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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:
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Graduates of Accredited Common Law Schools, who will acquire an L.B./J.D. in Canada
Application Prerequisites for Law School Graduates
The academic requirements for applying and entering 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
Ryerson University
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
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Graduates of International or Non-Accredited Canadian Law Schools
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Lawyers from Outside 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:
Application Process
Prior to applying, applicants must read the following information which will provide you with a thorough understanding of the application process, how to submit the application and the schedule and choices that you need to make:
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Licensing Process Virtual Information Series
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