section: Law Societies and Associations below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDocuments Required for the NCA Assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTo apply for an NCA assessment, you will have to submit some or all of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- A completed <\/strong>application form<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- An original set of your final academic transcripts (copies will not be accepted)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- A current detailed Curriculum Vitae (your education and work experience)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Payment of a non-refundable application fee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As well, the institutions referred to below must send the following documents directly to the NCA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- An official copy of your academic transcripts issued by the institution where you obtained your legal education<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- A certificate or letter of membership in good standing issued by the local regulatory authority which governs your admission to the practice of law in that jurisdiction (if applicable)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- An official copy of your transcripts issued by the local regulatory authority that governs your admission to the practice of law in that jurisdiction (if applicable).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While language competency is not a requirement, NCA exams require a high language competency both in reading and writing. As well, to practice law in Canada you need to have high competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing communication skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce the NCA receives all your documents, it can take up to three months to process your application. The NCA will mail their assessment to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nCredentials Assessment Services for Lawyers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you plan to enroll in a college or university program to upgrade your skills before pursuing a lawyer career, you may have to get an educational evaluation. However, before you spend any money, contact the school to find out if they have a preferred credential assessment agency that you should use. This step can save you money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Education Services (WES) \u2013 Ontario<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nInternational Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) \u2013 Alberta<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) \u2013 British Columbia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nTo find more organizations and agencies providing credential evaluation, assessment and qualification recognition services click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nUpgrading Your Skills to Meet Lawyer Job Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Lawyer](\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-Upgrading-Your-Skills-to-Meet-Lawyer-Job-Requirements.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn addition to accreditation, upgrading your skills through a bridging program or other courses and workshops is an important part of your journey to becoming a lawyer in Canada. You must have strong communication, legal research and writing, and technical skills. Canadian legal employers also expect you to be resilient, flexible, assertive, and innovative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may have strong technical skills, but often that is not enough to get a job or maintain it afterward. You may need more training or skills upgrading, especially your soft skills. Any additional skills you add will help your chance of success in your lawyer career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nLanguage Training for Lawyers in Canada<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHaving strong skills in one or both of Canada\u2019s official languages \u2013 English or French \u2013 is extremely important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)<\/a> program. Otherwise, you can find other free or affordable English as a Second Language or French as Second Language classes through local school boards or settlement agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are even language courses to teach you professional terminologies, such as job-specific language training<\/a> and if residing in Ontario, Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT)<\/a>. If you are in Toronto, the Toronto District Board of School offers a fourteen-week Enhanced Language Training program focusing on Customer Service & Administration<\/a> for immigrant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd, if you already speak one of Canada\u2019s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option, as it may offer you better lawyer career opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBridging Programs for Lawyer Careers in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Law](\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/4-Bridging-Programs-for-Lawyer-Careers-in-Canada.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBridging programs are a helpful way to transition from your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. You can find more information about bridging programs for lawyer careers in Ontario and Alberta:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nBridging Programs for Lawyer Careers in Ontario<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nOsgoode Hall Law School<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nNCA Online Exam Prep<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis course is designed for foreign-qualified lawyers planning to write the NCA exams. It offers instruction in: Foundations of Canadian Law; Constitutional Law; Administrative Law; and, Canadian Criminal Law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nBridging Programs for Lawyer Careers in Alberta<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBredin Centre for Learning<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCentre for Skilled and Internationally Trained Professionals<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nA no-cost program that helps internationally educated professionals (IEPs) understand and navigate the licensure and credential process in Canada. Bredin staff will support IEPs through the process and assist them with finding employment that is related to their education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nCalgary Region Immigrant Emploment Council<\/a> (CRIEC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCRIEC helps internationally trained lawyers to navigate the accreditation process including mentoring, workshops and observerships in legal workplaces and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nLaw Schools in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Students](\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Students-attending-law-school-in-Canada.png\")
There are several law school programs to help internationally trained lawyers with the accreditation process.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are 23 law schools in Canada: seven in the Western Region, eight in Ontario, five in Quebec, and three in the Atlantic Region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All these schools offer a professional degree in one or both of Canada\u2019s two systems of law (Common Law; Civil Law). They also offer a variety of programs: the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and traditional Bachelor of Laws (LLB); professional degrees leading to the practice of law, graduate studies in law, and various joint programs. Some offer their programs in English only, others in French only, while others offer partially or fully bilingual programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Ontario, several law schools offer programs to help internationally trained lawyers with the accreditation process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Law<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nGlobal Professional LLM<\/a> (GPLLM)<\/p>\n\n\n\nJuris Doctor (J.D.) Program<\/a> \u2013 admits some foreign-trained lawyers to the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nYork University<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nOsgoode Hall Law School <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn B.C., the University of British Columbia offers the Master of Laws (Common Law) Program LL.M (CL)<\/a>. This year-long, l program provides foundational training in common law and in Canadian law for foreign-trained or non-common law trained lawyers. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLearn more about Canadian law school programs and admission criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nLaw Schools in Ontario<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLakehead University \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversity of Ottawa \u2013 Common Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversit\u00e9 d\u2019Ottawa Facult\u00e9 de droit \u2013 Section de droit civil<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nQueen\u2019s University \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWestern University \u2013 Western Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nToronto Metropolitan University \u2013 Lincoln Alexander School of Law <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversity of Windsor \u2013 Windsor Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversity of Toronto \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWestern Region Law Schools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nUniversity of Alberta \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nPeter A. Allard School of Law \u2013 University of British Columbia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFaculty of Law \u2013 University of Calgary<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversity of Manitoba \u2013 Robson Hall Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversity of Saskatchewan \u2013 College of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nThompson River University \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversity of Victoria \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLaw Schools in Quebec<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nUniversit\u00e9 de Laval \u2013 Baccalaur\u00e9at en Droit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMcGill University \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al \u2013 Facult\u00e9 de Droit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversit\u00e9 du Qu\u00e9bec \u2013 Facult\u00e9 de Science Politique et de Droit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFacult\u00e9 de droit \u2013 Universit\u00e9 de Sherbrooke<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nLaw Schools in the Atlantic Region<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDalhousie University \u2013 Schulich School of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversit\u00e9 de Moncton \u2013 Facult\u00e9 de Droit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can immigrate to Canada and become a lawyer, but you have to complete a series of steps to get accredited before you can practice law. The National Committee on Accreditation<\/a> (NCA) which is part of the Federation of Law Societies in Canada (FLSC), assesses the qualifications of all internationally-trained legal graduates, whether they are Canadian citizens who have obtained their legal education abroad or newcomers to Canada with an overseas legal education. You can start the assessment process<\/a> before moving to Canada. The NCA will not process your application until they get all your documents and the required fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have international qualifications, it\u2019s helpful to know how your qualifications will be assessed. It\u2019s also important to research the Canadian labour market to identify if there is a demand for the type of law that you want to practice. Ensuring that a demand exists will go a long way to continuing your law career in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are steps that you can take before you immigrate to improve your chances of practicing law in Canada:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to continue your law career in Canada, it\u2019s essential to research what\u2019s required. You may need to upgrade your skills and prepare for licensing exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lawyers and notaries belong to a regulated profession in Canada. This means that you must be licensed by the provincial or territorial law society where you settle. It can take both significant time and money to prepare to work as a lawyer in Canada and you need to plan for that reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The FLSC<\/a> is the national body that coordinates the provincial and territorial law societies that exist in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The English-speaking provinces of Canada follow the English common law traditions, while in the French-speaking province of Quebec, the legal tradition is based on civil law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To practice law in the province of Quebec, a bachelor\u2019s degree in civil law from a recognized law school and a master\u2019s degree in notarial law are required along with licensing by the Chambre des notaires du Qu\u00e9bec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The labour market conditions (supply and demand) for lawyer careers in Canada are balanced. It\u2019s expected that 39,200 lawyer jobs will become available from 2022-2031 and there will be enough job seekers to fill these roles, including new immigrants. The Government of Canada\u2019s Job Bank<\/a> is a valuable resource with key facts and figures about working as a lawyer in Canada. You\u2019ll also find information about wages<\/a> (national, provincial, and regional averages) job prospects<\/a>, and a summary of labour market conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To begin your research, you can refer to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 41101<\/a> for Lawyers and Quebec notaries. Here you\u2019ll get a profile and overview of the main duties, employment requirements, and other job titles that employers may advertise for. This is helpful to know when you begin your job search in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you are an internationally trained lawyer immigrating to Canada, a Canadian citizen who has obtained a legal education abroad, or even a prospective immigrant, the NCA will assess your qualifications. You can apply while still in your home country \u2013 your citizenship, nationality, and residency are not factors in the assessment process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Submit your application<\/a> to the NCA with the right documents and payment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The NCA assesses each application on an individual basis, taking into account legal education and professional experience, and determines what further education is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The NCA will tell you what you must do to qualify for law society bar admission (known as “assignments”). Applicants from a common-law jurisdiction may be asked to take several NCA exam<\/a>s or equivalent courses at a Canadian law school<\/a>. Applicants from a non-common law jurisdiction, who have had minimal or no exposure to common law, are usually required to obtain a Canadian LLB\/JD degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The NCA will send you a letter to describe the legal education you need to complete your assignments<\/a>. These assignments ensure that your knowledge of Canadian law is similar to someone who got their degree from a Canadian common law program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you meet the requirements successfully, the NCA will issue you a Certificate of Qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With your NCA Certificate of Qualification in hand, you can apply for student-at-law status with the Law Society of your province (see section: Law Societies and Associations below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n To apply for an NCA assessment, you will have to submit some or all of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As well, the institutions referred to below must send the following documents directly to the NCA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While language competency is not a requirement, NCA exams require a high language competency both in reading and writing. As well, to practice law in Canada you need to have high competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing communication skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the NCA receives all your documents, it can take up to three months to process your application. The NCA will mail their assessment to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to enroll in a college or university program to upgrade your skills before pursuing a lawyer career, you may have to get an educational evaluation. However, before you spend any money, contact the school to find out if they have a preferred credential assessment agency that you should use. This step can save you money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n World Education Services (WES) \u2013 Ontario<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) \u2013 Alberta<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) \u2013 British Columbia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To find more organizations and agencies providing credential evaluation, assessment and qualification recognition services click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to accreditation, upgrading your skills through a bridging program or other courses and workshops is an important part of your journey to becoming a lawyer in Canada. You must have strong communication, legal research and writing, and technical skills. Canadian legal employers also expect you to be resilient, flexible, assertive, and innovative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may have strong technical skills, but often that is not enough to get a job or maintain it afterward. You may need more training or skills upgrading, especially your soft skills. Any additional skills you add will help your chance of success in your lawyer career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having strong skills in one or both of Canada\u2019s official languages \u2013 English or French \u2013 is extremely important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)<\/a> program. Otherwise, you can find other free or affordable English as a Second Language or French as Second Language classes through local school boards or settlement agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are even language courses to teach you professional terminologies, such as job-specific language training<\/a> and if residing in Ontario, Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT)<\/a>. If you are in Toronto, the Toronto District Board of School offers a fourteen-week Enhanced Language Training program focusing on Customer Service & Administration<\/a> for immigrant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, if you already speak one of Canada\u2019s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option, as it may offer you better lawyer career opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bridging programs are a helpful way to transition from your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. You can find more information about bridging programs for lawyer careers in Ontario and Alberta:<\/p>\n\n\n\n NCA Online Exam Prep<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This course is designed for foreign-qualified lawyers planning to write the NCA exams. It offers instruction in: Foundations of Canadian Law; Constitutional Law; Administrative Law; and, Canadian Criminal Law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Centre for Skilled and Internationally Trained Professionals<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A no-cost program that helps internationally educated professionals (IEPs) understand and navigate the licensure and credential process in Canada. Bredin staff will support IEPs through the process and assist them with finding employment that is related to their education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calgary Region Immigrant Emploment Council<\/a> (CRIEC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n CRIEC helps internationally trained lawyers to navigate the accreditation process including mentoring, workshops and observerships in legal workplaces and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are 23 law schools in Canada: seven in the Western Region, eight in Ontario, five in Quebec, and three in the Atlantic Region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All these schools offer a professional degree in one or both of Canada\u2019s two systems of law (Common Law; Civil Law). They also offer a variety of programs: the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and traditional Bachelor of Laws (LLB); professional degrees leading to the practice of law, graduate studies in law, and various joint programs. Some offer their programs in English only, others in French only, while others offer partially or fully bilingual programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Ontario, several law schools offer programs to help internationally trained lawyers with the accreditation process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Global Professional LLM<\/a> (GPLLM)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program<\/a> \u2013 admits some foreign-trained lawyers to the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Osgoode Hall Law School <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In B.C., the University of British Columbia offers the Master of Laws (Common Law) Program LL.M (CL)<\/a>. This year-long, l program provides foundational training in common law and in Canadian law for foreign-trained or non-common law trained lawyers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about Canadian law school programs and admission criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lakehead University \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n University of Ottawa \u2013 Common Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Universit\u00e9 d\u2019Ottawa Facult\u00e9 de droit \u2013 Section de droit civil<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Queen\u2019s University \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Western University \u2013 Western Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Toronto Metropolitan University \u2013 Lincoln Alexander School of Law <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n University of Windsor \u2013 Windsor Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n University of Toronto \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n University of Alberta \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Peter A. Allard School of Law \u2013 University of British Columbia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Faculty of Law \u2013 University of Calgary<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n University of Manitoba \u2013 Robson Hall Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n University of Saskatchewan \u2013 College of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thompson River University \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n University of Victoria \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Universit\u00e9 de Laval \u2013 Baccalaur\u00e9at en Droit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n McGill University \u2013 Faculty of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al \u2013 Facult\u00e9 de Droit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Universit\u00e9 du Qu\u00e9bec \u2013 Facult\u00e9 de Science Politique et de Droit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Facult\u00e9 de droit \u2013 Universit\u00e9 de Sherbrooke<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dalhousie University \u2013 Schulich School of Law<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Universit\u00e9 de Moncton \u2013 Facult\u00e9 de Droit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBefore You Move to Canada to Continue Your Law Career<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What to Expect When Pursuing a Lawyer Career in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Employment Outlook for Lawyer Jobs in Canada <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Lawyer Jobs in Canada<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Requirements to Become a Lawyer in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5 Steps to Accreditation as a Lawyer in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Apply for a Certificate of Qualification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. NCA Assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. NCA Assignments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Complete Your NCA Assignments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. NCA Issues a Certificate of Qualification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Documents Required for the NCA Assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Credentials Assessment Services for Lawyers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Lawyer Job Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLanguage Training for Lawyers in Canada<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bridging Programs for Lawyer Careers in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBridging Programs for Lawyer Careers in Ontario<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Osgoode Hall Law School<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Bridging Programs for Lawyer Careers in Alberta<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bredin Centre for Learning<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Law Schools in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
University of Toronto Faculty of Law<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
York University<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Law Schools in Ontario<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Western Region Law Schools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Law Schools in Quebec<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Law Schools in the Atlantic Region<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n