Can I work as a lawyer in Canada after attaining an LLB in University in Scotland?

I'm a Canadian high school student and got accepted to the Law program at the University of Edinburgh. I'm studying in a 4-year LLB program. To become a full "barrister" in Scotland I then need to complete a 1-year diploma followed by a 2-year traineeship with a firm.

Can I then apply directly with the NCA (National Committee on Accreditation) in Ottawa to work as a lawyer in Canada? Will I be hireable in the eyes of a Canadian firm?

Any light you can shed on the process of going from Canadian high school student to Scottish law student to Canadian lawyer would be much appreciated.

TSJB

Haywood Jablowmeâ„¢

Check the links to the Law Society of Upper Canada attached below. They are the governing body for law professionals in Ontario. Each Canadian Province will have a similar governing body.

Link 1 (Career Map for Internationally-trained legal professionals):
http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/working/career/professions/lawyers.shtml

Link 2 (Law Society of Upper Canada):
http://www.lsuc.on.ca/

I have two additional comments: One, make sure that your accreditation as a barrister in Scotland would also qualify you as a Solicitor. A Barrister is a court agent who is able to represent a client; whereas a Solicitor is able to provide legal opinion. Any lawyer in Canada is able to provide both for clients, but they still make a distinction between the two specializations in the U.K -- so make sure your designation will allow you to work with both specializations.

Secondly, confirm that an undergraduate degree in any area is not a requirement to practise in Canada. Your program seems like the equivalent of an undergraduate program in Canada. You would be best advised to speak with someone from a governing body (like the LSUC) and ask them these questions.

Best of luck.

mona

Dear Madams/Sirs, I wonder if a student in England can work as a lawyer after LLB? Or one must study LPC after LLB for working as a lawyer? Or one must do practice several years without income after LPC? Is there any body who knows the response, thanks. Your reply to those questions would be highly appreciated. Best regards, Mona

Lindsay

Just to let you know that we do not use the term 'Barrister' in Scotland. We call Barristers 'Advocates' and you can find out more about qualifying as an Advocate here at the Faculty of Advocates website. www.advocates.org.uk Qualifying as a lawyer in Scotland does not mean you automatically become an Advocate - that's done through a slightly different process which is outlined on the above website. Also, the words lawyer and solicitor are interchangeable in Scotland. I hope this helps!

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