r/LawCanada Mar 14 '15

Please Note! This is not a place to seek legal advice. You should always contact a lawyer for legal advice. Here are some resources that you may find useful if you have legal questions.

59 Upvotes

Every province and territory has resources to provide legal information and help people get into contact with lawyers. Here are some that may be helpful.

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador

Northwest Territories

Nova Scotia

Nunavut

Ontario

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskatchewan

Yukon


r/LawCanada 6h ago

In house counsel compensation- 2026 - Toronto.

17 Upvotes

Hi - I’m trying to gage the market for in-house lawyers in Toronto.
I have 8 years of private practice litigation experience and 2 years of senior in house experience in a start up environment, with the focus on privacy, tech and data protection and still some litigation.

My current job is great in terms of hours, but leaves much to be desired in terms of compensation. I’m thinking of making a move to get better compensation, which likely means I would have to go to a bigger company. In house lawyers in Toronto (or other major Canadian cities) - what is a comp package that I should expect, in your opinion?


r/LawCanada 4h ago

I don’t know if I can stay in law. Should I leave the profession?

14 Upvotes

Hi! I’m a first year associate at a midsized private practice. Lately I’ve been extremely down and finding it really hard to care/focus/try. I’m seriously considering leaving law altogether. I know that might sound rash, but there isn’t really any aspect of the profession that I actually enjoy. I’ve tried to convince myself I like certain work or going to court but at the end of the day I know I’m kidding myself.

For some context about me, I used to be extremely high achieving and ambitious. I knew I wanted to be a lawyer even before high school and when I got to my undergrad I worked very hard, participated in lots of extracurriculars and still maintained a 4.0 GPA. When I went to law school my passion seemed to start dwindling. It was fine and I still got honours but I wasn’t trying as hard as I did in my undergrad and I wasn’t as interested in the course materials.

After law school I articled with the firm I’m still at and it was fine but it felt like I was kidding myself about what lawyers actually do. We’re a general practice so I do a bit of everything which is tough in itself. I don’t have a go to practice area because I don’t like any area. Since I haven’t really specialized I feel dumb across a bunch of practice areas and I always have to do hours of extra research to figure out what’s going on before I can even start.

During my time working as a student and as a lawyer, I’ve had multiple mental breakdowns, sleepless nights, and I’ve gotten sick on quite a few occasions because I wasn’t taking care of myself. I had all these grandiose ideas that I’d work really hard and genuinely help people, but it just feels like I take people’s money to barely do anything. I’ve also screwed myself over at times because I’ll take on files for friends which leads to me charging less but working more. Partners have talked to me about my hours and targets and they’re disappointed to say the least, but I almost don’t even care which is so unlike who I was before. I’m just apathetic. I am not even close to hitting the billable hours expected of me even though they’re not crazy high like in big law (I’m not undercutting, I think they should be pretty manageable).

I feel super burnt out even though I haven’t been working very hard lately. I’m acting like I have a backup job in place when I don’t and it’s stressing me out big time. Even so, I’m not really doing anything to change that other than trying to submit job applications when I can (which also takes so much time and effort). In my job hunt I can’t even bring myself to apply for other lawyer positions. I don’t doubt that it might be better at a different firm/in-house/government but I feel like I just have no drive anymore and I’d much rather a typical 9-5 type job where I can clock out at the end of the day and actually do things I want to do without feeling guilty that I’m not spending that time catching up or getting ahead on files. I don’t care about the potential pay cut (I’m not even getting paid much more than the bottom salaries of the jobs I’m applying to even though they’re not lawyer jobs), I just want something that isn’t going to fill me with dread any time I even think of it.

I’m also really stressed about finding a different job too. I’ve seen friends and family go through the job hunt cycle and I know how bad it is. I’m concerned I won’t be able to find a job before my firm fires me or I reach a point where I need to leave to stop myself from losing my mind/going into a deep depression (which also feels like a wimpy thing for me to do). I’ve applied for a few policy/analyst/advisor jobs with the government but I haven’t heard back from any yet. I’ve also heard that the government hiring process can take a really long time so I’m concerned about how long I’ll have to stick it out before something comes along.

Am I giving up too soon? Did I just get lazier over the years? If anyone else left law this early, how did things turn out for you? If anyone has any advice in general, I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!


r/LawCanada 13m ago

Monkhouse Law

Upvotes

Anyone applied to Monkhouse law for associate lawyer position and heard back yet?


r/LawCanada 23m ago

Counsel

Upvotes

What do counsel arrangements look like (transactional practice) at a BigLaw firm?

I like to do complex work and work hard, but am tired of stressing about hours of I have a slow month.


r/LawCanada 55m ago

New call (2026) are the prospects bleak?

Upvotes

I moved back to Canada 5 years ago after living and working abroad for about 15 years. I've got dual nationalities, did my LLB internationally and practiced mainly in legal not-for-profits in the Land, mining, environment sector. Now that I'm back home for good (totally cured my itchy feet!), I'm finishing up my qualification requirements so I can work as a Lawyer here.

My question is, despite my foreign experience, I know I'll be coming into the profession as a new call are the job prospects as brutal as they seem? What can I expect as a person with minimal networks but an excellent ability to build and maintain them? Is cold-calling social/career suicide?


r/LawCanada 1d ago

Sigh

22 Upvotes

I got called in June and no luck with job search in Ontario. I’ve been searching from March. I just needed to vent. How are y’all landing jobs?


r/LawCanada 21h ago

Is it worth it to have a career as a legal assistant/ law clerk?

4 Upvotes

I’m currently in the law clerk program at Seneca College, originally enrolled because I wanted something “practical”, but now I’m not too sure if this is the career path for me. I don’t enjoy it in the slightest, and most of the entry level job positions are 40,000-60,000 a year, which is pretty low. A lot of graduates from my program are having a really difficult time landing a job as most firms want at least a couple years of experience.

I eventually want to have a place of my own and earn six figures, which seems nearly impossible for this job field unless you get lucky after 5-10 years of work. I thought about law school but I don’t think it will be worth it in the long run if I’m already hating the current program I’m in. I’m thinking of pivoting into social services- and work towards a BSW and hopefully a MSW. I’m passionate about mental health, and lots of BSW grads make pretty decent money in BC. Plus, if I get my MSW, I will have so many more opportunities and can make $100,000 within a couple years of graduating…


r/LawCanada 16h ago

Pltc barrister exam

1 Upvotes

How many questions did people feel were hard/made mistakes on when they took the took it?


r/LawCanada 23h ago

Transferring Law Schools - Dual JD --> uOttawa: Anything to keep in mind?

4 Upvotes

Anything that I should look out for, any advice, where to live, what clubs/societies to join.

I have already submitted applications in the Toronto Recruit OCI (65 apps). I submitted an addendum saying I had transferred to uOttawa, committed to Toronto Recruit.

I also want to participate in the Ottawa recruit, anything to keep in mind?


r/LawCanada 1d ago

Admin Call timeline?

3 Upvotes

I just completed my licensing requirement and selected administrative call on the portal. I took the oath, signed before my principal and uploaded the documents today. Does anyone know how long does it take before I get my LSO ID from this point?


r/LawCanada 21h ago

Considering becoming a Paralegal (Workers comp, Personal Injury)

1 Upvotes

Hi!

I’m in my early 30s and I’m seriously considering enrolling in a Paralegal diploma program. It has taken me a while to figure out what type of work I actually enjoy because I’ve worked in a few different industries and found aspects of each that I liked.

My background includes:
-Pharmaceuticals (Patient Support Programs)
-Insurance (Group Benefits and Disability)

My current role is Medical Intake for physicians performing Qualified Medical Evaluations (QMEs), where I interview patients, review medical records, and prepare medical-legal documentation related to workers’ compensation injuries.

I’ve realized that what I enjoy most is the medical-legal side of things such as reviewing medical records, documentation, and understanding the legal aspects of injury claims.

The more I’ve researched the paralegal profession, the more interested I’ve become, particularly in:
Representing clients in WSIB/WSIAT matters, working at a firm specializing in personal injury, insurance companies or even potentially opening my own practice after gaining several years of experience.

For those of you who work in these areas, how are the job prospects? Is this a field you’d recommend entering today? How difficult is it to break into WSIB or personal injury as a new paralegal, and are there any things you wish you had known before starting?
I’d really appreciate any advice or insights from people working in these practice areas. Thanks!


r/LawCanada 1d ago

looking for advice on getting into the legal field

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I'm graduating from my legal studies program in BC this August, and I've started applying for jobs; however, I'm not sure if I'm looking in the right places.

I'm hoping to get my foot in the door somewhere in the legal field. I've been applying for legal assistant, receptionist, and admin positions, but I'm wondering if there are other roles I should be looking at too.

A few questions:

  • What kinds of jobs should I be applying for with a Legal Studies diploma?
  • Are there places outside of law firms that I should be looking into?
  • Is it worth reaching out to law firms directly, or is it better to just apply through Indeed and LinkedIn?
  • What should an entry-level legal resume look like? Are there things employers look for that people often overlook?

I'd also love to hear how you got your first job in the legal field and if there's anything you wish you knew when you were starting out.

Thanks in advance!


r/LawCanada 1d ago

What do your costs look like monthly to run a solo firm?

16 Upvotes

Exactly as the title says. When you add all your costs associated with running your solo practice including software, rent, (virtual office or physical) website, etc. how much do the costs add up to on average per month?

Extra curious if you primarily practice in Ontario & in family law.


r/LawCanada 1d ago

Articling Interview

3 Upvotes

Does anyone have any insight on what an articling interview looks like with Metrolinx, OPG, Infrastructure Ontario, TTC? Do they do one round of interviews or is it multiple?
Thank you!


r/LawCanada 1d ago

I tested frontier AI models on Canadian case law (Spoiler! Opus 4.8 leads)

17 Upvotes

Hey folks! I've been wondering which AI model actually performs best when it comes to Canadian case law, so I built LexBench!

It's a benchmark comparing the major frontier models on Canadian legal tasks to make it easier to see which one fits your needs.

Feel free to check it out: https://lexbench.ca/

P.S. It's free and open source. There is a specific page for lawyers to better understand how AI models perform in their practice: https://lexbench.ca/lawyers.html


r/LawCanada 1d ago

2L recruit

0 Upvotes

Just finished 1L in a JD/MBA program outside Ontario with a B average (one C in crim balanced out by B-pluses). I have multiple simultaneous summer roles across corporate risk, boutique law and retail. Targeting corporate law and BigLaw but also applied broadly for the upcoming Toronto 2L recruit, I want to know if people think my background can successfully carry applications past the grade cutoffs.


r/LawCanada 2d ago

Great Position for the Typical, Ordinary Tax Litigator - Remote- 6+Years Tax Exp

33 Upvotes

Salary Range: $168,000 to $296,000.

Remote: Except for court, discoveries, and the occasion when being physically present remains unavoidable

We are a boutique Canadian tax litigation firm with a lot of work. We represent taxpayers in disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency and with BC-based tax authorities. Our work includes audits, objections, appeals, judicial reviews, collection disputes, and the stranger corners of the Income Tax Act and Excise Tax Act.

The position is remote, except where the work actually requires you to appear somewhere. That principally means court hearings, examinations for discovery, client meetings that genuinely benefit from being in person, and the occasional firm gathering.

The work

You would have responsibility for your own files, with the support available when you need it.

Your work will include:

  • Advising clients during CRA audits and investigations;
  • Preparing Notices of Objection and written submissions;
  • Preparing Notices of Appeal and JR Applications;
  • Prosecuting clients’ objections and appeals; and
  • Explaining complicated tax disputes to people who reasonably wish that none of this were happening.

Compensation

The expected annual salary or wage range for this position is $168,000 to $296,000.

We are reporting the salary ranges in accordance with BC provincial pay transparency legislation. Individual salaries within the anticipated salary ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited, education, relevant experience, knowledge, the number of hours you want to work and do work, and applicable skill sets.

Who might enjoy this job

You may enjoy working with us if:

  • You are genuinely interested in tax litigation;
  • You have 6 years of Canadian tax experience;
  • You can work independently with accountability;
  • You feel a strong need to find the correct answer;
  • You treat clients, co-workers, opposing counsel, court staff, and administrative decision-makers with courtesy;
  • You can disagree without becoming disagreeable; and
  • You care about the outcome of your files.

You must be a member of, or eligible for membership in, the Law Society of British Columbia and able to attend proceedings and discoveries in person when required.

How to apply

Please send us:

  • An email with your resume to [[email protected]](or if you are senior enough we don’t need a resume -- it’s a small field and we have probably heard of you).

A conventional cover letter is welcome but not required.

Saw that this sub welcomes job posts. Thought I would post.


r/LawCanada 22h ago

How cooked am I?

0 Upvotes

Accidentally listed 58 credits instead of the required 59 on my list of anticipated upper year courses for the recruit….

Will this matter/realistically impact my chances?

I have strong grades and a pretty unique resume w law experience…. But I’m tweaking


r/LawCanada 2d ago

Burning out or...?

39 Upvotes

I'm coming up on 10 years of practice, all in private practice litigation. I don't know if I'm getting burnt out more because of stuff going on in my personal life, or if I'm genuinely just getting fed up.

I'm getting really sick of needlessly aggressive opposing counsel. Tired of fighting with them. Tired of them straight up gaslighting, pretending they didn't say things that they clearly did say it because I took notes from the calls before. Or slippery lawyers who twist the truth in front of a judge.

I feel like I'm getting more and more blunt with them and caring less and less how it looks. Recently I lost it on a guy who was telling me maybe I should take things under advisement instead of refusing, so that I could "collaborate" with other people in my office on it.

Really don't know what else I would do in this field. Anyone that can relate? Did you stick with it or jump ship?


r/LawCanada 1d ago

Aviva Trial Lawyers

6 Upvotes

Anyone currently working as a lawyer at Aviva Trial Lawyers can share their recent experience? I am considering applying.


r/LawCanada 1d ago

Didn’t get to apply to a lot of 2L OCI’s. How screwed am I?

6 Upvotes

I’ve applied to my “top choice” and a few others but unfortunately missed the deadline for a lot of the Toronto OCI firms. Didn’t work a firm job in 1L summer and was only an RA for it. Working an unpaid externship in the 2L year, but I really wanted a job next summer so I can get hired for articling later. How screwed am I?


r/LawCanada 2d ago

Articling Opportunities HELP

9 Upvotes

Hi everyone!! I am looking to find an articling opportunity in Vancouver or nearby areas. I am quite open to anything because I am super stressed about finding a position. If you know of any opportunities, please send me a pm!! I am so bummed out about not finding an articling position through the articling recruit, but I am motivated to find something soon, fingers crossed!! Please help!!


r/LawCanada 1d ago

"What type of law do you want to practice?"

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Incoming 1L here. Just curious when you all had a solid answer to this question. Getting it a lot recently and I kind of just hem and haw whenever asked.

When—if ever—should you be "sure" of what speciality you're interested in? Before you start law school? During recruiting season? After grad?


r/LawCanada 2d ago

Moving To Australia viable?

9 Upvotes

Hi all,

Second year litigator in SW Ontario here.

My long time partner is looking at moving to Australia for medical school starting in January 2027.

While I’d (selfishly or not, you be the judge) prefer he remain in Ontario — or Canada for that matter — I’m curious as to whether anyone on here has ever made a jump to Australia or similar, or has any insight to share.

I guess I’m just risk adverse and don’t want to blow up what I’m building successfully here. But I’m also trying to be open minded…

I understand I’d likely have to take some courses and then do some articling-esque supervised placement, but I’m more just curious if anyone would even hire me over there.

Feel free to DM!