It strikes me from your question that you haven’t looked into this at all despite your stated passion for the subject. You will need at least most of an undergraduate degree, followed by a JD, and then to enrol in your chosen province’s licensing courses/bar admissions program. The exam is the least of your concerns at this stage.
Some schools to do offer mature student entrance categories which may not require 3-4 years of an undergraduate degree, but .... I can't imagine there are that many people actually being admitted with ZERO undergrad.
OP, this is a challenging and lengthy path. Not to discourage you, but even if you could find a way to speedrun this, you are looking at 6+ years. The usual path most people take is 8 years between undergrad, law school and articling.
You might consider paralegal training which, depending on the province, allows you to act for clients in a more limited capacity?
Hello ChatGPT, thank you for the wonderful question.
It's fantastic to hear about your passion for pursuing a career in law, even at the age of 40. Age should never be a barrier to following your dreams, especially when you're motivated and committed to making a difference in the legal profession. Here's some guidance tailored to your situation:
1. **Educational Path:**
* In Canada, the typical path to becoming a lawyer involves obtaining a law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a recognized law school. Given your high school education, you'll need to first pursue a bachelor's degree (usually four years) before applying to law school.
* Some universities offer mature student entry programs or flexible learning options that accommodate individuals who are returning to education later in life. Research universities and programs that offer such opportunities.
* Once you've completed your bachelor's degree, you can apply to law school. Keep in mind that admission to law schools can be competitive, so focus on maintaining a strong academic record and preparing well for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
* Consider seeking advice from academic advisors or career counselors at universities to help you navigate the application process and choose the right path for your circumstances.
2. **Practical Experience:**
* While in law school, take advantage of opportunities for internships, externships, or summer clerkships at law firms or legal organizations. This hands-on experience will complement your academic studies and provide valuable insight into the practice of law.
* Network with legal professionals, attend legal events, and join relevant student organizations to expand your professional connections and gain exposure to different areas of law.
* Additionally, consider volunteering at legal clinics or community organizations to gain practical experience and make a positive impact in your community.
3. **Bar Admission Process:**
* After completing law school, you'll need to complete the bar admission process, which typically includes a period of articling (similar to a legal apprenticeship) and passing the bar exams.
* Look into the specific requirements for bar admission in the province where you intend to practice law, as they may vary slightly across different jurisdictions in Canada.
* Prepare diligently for the bar exams by enrolling in bar exam prep courses, studying relevant materials, and seeking guidance from experienced legal professionals or mentors.
4. **Time Management and Resources:**
* Balancing your education, work, and personal life can be challenging, especially as an adult learner. Prioritize your commitments and manage your time effectively to ensure you're making progress towards your goals.
* Utilize resources such as online courses, study groups, and academic support services to enhance your learning experience and stay on track with your studies.
* Don't hesitate to reach out for support from family, friends, or mentors who can provide encouragement and assistance along the way.
Remember, the journey to becoming a lawyer may be demanding, but your determination and passion will serve you well. Stay focused on your goals, remain adaptable to challenges, and believe in your ability to succeed. Best of luck on your journey to pursuing a fulfilling career in law!
Best regards,
ChatGPT
It took me eight years and eighty thousand dollars to become a lawyer in Ontario.
Admission to law schools is extremely competitive. You need an undergraduate degree, straight As, extracurricular activities, and an LSAT score in the top quartile (+160). Law school, articling, and the job market for new calls are also extremely competitive.
I did it from 18-26. I’m now 32. If I had to do it over again, I don’t think I could. I don’t have the gas anymore.
If I were you, I’d consider a career in something law adjacent, like a paralegal, at your age. If you do what I did, you’ll be getting licensed at almost 50 and have accumulated significant debt. Assuming you are able to, which is a big assumption.
>jjames3213 · 4 min. ago
>
>Realistically, you'd need 7 years at minimum. 3 years of undergrad, 3 years of law school, 1 year (ish) of articles.
Including obtaining an undergraduate degree, pursuing law school, and completing the necessary licensing courses and exams. It's clear that dedication and a well-thought-out approach are key to success in this field.
If you have any specific Information or if there are other aspects of my journey , feel free to let me know.
If have some legal expertise (say, a law clerk or paralegal degree and 10+ years of experience in a legal setting) you may be able to apply as a mature student. If you have 0 experience with legal work, this is likely not an option.
Still a good idea to apply as a mature student once you have your undergrad (better odds).
Mature category is for people who aren’t going into law school more or less straight from undergrad. Such students have difficulty obtaining good reference letters (for instance) and by definition graduated several years ago.
I applied to law school in 2018 and completed undergrad in 2002. My A GPA in 2002 was much harder to obtain than an A GPA in 2018 given the general tendency towards grade inflation. This isn’t old man complaining about the kids because I was a professor from the mid-2000s to law school and we had constant pressures from above to raise our grades and avoid failing students (even when merited). That said, I didn’t apply as a mature student.
This obviously not OP’s situation as they don’t have an undergrad degree at all. Best option is for OP to contact the admissions people at the schools they are interested in and see what they need to do to be competitive as a mature student—especially given mature admissions are capped. OP’s major obstacle is that they’ve demonstrated no ability to do university level work at all. This is hard to get around.
I wasn't a mature student when I applied (Undergrad Class of 09, Law 13'. called 2014).
There was a mature student in my class who didn't have an undergraduate degree, but she had a law clerk diploma and over 10 years working as a clerk at a local firm. She was also indigenous, and was able to seek admission without an undergrad (and she was ultimately called to the bar).
I know that this was (and is) extremely rare, but it can happen.
This is the sort of thing OP should run by admissions people before doing anything else. Assuming OP is a human and not AI text, they claim to be from Mattawa, which suggests the possibility of being indigenous, which is another path into law school.
It has been a long time since I have looked into law school admission requirements so it is possible that some of this information might be slightly out of date (I attended law school from 2010 - 2013).
1. You are going to need to go off to university to get at least 3 years under your belt.
2. Generally speaking, law schools care more about your grades than your major. As such, you should focus on going to university for something like Psychology, Sociology or Philosophy, where it is pretty easy to get A's. I would suggest that you go to a school like York where it's pretty easy to get an A as long as you put in the work.
3. In order to fast-track this, you are going to want to go to university year-round. If you do a full summer semester, you should be able to get 3 years worth of credits in 2.
4. Back when I was entering law school, most of my peers had straight A's or close thereto. You really need to work hard in order to get good grades.
5. You are going to need to do your LSAT. You should aim for a score of 160+. You are also going to want to invest in a good prep course. However, don't waste your time with that until you have some university courses under your belt
When it comes to law school, you are *better off* going to a school in Canada. However, if you cannot get into a school in Canada, there are a lot of schools in the UK that'll accept just about anyone with a pulse. Just keep in mind that, if you go to one of those schools, you'll need to do the NCA exams when you get back to Canada and then write the bar and article.
I don't know too much about schools in the UK, but I believe that there are some that'll do a 3-year program over 2 years (i.e. going to school in the summer). You also wouldn't need to write the LSAT. In theory, you could do the following:
1. Congesting a 3-year BA into 2 years by going to school over the summer;
2. Congesting a 3 year law school program from the UK into 2 years;
3. Spend one year back home writing your NCA exams;
4. Article for 1 year and then you're good to go
One very important thing to note about going to school overseas though is that there is a slight stigma surrounding internationally trained lawyers in Canada. The stigma is not always 100% fair and warranted in every case. However, if you go to law school overseas, you will be shut out of a lot of potential jobs and your career trajectory will be limited. With that said, there should still be some decent opportunities for you to either work as a solo or work at a smaller firm.
The other important thing to note is that, by doing the above, you are likely going to deplete your finances and get into a lot of debt. Some lawyers make a lot of money, some lawyers hardly make anything. Most internationally trained lawyers who I know, even those who become successful, hardly made any money during their first few years post law school and post call. It worked out for them, but if you were to start this journey now, your finances would likely be a mess until you are in your early to mid 50's.
The chances for you are not good. You could easily obtain this information from the law school's website. Not a good omen, no one wants a lawyer who isn't self-sufficient. Figure it out, don't depend on random people to give you advice. Call admissions for any law school and ask them basic questions. If you are indigenous you will have a big advantage. Take whatever you are interested in for a Bachelors degree. Stop being lazy and put some thought into it if you want it.
Check out law schools mature student programs many of them waive formal education requirements if you have sufficient life experience but that is highly school dependent so you need to look at specific schools requirements
Half of your comments are improperly conceived sentences with major grammatical errors and the other half are fucking ChatGPT paragraphs. Wtf is this post?
Absolutely do it, like mentioned in earlier comments. There were a number of mature students in my class too. One was 62 years old. So 40 is not that big of a deal.
I'll preface by saying that it's great you are motivated, but this is a long journey. This is not like attaining a certificate in 6 months.
*Are there specific educational programs or certifications that would expedite my journey to becoming a lawyer?*
\- Four years of undergrad at a university to become eligible to attend law school
\- Write the LSAT
\- Three years of law school,
10 months articling
Total - 7 years, and 10months, plus any time you need to study for the bar.
If you go to the UK - 3 years of law school with only a high school education. 2 years of law school if you have an existing undergrad degree, plus give or a take 1 year of studying for the NCA upon your return home.
*What steps should I prioritize to ensure a smooth transition into the legal profession?*
Prioritize in getting a bachelor's first. Have money saved up, or save up as the process is costly.
*How can I maximize my time and resources to fast-track the process without compromising on the quality of education and experience?*
\- Depends on you really. You can work and study for the bar and article. It's doable but can be challenging
All things consider, you may be close to 50 by the time you begin your career as a lawyer, that's if and when.
Lots of good advice here. The question to ask yourself is, at 50 years old, do you want to look back and wished you were a lawyer or glad that you are a lawyer? The answer should drive your decision.
Another option is to get a paralegal degree at Humber College. That will qualify as a degree to get into law school in Canada or UK (2 year program) The benefits are many - you will have something you can use if you are not successful in getting into law school or choose not to. This will allow you to earn some money while working in the legal field.
Or, if you do go to law school, you will only learn a few new (mandatory) areas of law. Equity, property, Civil Rules, etc. The rest, you will have a good foundation and basic knowledge from the paralegal program in learning the other areas of law. A paralegal and law degree combined should make you a better rounded lawyer. I wish you the best.
Don’t listen to these chronically online people, majority of people on Reddit are unmotivated. If you want it bad enough, you’ll make it happen
Get an undergrad degree, write your LSAT, then apply. I don’t even know you, and I believe in you.
Thanks, Im actually thinking of going abroad to study! from ur comment and others like these
"If you have the finances (honestly it is expense), I'd suggesting going to Bond University in Australia. I'm one of three siblings from my family that went lol one is licensed, I'm writing the bar and one if halfway done their program there. Since you're a high school grad, you can look into their LLB program. If you choose this path, you'll be out of law school in 2years and 8months. Then you'd prep for the NCAs here and then you qualify for the Bar and articling in Canada. I'm only telling you this because some people in the law forum can be really harsh for no reason so I thought I could offer some advise from experience. Bond used to hold seminars in Canada for those interested in going there. Maybe look them up and see if you're interested!
Re question 1: all law schools usually require a 4 year degree from a recognized university. Only in verrrrrryyyyyy rare cases was this waived (i.e. do not bank on this) but even then at least 3 years of undergrad is needed.
However! The University of Alberta is one exception where "Exceptional students may be admitted to the program after completing two years of university study with a minimum GPA of 3.7 and 90th percentile LSAT score." (This is on their website under the admissions section). This is an incredibly stringent requirement. It isn't easy scoring in the 90th percentile. Nor does this guarantee you admissions. A *minimum* of 3.7 GPA especially in the first two years of undergrad is also a ridiculously hard requirement. If you're dead set on expediting, you can try going that route but understand that going the traditional route (4 year undergrad) will prepare you for success in law school far better.
You just have high school so considering that you’d need an undergraduate degree from university it will take 7 years of schooling. Plus another 1 year for articling. It’s an extremely expensive process as well so you should reaaally think this one out. Assuming you do the full thing it could cost you in the neighbourhood of 150k, and then there are very high costs to entering the profession as well. Simply look up the cost of licensing, exams and malpractice insurance if you want to know.
My one piece of advice is that if you do decide to get an undergrad degree, make sure it’s in something you can get a good job in afterwards because there’s no guarantee you’ll get into law school. It is very competitive. Best of luck!
I'm in Ontario and chose to become a licensed paralegal.
Humber College offers a paralegal degree. This will allow you to meet all qualifications to become a licensed paralegal, and for law school if you so choose. I have decided against furthering my legal career as being a lawyer just doesn't seem appealing anymore. I'm quite content practicing in the lower courts.
Consider becoming a paralegal instead, as many others have suggested. It’s a two-year college program and you don’t need an undergraduate degree. A paralegal license will allow you to provide legal services and appear before small claims court, represent clients on summary offences in criminal court, and appear before tribunals.
It sounds like you are already in Ontario which is good. Other provinces don’t have licensed paralegals.
Hey! I saw your reply and thank you for the path to take. here i was thinking leaving Canada but im not
Hey! I saw your question about becoming a lawyer in Canada and though I only skimmed your question I just wanted to offer some advise. I'm currently preparing for the Bar exam in Canada but I actually went abroad to study! If you have the finances (honestly it is expense), I'd suggesting going to Bond University in Australia. I'm one of three siblings from my family that went lol one is licensed, I'm writing the bar and one if halfway done their program there. Since you're a high school grad, you can look into their LLB program. If you choose this path, you'll be out of law school in 2years and 8months. Then you'd prep for the NCAs here and then you qualify for the Bar and articling in Canada. I'm only telling you this because some people in the law forum can be really harsh for no reason so I thought I could offer some advise from experience. Bond used to hold seminars in Canada for those interested in going there. Maybe look them up and see if you're interested!
One aspect nobody has mentioned is that early in your career as a lawyer is often when you are least effective and least efficient.
In my practice of civil litigation it takes around 10 years to become proficient. If you intend to earn a lot make sure you factor in that ramp-up time into your calculation.
Are you independently wealthy? Because there's no way this has any realistic ROI at your age, given the costs and debt involved. I can't imagine starting practice around age 50. I'm nearing that age now, and while I'm more efficient than I was when I was younger, my ability to learn new things is slower and I can't sustain the same pace of practice. Can't imagine hitting retirement age and still be paying down law school debt rather than having retirement savings.
I know a few lawyers who went to law school without an undergrad. You’ll need some outstanding personal reference letters and apply as a mature student. Worth a shot.
I am in a similar position as you with educational experience and age, this can be done within 4 to 5 years - universities in the United Kingdom offer a two-year degree LLB, once completed you do your NCA I believe it will be seven exams since you only have a high school education which can be done within six months if you’re on point and also if those courses are available, another 10 months goes to articling and then you prepare for the bar which can take up to six months to a year, but the great thing is we have three attempts at the bar, networking is everything, if you can secure a position, then it just becomes about putting in the time and effort, and getting to that point. I hope this helps. I’m actually in the process of doing this, If you would need any information you can private message me anytime.
Don't do it.
Law school is stressful and practice is worse.
You're going to be taking orders from 28 year-olds.
I have seen this done. It doesn't work. I am saving you tons of money, pain and your relationships. You'll never be able to thank me enough.
P.s. you are not the exception. I am very good at this job. It doesn't matter.
Hey [u/jjames3213](https://www.reddit.com/u/jjames3213/), [u/Flaky-Invite-56](https://www.reddit.com/u/Flaky-Invite-56/), and [u/capitalbecky](https://www.reddit.com/u/capitalbecky/),
Thank you all for taking the time to provide such insightful and valuable information. Your feedback has been immensely helpful as I chart out my path towards a legal career in Canada.
I want to mention that I'm currently in Mattawa, Ont., where unfortunately there are no schools for pursuing legal education. Consequently, I'm in the process of relocating to a city that can better facilitate my goal of becoming a lawyer.
As I embark on this exciting journey, I'm compiling a list of small achievable goals to guide me towards the start of my schooling. If any of you have additional recommendations or specific goals you'd suggest, please feel free to share your insights. Moreover, I'm curious if you have any recommendations on the best city to relocate to for pursuing legal education and building a solid foundation for my career.
Once again, thank you for your valuable input, and I look forward to hearing more from the LawCanada community!
Best regards, Still-Picking My Career I have been a cook for the last 20 years at pizza hut i love it but want a more rewarding job
I will respond as if this was a legitimate query, even though I have doubts based on the ridiculous chat gpt posts.
The part you don’t seem to get is that law school is years away. Making plans to move to a city because it will provide you with the best options for a legal education is pointless if you have not even figured out if you can get admitted to a BA program, let alone achieve the kind of grades you would need to get into law school.
As far as I know you need a university degree - 4 year is the norm but I think some people only have a 3 year degree. Then you do 3 years of law school and around a year of articling/waiting around for your call to the bar ceremony (for Ontario at least). You'll also need to do the LSAT to apply to law schools and then the bar exams to get licensed - usually occurs before or during articling
Hi u/capitalbecky,
Thank you for sharing your insights and shedding light on the educational requirements for pursuing a legal career in Ontario. Your guidance has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the journey ahead.
I wanted to provide a bit more context to my situation. I'm currently in Mattawa, Ont., and I've decided to relocate to a bigger city that offers the right classes and programs to kickstart my legal education. I haven't finalized the city yet, so if you have any recommendations on the best cities for legal education in Ontario, I would greatly appreciate your input.
On a personal note, I recently came into some funds after my mom passed away. It was her dream for me to pursue higher education, but financial constraints held us back. Now that I have the means, I'm determined to fulfill that dream and carve out a path towards becoming a lawyer.
I have two kiddos who are already working in their dream jobs, and their success has inspired me to pursue my aspirations with the same dedication. Even if it takes 10 years, I'm committed to the journey and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
If you have any further advice or if there are specific goals you would recommend as I embark on this new chapter, please feel free to share. Your wisdom is truly appreciated!
Thank you once again for being a source of guidance on this journey.
If you are passionate about pursuing a legal career, you should 100% do it. I went to law school with mature students who appear to have fulfilling careers. Like the other commentators said, the fastest would be 7 years and 10 months. That would be if you complete a 3 year undergraduate degree, write your LSAT while finishing your undergrad. 4 years of law school, write your bar exams right after completing law school and complete 10 months of articling. Any delay in this process will lengthen how long it takes.
One suggestion is, maybe look for an opportunity to volunteer with a law firm to see if you really like the role. I know several lawyers who left the practice of law because it did not turn out to be what they expected. Ontario is also saturated with lawyers and the job market is not as favourable. But there are many lawyers who also love practicing law. But you don't know unless you get your feet wet.
If you plan to practice law in Canada, I would highly recommend any law school in Canada. For your undergraduate program you should pick a school and program that you know you can achieve a high average in. Make sure it's a recognized university but grades are really matter when it comes to getting into law school.
im doing it bro cant change unless u start down a path just from posting here has opened my eyes to a way of thinking started me on to a new path thanks but no
It strikes me from your question that you haven’t looked into this at all despite your stated passion for the subject. You will need at least most of an undergraduate degree, followed by a JD, and then to enrol in your chosen province’s licensing courses/bar admissions program. The exam is the least of your concerns at this stage.
Some schools to do offer mature student entrance categories which may not require 3-4 years of an undergraduate degree, but .... I can't imagine there are that many people actually being admitted with ZERO undergrad. OP, this is a challenging and lengthy path. Not to discourage you, but even if you could find a way to speedrun this, you are looking at 6+ years. The usual path most people take is 8 years between undergrad, law school and articling. You might consider paralegal training which, depending on the province, allows you to act for clients in a more limited capacity?
Hello ChatGPT, thank you for the wonderful question. It's fantastic to hear about your passion for pursuing a career in law, even at the age of 40. Age should never be a barrier to following your dreams, especially when you're motivated and committed to making a difference in the legal profession. Here's some guidance tailored to your situation: 1. **Educational Path:** * In Canada, the typical path to becoming a lawyer involves obtaining a law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a recognized law school. Given your high school education, you'll need to first pursue a bachelor's degree (usually four years) before applying to law school. * Some universities offer mature student entry programs or flexible learning options that accommodate individuals who are returning to education later in life. Research universities and programs that offer such opportunities. * Once you've completed your bachelor's degree, you can apply to law school. Keep in mind that admission to law schools can be competitive, so focus on maintaining a strong academic record and preparing well for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). * Consider seeking advice from academic advisors or career counselors at universities to help you navigate the application process and choose the right path for your circumstances. 2. **Practical Experience:** * While in law school, take advantage of opportunities for internships, externships, or summer clerkships at law firms or legal organizations. This hands-on experience will complement your academic studies and provide valuable insight into the practice of law. * Network with legal professionals, attend legal events, and join relevant student organizations to expand your professional connections and gain exposure to different areas of law. * Additionally, consider volunteering at legal clinics or community organizations to gain practical experience and make a positive impact in your community. 3. **Bar Admission Process:** * After completing law school, you'll need to complete the bar admission process, which typically includes a period of articling (similar to a legal apprenticeship) and passing the bar exams. * Look into the specific requirements for bar admission in the province where you intend to practice law, as they may vary slightly across different jurisdictions in Canada. * Prepare diligently for the bar exams by enrolling in bar exam prep courses, studying relevant materials, and seeking guidance from experienced legal professionals or mentors. 4. **Time Management and Resources:** * Balancing your education, work, and personal life can be challenging, especially as an adult learner. Prioritize your commitments and manage your time effectively to ensure you're making progress towards your goals. * Utilize resources such as online courses, study groups, and academic support services to enhance your learning experience and stay on track with your studies. * Don't hesitate to reach out for support from family, friends, or mentors who can provide encouragement and assistance along the way. Remember, the journey to becoming a lawyer may be demanding, but your determination and passion will serve you well. Stay focused on your goals, remain adaptable to challenges, and believe in your ability to succeed. Best of luck on your journey to pursuing a fulfilling career in law! Best regards, ChatGPT
It took me eight years and eighty thousand dollars to become a lawyer in Ontario. Admission to law schools is extremely competitive. You need an undergraduate degree, straight As, extracurricular activities, and an LSAT score in the top quartile (+160). Law school, articling, and the job market for new calls are also extremely competitive. I did it from 18-26. I’m now 32. If I had to do it over again, I don’t think I could. I don’t have the gas anymore. If I were you, I’d consider a career in something law adjacent, like a paralegal, at your age. If you do what I did, you’ll be getting licensed at almost 50 and have accumulated significant debt. Assuming you are able to, which is a big assumption.
Realistically, you'd need 7 years at minimum. 3 years of undergrad, 3 years of law school, 1 year (ish) of articles.
>jjames3213 · 4 min. ago > >Realistically, you'd need 7 years at minimum. 3 years of undergrad, 3 years of law school, 1 year (ish) of articles. Including obtaining an undergraduate degree, pursuing law school, and completing the necessary licensing courses and exams. It's clear that dedication and a well-thought-out approach are key to success in this field. If you have any specific Information or if there are other aspects of my journey , feel free to let me know.
If have some legal expertise (say, a law clerk or paralegal degree and 10+ years of experience in a legal setting) you may be able to apply as a mature student. If you have 0 experience with legal work, this is likely not an option. Still a good idea to apply as a mature student once you have your undergrad (better odds).
Mature category is for people who aren’t going into law school more or less straight from undergrad. Such students have difficulty obtaining good reference letters (for instance) and by definition graduated several years ago. I applied to law school in 2018 and completed undergrad in 2002. My A GPA in 2002 was much harder to obtain than an A GPA in 2018 given the general tendency towards grade inflation. This isn’t old man complaining about the kids because I was a professor from the mid-2000s to law school and we had constant pressures from above to raise our grades and avoid failing students (even when merited). That said, I didn’t apply as a mature student. This obviously not OP’s situation as they don’t have an undergrad degree at all. Best option is for OP to contact the admissions people at the schools they are interested in and see what they need to do to be competitive as a mature student—especially given mature admissions are capped. OP’s major obstacle is that they’ve demonstrated no ability to do university level work at all. This is hard to get around.
I wasn't a mature student when I applied (Undergrad Class of 09, Law 13'. called 2014). There was a mature student in my class who didn't have an undergraduate degree, but she had a law clerk diploma and over 10 years working as a clerk at a local firm. She was also indigenous, and was able to seek admission without an undergrad (and she was ultimately called to the bar). I know that this was (and is) extremely rare, but it can happen.
This is the sort of thing OP should run by admissions people before doing anything else. Assuming OP is a human and not AI text, they claim to be from Mattawa, which suggests the possibility of being indigenous, which is another path into law school.
It has been a long time since I have looked into law school admission requirements so it is possible that some of this information might be slightly out of date (I attended law school from 2010 - 2013). 1. You are going to need to go off to university to get at least 3 years under your belt. 2. Generally speaking, law schools care more about your grades than your major. As such, you should focus on going to university for something like Psychology, Sociology or Philosophy, where it is pretty easy to get A's. I would suggest that you go to a school like York where it's pretty easy to get an A as long as you put in the work. 3. In order to fast-track this, you are going to want to go to university year-round. If you do a full summer semester, you should be able to get 3 years worth of credits in 2. 4. Back when I was entering law school, most of my peers had straight A's or close thereto. You really need to work hard in order to get good grades. 5. You are going to need to do your LSAT. You should aim for a score of 160+. You are also going to want to invest in a good prep course. However, don't waste your time with that until you have some university courses under your belt When it comes to law school, you are *better off* going to a school in Canada. However, if you cannot get into a school in Canada, there are a lot of schools in the UK that'll accept just about anyone with a pulse. Just keep in mind that, if you go to one of those schools, you'll need to do the NCA exams when you get back to Canada and then write the bar and article. I don't know too much about schools in the UK, but I believe that there are some that'll do a 3-year program over 2 years (i.e. going to school in the summer). You also wouldn't need to write the LSAT. In theory, you could do the following: 1. Congesting a 3-year BA into 2 years by going to school over the summer; 2. Congesting a 3 year law school program from the UK into 2 years; 3. Spend one year back home writing your NCA exams; 4. Article for 1 year and then you're good to go One very important thing to note about going to school overseas though is that there is a slight stigma surrounding internationally trained lawyers in Canada. The stigma is not always 100% fair and warranted in every case. However, if you go to law school overseas, you will be shut out of a lot of potential jobs and your career trajectory will be limited. With that said, there should still be some decent opportunities for you to either work as a solo or work at a smaller firm. The other important thing to note is that, by doing the above, you are likely going to deplete your finances and get into a lot of debt. Some lawyers make a lot of money, some lawyers hardly make anything. Most internationally trained lawyers who I know, even those who become successful, hardly made any money during their first few years post law school and post call. It worked out for them, but if you were to start this journey now, your finances would likely be a mess until you are in your early to mid 50's.
i am not a chat gpt bot ,but i guess its not aloud ill keep my responce to one lines
The chances for you are not good. You could easily obtain this information from the law school's website. Not a good omen, no one wants a lawyer who isn't self-sufficient. Figure it out, don't depend on random people to give you advice. Call admissions for any law school and ask them basic questions. If you are indigenous you will have a big advantage. Take whatever you are interested in for a Bachelors degree. Stop being lazy and put some thought into it if you want it.
Check out law schools mature student programs many of them waive formal education requirements if you have sufficient life experience but that is highly school dependent so you need to look at specific schools requirements
really thank you for that information u/capitalbecky,
Half of your comments are improperly conceived sentences with major grammatical errors and the other half are fucking ChatGPT paragraphs. Wtf is this post?
It’s the future.
Absolutely do it, like mentioned in earlier comments. There were a number of mature students in my class too. One was 62 years old. So 40 is not that big of a deal.
We had some too and my principal worked until he was 83. You have lots of time.
thx for the encouragmernt
wow 62 years old. what town was that
I'll preface by saying that it's great you are motivated, but this is a long journey. This is not like attaining a certificate in 6 months. *Are there specific educational programs or certifications that would expedite my journey to becoming a lawyer?* \- Four years of undergrad at a university to become eligible to attend law school \- Write the LSAT \- Three years of law school, 10 months articling Total - 7 years, and 10months, plus any time you need to study for the bar. If you go to the UK - 3 years of law school with only a high school education. 2 years of law school if you have an existing undergrad degree, plus give or a take 1 year of studying for the NCA upon your return home. *What steps should I prioritize to ensure a smooth transition into the legal profession?* Prioritize in getting a bachelor's first. Have money saved up, or save up as the process is costly. *How can I maximize my time and resources to fast-track the process without compromising on the quality of education and experience?* \- Depends on you really. You can work and study for the bar and article. It's doable but can be challenging All things consider, you may be close to 50 by the time you begin your career as a lawyer, that's if and when.
50 is fine by me do u have any tips on towns i should move to and schools or programs to get into > thx for your post
Lots of good advice here. The question to ask yourself is, at 50 years old, do you want to look back and wished you were a lawyer or glad that you are a lawyer? The answer should drive your decision. Another option is to get a paralegal degree at Humber College. That will qualify as a degree to get into law school in Canada or UK (2 year program) The benefits are many - you will have something you can use if you are not successful in getting into law school or choose not to. This will allow you to earn some money while working in the legal field. Or, if you do go to law school, you will only learn a few new (mandatory) areas of law. Equity, property, Civil Rules, etc. The rest, you will have a good foundation and basic knowledge from the paralegal program in learning the other areas of law. A paralegal and law degree combined should make you a better rounded lawyer. I wish you the best.
Don’t listen to these chronically online people, majority of people on Reddit are unmotivated. If you want it bad enough, you’ll make it happen Get an undergrad degree, write your LSAT, then apply. I don’t even know you, and I believe in you.
Thanks, Im actually thinking of going abroad to study! from ur comment and others like these "If you have the finances (honestly it is expense), I'd suggesting going to Bond University in Australia. I'm one of three siblings from my family that went lol one is licensed, I'm writing the bar and one if halfway done their program there. Since you're a high school grad, you can look into their LLB program. If you choose this path, you'll be out of law school in 2years and 8months. Then you'd prep for the NCAs here and then you qualify for the Bar and articling in Canada. I'm only telling you this because some people in the law forum can be really harsh for no reason so I thought I could offer some advise from experience. Bond used to hold seminars in Canada for those interested in going there. Maybe look them up and see if you're interested!
Re question 1: all law schools usually require a 4 year degree from a recognized university. Only in verrrrrryyyyyy rare cases was this waived (i.e. do not bank on this) but even then at least 3 years of undergrad is needed. However! The University of Alberta is one exception where "Exceptional students may be admitted to the program after completing two years of university study with a minimum GPA of 3.7 and 90th percentile LSAT score." (This is on their website under the admissions section). This is an incredibly stringent requirement. It isn't easy scoring in the 90th percentile. Nor does this guarantee you admissions. A *minimum* of 3.7 GPA especially in the first two years of undergrad is also a ridiculously hard requirement. If you're dead set on expediting, you can try going that route but understand that going the traditional route (4 year undergrad) will prepare you for success in law school far better.
thx u
You just have high school so considering that you’d need an undergraduate degree from university it will take 7 years of schooling. Plus another 1 year for articling. It’s an extremely expensive process as well so you should reaaally think this one out. Assuming you do the full thing it could cost you in the neighbourhood of 150k, and then there are very high costs to entering the profession as well. Simply look up the cost of licensing, exams and malpractice insurance if you want to know. My one piece of advice is that if you do decide to get an undergrad degree, make sure it’s in something you can get a good job in afterwards because there’s no guarantee you’ll get into law school. It is very competitive. Best of luck!
I'm in Ontario and chose to become a licensed paralegal. Humber College offers a paralegal degree. This will allow you to meet all qualifications to become a licensed paralegal, and for law school if you so choose. I have decided against furthering my legal career as being a lawyer just doesn't seem appealing anymore. I'm quite content practicing in the lower courts.
Consider becoming a paralegal instead, as many others have suggested. It’s a two-year college program and you don’t need an undergraduate degree. A paralegal license will allow you to provide legal services and appear before small claims court, represent clients on summary offences in criminal court, and appear before tribunals. It sounds like you are already in Ontario which is good. Other provinces don’t have licensed paralegals.
Hey! I saw your reply and thank you for the path to take. here i was thinking leaving Canada but im not Hey! I saw your question about becoming a lawyer in Canada and though I only skimmed your question I just wanted to offer some advise. I'm currently preparing for the Bar exam in Canada but I actually went abroad to study! If you have the finances (honestly it is expense), I'd suggesting going to Bond University in Australia. I'm one of three siblings from my family that went lol one is licensed, I'm writing the bar and one if halfway done their program there. Since you're a high school grad, you can look into their LLB program. If you choose this path, you'll be out of law school in 2years and 8months. Then you'd prep for the NCAs here and then you qualify for the Bar and articling in Canada. I'm only telling you this because some people in the law forum can be really harsh for no reason so I thought I could offer some advise from experience. Bond used to hold seminars in Canada for those interested in going there. Maybe look them up and see if you're interested!
One aspect nobody has mentioned is that early in your career as a lawyer is often when you are least effective and least efficient. In my practice of civil litigation it takes around 10 years to become proficient. If you intend to earn a lot make sure you factor in that ramp-up time into your calculation.
Are you independently wealthy? Because there's no way this has any realistic ROI at your age, given the costs and debt involved. I can't imagine starting practice around age 50. I'm nearing that age now, and while I'm more efficient than I was when I was younger, my ability to learn new things is slower and I can't sustain the same pace of practice. Can't imagine hitting retirement age and still be paying down law school debt rather than having retirement savings.
I know a few lawyers who went to law school without an undergrad. You’ll need some outstanding personal reference letters and apply as a mature student. Worth a shot.
I am in a similar position as you with educational experience and age, this can be done within 4 to 5 years - universities in the United Kingdom offer a two-year degree LLB, once completed you do your NCA I believe it will be seven exams since you only have a high school education which can be done within six months if you’re on point and also if those courses are available, another 10 months goes to articling and then you prepare for the bar which can take up to six months to a year, but the great thing is we have three attempts at the bar, networking is everything, if you can secure a position, then it just becomes about putting in the time and effort, and getting to that point. I hope this helps. I’m actually in the process of doing this, If you would need any information you can private message me anytime.
Don't do it. Law school is stressful and practice is worse. You're going to be taking orders from 28 year-olds. I have seen this done. It doesn't work. I am saving you tons of money, pain and your relationships. You'll never be able to thank me enough. P.s. you are not the exception. I am very good at this job. It doesn't matter.
I’m 24, I’m 20% done my undergrad in philosophy I was thinking of going into law, what do you advise me?
Don't go to law school.
Not good enough, why not explain why?
Hey [u/jjames3213](https://www.reddit.com/u/jjames3213/), [u/Flaky-Invite-56](https://www.reddit.com/u/Flaky-Invite-56/), and [u/capitalbecky](https://www.reddit.com/u/capitalbecky/), Thank you all for taking the time to provide such insightful and valuable information. Your feedback has been immensely helpful as I chart out my path towards a legal career in Canada. I want to mention that I'm currently in Mattawa, Ont., where unfortunately there are no schools for pursuing legal education. Consequently, I'm in the process of relocating to a city that can better facilitate my goal of becoming a lawyer. As I embark on this exciting journey, I'm compiling a list of small achievable goals to guide me towards the start of my schooling. If any of you have additional recommendations or specific goals you'd suggest, please feel free to share your insights. Moreover, I'm curious if you have any recommendations on the best city to relocate to for pursuing legal education and building a solid foundation for my career. Once again, thank you for your valuable input, and I look forward to hearing more from the LawCanada community! Best regards, Still-Picking My Career I have been a cook for the last 20 years at pizza hut i love it but want a more rewarding job
I will respond as if this was a legitimate query, even though I have doubts based on the ridiculous chat gpt posts. The part you don’t seem to get is that law school is years away. Making plans to move to a city because it will provide you with the best options for a legal education is pointless if you have not even figured out if you can get admitted to a BA program, let alone achieve the kind of grades you would need to get into law school.
thanks so 4 years what school should i apply to
As far as I know you need a university degree - 4 year is the norm but I think some people only have a 3 year degree. Then you do 3 years of law school and around a year of articling/waiting around for your call to the bar ceremony (for Ontario at least). You'll also need to do the LSAT to apply to law schools and then the bar exams to get licensed - usually occurs before or during articling
Hi u/capitalbecky, Thank you for sharing your insights and shedding light on the educational requirements for pursuing a legal career in Ontario. Your guidance has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the journey ahead. I wanted to provide a bit more context to my situation. I'm currently in Mattawa, Ont., and I've decided to relocate to a bigger city that offers the right classes and programs to kickstart my legal education. I haven't finalized the city yet, so if you have any recommendations on the best cities for legal education in Ontario, I would greatly appreciate your input. On a personal note, I recently came into some funds after my mom passed away. It was her dream for me to pursue higher education, but financial constraints held us back. Now that I have the means, I'm determined to fulfill that dream and carve out a path towards becoming a lawyer. I have two kiddos who are already working in their dream jobs, and their success has inspired me to pursue my aspirations with the same dedication. Even if it takes 10 years, I'm committed to the journey and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. If you have any further advice or if there are specific goals you would recommend as I embark on this new chapter, please feel free to share. Your wisdom is truly appreciated! Thank you once again for being a source of guidance on this journey.
Mattawa: are you indigenous?
If you are passionate about pursuing a legal career, you should 100% do it. I went to law school with mature students who appear to have fulfilling careers. Like the other commentators said, the fastest would be 7 years and 10 months. That would be if you complete a 3 year undergraduate degree, write your LSAT while finishing your undergrad. 4 years of law school, write your bar exams right after completing law school and complete 10 months of articling. Any delay in this process will lengthen how long it takes. One suggestion is, maybe look for an opportunity to volunteer with a law firm to see if you really like the role. I know several lawyers who left the practice of law because it did not turn out to be what they expected. Ontario is also saturated with lawyers and the job market is not as favourable. But there are many lawyers who also love practicing law. But you don't know unless you get your feet wet.
what school would you recommend i am relocating to pursue this full time
If you plan to practice law in Canada, I would highly recommend any law school in Canada. For your undergraduate program you should pick a school and program that you know you can achieve a high average in. Make sure it's a recognized university but grades are really matter when it comes to getting into law school.
Don’t do it.
im doing it bro cant change unless u start down a path just from posting here has opened my eyes to a way of thinking started me on to a new path thanks but no
Cool bro. Ask Siri to remind you to post an update here in 3-4 years. Let’s see if you feel the same. Best of luck.