Can you practice law in Canada with LLM?

Asked by: Samantha Lesch  |  Last update: September 25, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (44 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.

Does an LLM allow you to practice law?

An LLM will provide you with advanced training in law, but it doesn't qualify you as a licensed lawyer. A JD prepares you for legal practice by teaching you everything you need to pass the bar exam and be an effective lawyer. An LLM is more theoretical than a J.D.

What can you do with an LLM in Canada?

Some of the job profiles that you can explore after an LLM in Canada are:
  • Lawyer.
  • Legal Assistant.
  • Legal Consultant.
  • Legal Manager.
  • Magistrate.
  • Associate Attorney.
  • Law Clerk.
  • Solicitor.

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.

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.

HOW TO BECOME A LAWYER IN CANADA IN 2023 | CAN I PRACTICE LAW IN CANADA WITH A MASTER'S DEGREE?

20 related questions found

Can I become a lawyer in Canada with a 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.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

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

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.

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.

Which LLM is best in Canada?

Top 10 LL. M. Programs in Canada
  • Queen's University - Faculty of Law. ...
  • Peter A. ...
  • Dalhousie University - Schulich School of Law. ...
  • University of Alberta - Faculty of Law. ...
  • Western University (UWO) - Faculty of Law. ...
  • University of Ottawa - Faculty of Law. ...
  • Université de Montréal - Faculté de Droit.

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.

Which LLM is most in demand?

Have a look at some of the most popular LLM programs below!
  • Master of laws in Administrative Law Studies.
  • Master of laws in National Law Studies.
  • Master of laws in Economic Law Studies.
  • Master of laws in Jurisprudence.
  • Master of laws in Human Rights Law Studies.
  • Master of laws in Dispute Resolution Studies.

What states can you practice law with an LLM?

An LLM can practice law in each state as long as they pass that state's bar exam. An LLM can practice in the federal courts on a court by court admission, which may require the LLM be a member of the bar of one of the states of the U.S.

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.

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).

How much does a lawyer make in Canada?

Lawyer salaries in Canada

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 I move to Canada as a lawyer?

Through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, many candidates immigrate to Canada, which is why it can be the best pathway to immigrate to Canada as a lawyer. Pursue immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

What type of lawyer is highest in demand?

Some of the most universally in-demand legal specialties include intellectual property law, family law, immigration law, real estate law, and corporate law. Other quickly growing areas of law also include intellectual property law, data privacy and cybersecurity law, litigation, and labor and employment law.

Is Canada a good country for lawyers?

Canada's shortage of legal professionals in many provinces and a diverse range of practice areas offers international legal professionals the opportunity to meet the demand for skilled lawyers. Despite requiring additional qualifications, a Canadian law licence offers competitive salaries and a high quality of life.

What is the unemployment rate for lawyers in Canada?

With the current unemployment rate for lawyers at a stunningly low 0.1%, according to Statistics Canada, it's no surprise to Dunnill that salaries and the desire for flexibility are the top priorities for legal professionals.

Can lawyers make 7 figures?

Corporate Lawyer (Partner)

Though that's far from pocket change, it's certainly not landing you in the earnings tier of a millionaire. That said, corporate lawyers generally stand to make the most and can pull in seven figures a year — if they make partner.

What kind of lawyer makes millions?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.