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Lawyer Licensing Process

Overview

The focus of the Lawyer Licensing Process is to ensure that candidates have demonstrated they possess the required entry-level competencies, in order to provide legal services effectively and in the public interest.

Professional competence is achieved through a combination of knowledge, skills, abilities and judgment. Prior to applying, it is strongly recommended that candidates review the Lawyer Licensing Process Policies and the Licensing Examination Rules and Protocol to familiarize themselves with relevant information.

Required Credentials

To qualify for admission to the Lawyer Licensing Process, an applicant must have acquired credentials through one of the following options:

Graduates of Accredited Common Law Schools, who will acquire an LL.B./J.D. in Canada

Application Prerequisites for Law School Graduates

The academic requirements for applying and enrolling in the Lawyer Licensing Process are as follows:

Graduation from a common law program offered by a university in Canada approved by Convocation. Upon successful completion of an approved common law program, the candidate will receive a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree. In most accredited law schools the minimum length of the common law program is three academic years.

Applicants to the Lawyer Licensing Process are no longer required to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Law Schools Approved by Convocation:

Law Schools in Ontario:
Lakehead University
Osgoode Hall Law School / York University
Queen's University
Lincoln Alexander School of Law (TMU)
University of Ottawa
University of Toronto
University of Western Ontario
University of Windsor

Law Schools in Other Provinces:
Dalhousie University
McGill University
Thompson Rivers University
Université de Montréal
University of Alberta
University of British Columbia
University of Calgary
University of Manitoba
University of Moncton
University of New Brunswick
Université de Sherbrooke
University of Saskatchewan
University of Victoria
Graduates of International or Non-Accredited Canadian Law Schools

The National Committee on Accreditation (“NCA”) Process

The Law Society of Ontario’s Lawyer Licensing Process

Provision of Legal Services Prior to Becoming Licensed in Ontario
Lawyers from Outside Ontario

For lawyers called outside Ontario who wish to practise Law in Ontario

Required Components

The Licensing Process consists of the following mandatory components that are required to be completed in order to be called to the Bar of Ontario:

Barrister Licensing Examination & Solicitor Licensing Examination

The Licensing Examinations consist of a self-study open-book Barrister Examination and a self-study open-book Solicitor Examination. The competencies tested are those required for entry level practice, that have the most direct impact on the protection of the public and that influence an effective and ethical practice. Both these examinations must be successfully completed as part of the licensing requirements.

Learn more about the Barrister and Solicitor Licensing Examinations
Experiential Training (Articling or Law Practice Program)
You must complete either the Law Practice Program or the Articling Program to satisfy the experiential training component of the Lawyer Licensing Process.

Learn more about the Experiential Training Program

If you have completed the Integrated Practice Curriculum as part of your J.D./L.LB, you will have satisfied the experiential training component of the Lawyer Licensing Process and are not required to complete the Articling Program or the LPP.
Good Character Requirement

The Law Society Act requires that an applicant for admission as a licensee of the Law Society of Ontario be of good character. This is an ongoing requirement for applicants throughout their licensing term and up to the time of their licensure.

Learn more about the Good Character Requirement.
Call to the Bar of Ontario (Becoming Licensed)

To be called to the Bar of Ontario, candidates must complete and meet all the licensing and good character requirements established by the Law Society as necessary to becoming a lawyer in this province.

Learn More about Call to the Bar

Application Process

Prior to applying, applicants must read the following information which will provide them with a thorough understanding of the application process, how to submit the application for enrolment and the schedule and choices that need to be made:

Completing the Licensing Application Licensing Process Policies Licensing Exam Rules and Protocol Licensing Examinations

APPLY NOW Licensing Process Webcast Q&A Licensing Process Virtual Information Series Preventing and Addressing Harassment and Discrimination

Terms or Concepts Explained