What are the requirements to be admitted to the Law Society as a student-at-law?
You must (i) satisfy the requisite educational requirements, (ii) be over the age of 19, (iii) have arranged for an articling position with a qualified principal, and (iv) provided all necessary documentation and fees as directed by the Law Society.
What are the educational requirements necessary to qualify for admission to the Law Society as a student-at-law?
An applicant seeking admission to the Law Society as a student must have graduated from an approved Canadian law school or obtained a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation not more than 3 years prior to the date they propose to commence their articles.
Is there a deadline to apply for admission as a student-at law?
Yes, applicants must submit a complete application to the Law Society no later than the second Monday in May to qualify for admission to the articling term commencing June 1st or before the second Monday in December for admission to the articling term commencing on January 30th.
What is the process for applying to be admitted by the Law Society as a student-at-law?
The process for applying for admission as a student is set out here: Lawyers & Students > Admission to the Profession
How much does it cost to apply for admission to the Law Society as a student-at-law?
The fee is currently $345.00 ($300.00 + $45.00 HST); however, this fee is subject to change and applicants should contact the Law Society to confirm the current fee prior to submitting their application.
Are students entitled to access the Law Library?
Yes, please see the Law Library page for more information.
How long is the required articling period?
Students must complete a 52-week articling term, which includes the 6-week Bar Admission Course.
Can I complete my articling term on a part-time basis?
An individual may apply to complete their articles on a part-time basis by submitting a Part-Time Articles of Clerkship form to the Education Committee, which may approve or deny such request in their discretion. Please note that all students are required to be enrolled as members of the Law Society within 3 years from the date they commenced their articling term, or they shall be removed from the register of students.
When do I start earning credit for articling?
Students do not earn credit for articling until the first day of the applicable articling term (January 30th or June 1st) following the student’s admission to the Law Society as a student-at-law. Credit toward articles cannot be given retroactively for any service done prior to this date.
Do I have to submit any reports or documents during my articling period?
Once approved as a student-at-law, the following forms are to be completed and provided to the Law Society at various times throughout the 12 months of articling:
What do I do if I change my principal during my articles?
Students who change principals during their articling term must arrange for the following forms to be completed and provided to the Law Society:
Can I be absent from articles?
All absences must be approved by your principal. Students are not permitted to be absent from the practice of their principal for a cumulative period exceeding 20 working days except with the approval of the Education Committee.
When is the Bar Admission Course held?
The Bar Admission Course is offered once per year. It generally commences on the first Monday of October and runs for a period of six weeks.
How much does the Bar Admission Course cost?
The Bar Admission Course fee is currently $2,587.50 ($2,250.00 + $337.50 HST); however, this fee is subject to change and you should contact the Law Society to confirm the current fee prior to submitting payment. This fee is required to be paid at least 14 days before the course.
Do I have to attend all of the sessions of the Bar Admission Course?
Students are expected to be in class Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm for the duration of the Bar Admission Course. Additional work outside of these hours will be required to prepare for assignments and the required exams.
Can I work during the Bar Admission Course?
The Rules of the Law Society do not prohibit working during the Bar Admission Course, although principals are required to allow their student time away from their practice during this time. Be that as it may, the BAC is an intensive educational experience and requires a great deal of work and study. Therefore, students are encouraged to refrain from paid work and dedicate the duration of the BAC to course requirements.
What do I do if I require special accommodations for the Bar Admission Course and/or Bar Exams?
Students should indicate whether they intend to seek special accommodations on their Application for Admission as a Student. All accommodation requests must meet the Bar Admissions Course Accommodation policy. An application for accommodation(s) and required supporting documentation are to be submitted to the Education Committee care of the Director of Admissions and Education on or before August 1 of the year in which the student will be participating in the BAC.
The application requires me to declare why I am requesting accommodation to the Education Committee – will my reasons by kept confidential?
Yes, the Law Society takes the protection of student information very seriously. While you do need to declare your reasons for requesting accommodation, those reasons will be known only the Professional Responsibility department staff and the members of the Education Committee. The Education Committee only requires information that is reasonably necessary to consider the request for accommodation.
I’ve completed the Bar Course and my articles, now what?
When all of the requirements have been met you will be assigned a Call to the Bar ceremony where you will be officially recognized as a practicing member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
When are the Call to the Bar ceremonies held?
Call to the Bar Ceremonies occur in February and June. The ceremony you will participate in will depend on when you complete all articling requirements and are eligible to be called.
What is the fee to be Called to the Bar?
The fee to be Called to the Bar is currently $718.75 ($625.00 + $93.75 HST), to be paid upon completion of articling; however, this fee is subject to change and you should contact the Law Society to confirm the current fee prior to submitting payment.
Is a student-at-law permitted to appear before certain courts and administrative tribunals?
Students are permitted to make certain appearances in accordance with the provisions of rule 6.10.
Call us at (709) 753-7770 or 1-800-984-7770 or by email lawlibrary@lnsl.ca