Français
Français
Donate

Careers in Law

As anyone working in a law career will tell you: there isn’t just one path that will take you there. If you are considering a career in law, you might not think that is very helpful.

The truth is that there are many paths to a career in law. While most law schools in Canada require a bachelor’s degree, some only require two full-time years of undergraduate study. While admission requirements vary by institution, all law schools in Canada outside of Quebec require a Law Schools Admission Test (LSAT) score. The LSAT is designed to measure an applicant’s preparedness for law school, though there is some debate about how accurate and inclusive this measure is.

There are no specific requirements for what to study before applying to law school. Microbiology, computer science, theatre, and political science are equally valid. Most people who work in the law will tell you that it is important to be able to think critically and empathetically. It is also important to be able to process large amounts of data without losing the plot.

Apart from becoming a lawyer, there are many career paths in the legal field. These careers offer some of the most interesting work to advance the law in Canada. Whether it is working for a nonprofit like the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, or serving as an intervenor in a court case that could change the legal landscape in Canada, there are a lot of options for people interested in the law.

At OJEN, we have lawyers on staff. We also hire people with backgrounds as teachers, paralegals, community workers, and social justice advocates. Helping young people understand the law so they can advocate for themselves and others requires all of our different skills. 

The law is shaped by all of us working towards a better future for those affected by it. There are also a lot of great organizations across the country helping to make the law more accessible.  

Below is a list of some of the many legal careers, with degree and diploma requirements associated with each area. If you want more in-depth information, check out this resource. If you’re interested in doing a career modelling program and meeting people working in law, check out these OJEN programs: Yes We Can, Futures in Justice and Sistahs-in-Law.

1. Court Clerks and Registrars

  • Role: Support court operations, including scheduling and record-keeping.
  • Requirements: Administrative experience and familiarity with legal processes.

2. Judges

  • Role: Preside over court proceedings, ensuring legal processes are followed.
  • Requirements: Extensive legal experience and appointment by the government.

3. Lawyers

  • Role: Give legal advice, represent clients and help them understand their rights. Typically specialize in particular areas of law, such as family, corporate, criminal, property, wills and estates or civil litigation.
  • Requirements: Juris Doctor (JD) degree, completion of the bar exam, and provincial licensing.

4. Legal Assistants

  • Role: Provide administrative and legal support, including scheduling and document preparation.
  • Requirements: Training in legal administration.

5. Legal Scholars/Academics

  • Role: Teach law at universities and conduct legal research.
  • Requirements: Advanced degrees (LLM, PhD) and a strong publication record.

6. Legal Technologists

  • Role: Utilize technology to improve legal processes, manage data, and streamline workflows.
  • Requirements: Knowledge of legal practices and technology; relevant experience in IT.

7. Mediators

  • Role: Assist dispute resolution outside of court.
  • Requirements: Background in law or conflict resolution; certification may be beneficial.

8. Paralegals

  • Role: Give legal advice within their scope of practice.
  • Requirements: completion of an accredited paralegal education program, completion of the licensing exam from the Law Society of Ontario.

9. Police Officers

  • Role: Enforce laws and respond to emergencies
  • Requirements: Completion of secondary school, Constable Selection System and graduation from the Ontario Police College Basic Constable Training Program.

10. Regulatory and Compliance Officers

  • Role: Ensure organizations adhere to laws, regulations, and internal policies.
  • Requirements: Legal education or background in compliance; specific certifications may be advantageous.

Career Pathways

  • Many legal careers require additional training, certifications, or specific educational backgrounds.
  • Networking, internships, and mentorship are crucial for gaining entry into the legal field.