How do I become a lawyer after an LLM in Canada?
Asked by: Kyla Casper | Last update: January 22, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (67 votes)
An LLM doesn't get you anywhere in terms of becoming a lawyer in Canada. A prerequisite to be
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.
Can you become a lawyer with a LLM degree?
While it's not necessary to have an LLM to be a practicing lawyer, many professionals pursue one because it can make them more desirable candidates in a specific area or within a large law firm that handles international clients. An LLM may also provide you with the qualifications to become a firm partner.
What is the salary after 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 qualify as a lawyer in Canada as a foreign lawyer?
- Apply to the NCA. Apply to the NCA for assessment of legal qualifications. ...
- Complete NCA requirements. Complete NCA exams, course work or law school program as outlined in your NCA assessment. ...
- Complete your articles. ...
- Get called to the Bar.
How to Become a Lawyer: Step-by-Step Guide in 5 Minutes! (2023)
Can I practice law in Canada with a US 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.
How many years does it take to become a lawyer in Canada?
From your undergraduate degree, to studying in law, to becoming licensed, it may take up to eight years in total to become a lawyer in Canada. This does not account for any delay in your studies, or other possible factors that will take you longer to finish 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.
Which LLM is most in demand?
- International law.
- Tax law.
- International Trade Law.
- Intellectual Property Law.
- Family Law.
- Human Right Law.
How much does a LLM lawyer earn in USA?
As of Jan 17, 2025, the average annual pay for the Llm jobs category in the United States is $142,663 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $68.59 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,743/week or $11,888/month.
Can you take the bar with just an LLM?
However, a few US states allow graduates of an LLM with no JD degree to sit for the bar exam, provided they fulfill additional conditions pertaining to their previous degrees and the credits gained during the LLM program.
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.
Are LLMs worth it?
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?
- 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.
Are you a lawyer if you have an LLM?
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.
Can you become a lawyer in Canada without going to law school?
In order to become a lawyer in Canada, you must obtain a law degree. Your law degree must be either from a Canadian law school or from a foreign common law jurisdiction (U.S. or UK etc). A Canadian degree, Juris Doctor (JD), is a three-year-long, full-time, or part-time course.
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.
Which country is best for LLM?
Q: Which country is best for studying LLM abroad? A: Any country is "best" if they are offering quality education and post-study work options. Canada, the USA, UK, and Australia are well-known study destinations for this.
What is the highest salary in LLM?
Employees who know Llm earn an average of ₹37.4lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹22.6lakhs per year to ₹218.4lakhs per year based on 42 profiles. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹49.0lakhs per year.
Is it worth doing LLM in USA?
A US based LLM degree can boost the career prospects of international students both inside and outside the country. Through an LLM program employers find value within a strict academic training and an international exposure which also give opportunities for growth through different sectors within the legal profession.
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.
Can I become a lawyer at 40?
It's never too late in life to apply to law school. Although most applicants are under 25, about 1 in 5 are 30 or older and a much smaller proportion are over 40.
Are Canadian lawyers paid well?
Do lawyers make good money in Canada? Yes, lawyers on average, make $126,595 a year in Canada, which is considered well above the national average salary of close to $50,000 a year.
What type of lawyer makes the most money?
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.