Can I become a lawyer in Canada with a LLM?

Asked by: Mrs. Ruby Rodriguez MD  |  Last update: January 17, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (68 votes)

Note: Completing the Professional LLM in Canadian Common Law does not automatically entitle you to practice law in Canada or to be admitted to the Bar of a Canadian province or territory. Consult the NCA or your provincial/territorial law society for more information.

Can you be a lawyer with just an LLM?

A JD or an LLM can prepare you for a legal career, but you can't become a licensed lawyer without a JD degree. Also, a JD degree program takes longer and has a broader scope than an LLM program. What really determines if a JD or an LLM is the right one for you are your long-term career goals.

What is the salary of LLM in Canada?

Salary of LLM Graduates

According to PayScale, the average salary for law graduates in Canada is around CAD 91,000 annually. Lawyers specializing in certain areas, such as tax, intellectual property, or corporate law, can command higher salaries, up to CAD 120,000 annually.

Can I practice law in Canada with a US law degree?

Being a Lawyer in Canada

To practice Canadian law in Canada, US-trained lawyers must apply for a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). The Certificate of Qualification confirms that you have education and training equivalent to graduates from an approved Canadian law school.

Is it worth doing LLM in Canada?

Studying law in Canada will help you gain enough professional and legal knowledge and skills that will help boost your CV. You can easily find a part-time job that pays well or land a paid internship during your course to fund your studies.

Foreign Trained Lawyer in Canada - The NCA Process

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Can I practice law in Canada with LLM?

Note: Completing the Professional LLM in Canadian Common Law does not automatically entitle you to practice law in Canada or to be admitted to the Bar of a Canadian province or territory. Consult the NCA or your provincial/territorial law society for more information.

Is LLM worth it in USA?

However, a lot of employers, the vast majority in fact, simply don't give the degrees much weight. The reason has to do with the practice of law vs. the study of law. In short, an LLM doesn't offer much of anything that you can't just pick up from day-to-day legal practice.

Can a foreigner become a lawyer in Canada?

Become an accredited lawyer in Canada

The Foreign Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP) is a 12-month Post-bachelor's Certificate offered by the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary for internationally trained lawyers who wish to become accredited to practice common law in Canada.

How much do Canadian lawyers make?

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is $116,145 per year, with an average salary of $103,175 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Can a US citizen go to law school in Canada?

For those who wish to obtain a law degree in Canada, the good news is that it is possible to do so. There are many Canadian law schools and most of them do allow for international students to enroll.

How to make $500,000 as a Lawyer?

5-Step Marketing Formula Used by the Highest-Paid Lawyers
  1. High-Performance Law Firm Website.
  2. Create High-Performance Content.
  3. Optimize Legal Website Ads.
  4. Improve Reviews and Listings.
  5. Manage Your Legal Reputation.

How many years is LLM in Canada?

LLM Non-Thesis students are expected to complete their program of study in 12 months (three academic terms: Fall, Winter, and Summer). LLM Thesis students typically complete their program within 16 to 24 months.

What type of Lawyer makes the most money in Canada?

Whether you're handling civil and criminal cases, litigation and trial lawyers are some of the lawyers that make the most money. However, not all cases that go to trial would pay off handsomely. High profile cases and those that involve larger sums of money or property mean fat pay for litigators.

Can you sit for the bar with an LLM?

In some states, including New York, California, and Texas, the completion of an LL. M. degree along with certain other criteria will allow attorneys with a non-U.S. law degree to sit for the bar exam.

Is an LLM higher than a JD?

An LLM takes a lawyer deeper, to gain "advanced knowledge in a specific area of law for career advancement, upward mobility, and/or expanded practice opportunities." The primary difference in the curriculum is that a JD program covers general law concepts; the LLM is focused on a specific area of expertise.

What can I do with LLM in the USA?

While legal job titles or responsibilities can overlap depending on the organization, possible outcomes for graduates of our LLM degree programs include:
  • Attorney/Staff Attorney.
  • Chief Counsel/Chief Legal Officer/General Council.
  • Data Privacy Officer.
  • Director of Business Development.
  • Director of Compliance.

Is it worth becoming a Lawyer in Canada?

Lawyers are one of the most highly paid professions in the country, along with doctors, accountants, and engineers, with a yearly average of $126,595. However, anyone who wants to become a lawyer in Canada must consider the costs of education, which can be higher than in other careers.

Which country pays lawyers the most?

The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.

What percentage of lawyers make 500k a year?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for lawyers in 2022 was $135,740, with only the top 1% surpassing the $500,000 mark. So, what sets apart that elite 1%?

Can US lawyers work in Canada?

As an internationally-qualified lawyer, you must become a member of a law society in Canada before you can practice law in a province or territory. However, to do this, you first need to earn a Certificate of Qualification issued by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA).

Are lawyers in demand in Canada?

Law firms in major Canadian markets are seeing a high demand for their services. Still, half of legal employers say finding candidates with the required skill sets is their greatest hiring challenge in 2024.

Can I immigrate to Canada as a lawyer?

Key Requirements to immigrate to Canada as a lawyer

There are a few eligibility requirements you must meet to apply for Canada PR as a lawyer, including: At least 2 to 3 years of UG degree or a college program. Bachelor's degree from a recognized law school. Complete bar exam and a period of articles.

Which LLM is most in demand?

However, if we see the LLM courses that are in demand these days, there is a list presented below:
  • International law.
  • Tax law.
  • International Trade Law.
  • Intellectual Property Law.
  • Family Law.
  • Human Right Law.

Is an LLM prestigious?

Holding an LLM from a top university could significantly lift your earning potential as well as your chances of getting that fabulous promotion or job offer from a top firm once you are more settled.

How hard is an LLM?

In some ways, an LLM may be harder because of its specialized curriculum and thesis requirements. However, the JD is often believed to be harder because it takes longer to complete and is the first time students are introduced to legal theories and the rigorous demands of law school.