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FAQs

  • What happens if I have registered for the LPP and I subsequently obtain an articling position? Can I switch my choice?

    If your circumstances change after registering for the LPP, please contact the Law Society through your online web account or by calling 416-947-3315 for assistance in changing your experiential training path. Candidates are to also review the refund information listed on the LPP page and the Billing and Payment page.

  • How do I get a work placement for the Law Practice Program?

    Ryerson University and the University of Ottawa, as providers of the Law Society’s Law Practice Program, work with candidates and the profession to arrange for work placements. Through partnerships with the legal community across the province, the LPP provides candidates with work placement opportunities in a variety of practice areas and contexts, including traditional law firms, in-house legal departments, non-governmental organizations and legal clinics. Work placements are arranged on an ongoing basis during the training course component of the LPP. Candidates are required to engage in a screening and interview process in order to secure a work placement. The placement process takes into account candidates’ interests and preferences as well as employers’ needs. Final selection of candidates who receive offers for work placements is determined by the employer.

    Placements may be paid or unpaid. The level of pay in paid placements will vary across different organizations and areas of the province. The providers of the LPP will work to ensure that as many work placements as possible are paid.

    The diverse nature of available work placements means that opportunities are located throughout the province. Candidates may therefore be required to consider temporarily re-locating for the four-month period of their work placement.

  • How much will the Law Practice Program cost?

    The Articling Program/ Law Practice Program fee is currently $2,800 (plus applicable taxes) and is due in full on April 15, 2020 for those who will commence articles or attend the 2020 LPP in the 2020-21 licensing cycle. A detailed Lawyer Licensing Process Fees Schedule is available on the Law Society website and will be updated with any changes in February 2020.

  • Does the Law Society have any payment options available for the Law Practice Program?

    The Law Society currently offers a Monthly Payment Plan for candidates who would prefer to pay their fees in either five or ten instalments. Please see the Financial Assistance section under the "Fees and Forms” page for information and deadlines surrounding this payment option. 

    The Law Society has also established a Repayable Allowance Program (RAP) to assist candidates who require financial assistance for tuition and a portion of their living expenses while they are in the Licensing Process and have exhausted all other financial resources. Eligibility information and the application information is posted online on the "Financial Assistance" page.
     
    Candidates are encouraged to review the information for both the Monthly Payment Plan and the Repayable Allowance Program and contact the Licensing and Accreditation Department if they require additional information.
     
    NOTE: Application and enrollment in these programs must be completed by the candidate and by the applicable deadline in order to ensure that registration is secured.

  • Is the Law Practice Program eligible for financial assistance such as OSAP or Canada Student Loans?

    As a practical training course required for professional licensure, the LPP does not qualify for OSAP funding. However, candidates enrolled in the LPP that have existing Ontario student loans are eligible for ‘Continuation of Interest-Free Status’. This allows candidates to maintain interest and payment-free status for previously issued Ontario government loans while they are enrolled in the LPP. Please note: Candidates in a PAID work placement are NOT eligible for Continuance of Interest-Free Status for the winter term.

    Candidates with existing Ontario student loans who have questions about this process should visit the Financial Aid office at their law school or at Ryerson University.

    http://www.ryerson.ca/sfa/

    https://www.uottawa.ca/aide-financiere-bourses/  

    Continuation of Interest-Free Status is ONLY available for Ontario provincial student loan programs.

    Ryerson University and the University of Ottawa do not provide financial assistance for LPP candidates.

    Please see the Law Society of Ontario's website for information on financial assistance: https://www.lso.ca/FinancialAssistance/ 

  • I have completed only a portion of my articling requirement. Can I attend the Law Practice Program?

    Yes. Candidates who are already registered in the Licensing Process and who have not completed the Articling Program are eligible to register for the Law Practice Program by the posted registration and payment deadline. Candidates will be required to complete both the four-month training course and four-month work placement and will be required to pay the applicable program fees. Candidates who have completed a full 10-month articling term or have been granted an exemption are not eligible for the LPP.

  • What is the attendance policy of the LPP?

    The LPP is a rigorous, professional training program and requires candidates to be engaged on a full-time basis in order to ensure fulfillment of all the required competencies. The LPP providers have policies relating to attendance requirements that must be fulfilled by candidates.

    Candidates in the work placement component of the LPP may have up to one week of vacation time, to be negotiated directly with the employer and LPP provider.

  • Can I write my Licensing Examinations during the LPP?
    In light of the workload involved in the training course portion, it is recommended that candidates enrolled in the LPP do not write the Licensing Examinations in November. Candidates registered for the March sitting of the Licensing Examinations may make arrangements for up to one week of vacation time with their work placement employer.
  • I have found a lawyer who would be willing to supervise me for my four-month work placement. How can I be sure this lawyer qualifies to supervise me?
    Lawyers who are eligible to act as work placement supervisors must be in good standing with the Law Society, have practised for at least three of the last five years, and not be the subject of any open investigation. Candidates should contact the LPP Work Placement Office at either Ryerson or the University of Ottawa for further information.