What subjects are on the Ontario solicitor exam?

Asked by: Hilbert Larkin  |  Last update: October 15, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (46 votes)

The solicitor licensing examination assesses competencies in the following categories:
  • ethical and professional responsibilities.
  • Knowledge of the law (Ontario and Federal legislation, case law, policy, procedures and forms)
  • establishing and maintaining the solicitor-client relationship.
  • fulfilling the retainer.

What is the pass rate for the Ontario solicitor exam?

In 2022, there were 2,804 newly registered licensing candidates, yet there were 6,766 examinations written. Only 71% of candidates passed their first attempt at the barrister exam and 69% passed the solicitor exam. Myth: Copies of past licensing exams are available to review and can be used as a way to study.

What subjects are on the Ontario bar exam?

The barrister portion of the Ontario bar exam covers litigation-related topics—namely, civil litigation, criminal law, family law, and public law (in addition to professional responsibility). The exam consists of 160 questions. However, these 160 questions are broken down into two 80 question segments.

How to study for solicitor exam in Ontario?

Preparing for the Ontario Solicitor's Exam means mastering a broad range of subject areas, from real estate and estate planning to business law. The key to success is not only knowing the law but also having a strong understanding of rules of professional conduct and professional responsibility topics.

What's on the Ontario bar exam?

Basically, Ontario's bar exam consists of two parts: the barrister exam and the solicitor exam. The barrister exam covers topics such as civil litigation, criminal law, family law, and public law. The solicitor exam covers topics like business law, estate planning, and real estate law.

Study Hack: How to pass the Ontario bar exam #law #lawschool #educational #education #barexam

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Is it hard to pass the Ontario bar exam?

Don't Be Afraid to Seek Support from Those Who Can Help You

You'll be surprised at how many people had to take the bar exams more than once. You are not the only one. The Ontario Bar Exams are not easy. However, with some help, strategizing, and deep breathing, you can and will be successful.

What is the difference between a barrister and a solicitor in Ontario?

The majority of a solicitor's work will take place outside of court, although there may be times when they are required to attend. A barrister will represent their clients in court and are often called upon to provide specialist advice in the legal practice area they specialise in.

How many times can you fail the bar exam in Ontario?

How many times am I permitted to write one or more failed licensing examination(s)? During your licensing term, you may write the barrister and solicitor licensing examinations up to three times each.

What is the hardest lawyer exam?

Yes, the California bar exam is widely considered to be the most difficult of all state bar exams in the US. The California bar exam has a pass rate of 34%.

How long do you need to study for the Ontario bar exam?

A single read-through can be achieved in six weeks by reading approximately 38 pages each day until your exam. While that doesn't sound like fun, it is absolutely possible—many candidates actually aim to read 50 pages per day or more.

Can you pass bar without law school?

It's four years of hard work or maybe more, but it could be the right path for you! In California, qualified applicants can take the bar exam without going to law school.

What does the Ontario bar exam look like?

Each licensing examination is four hours and 30 minutes in length and comprises 160 items. The licensing examination is broken into sections by area of law. Candidates should ensure that they answer all items in each section. All items on each licensing examination are multiple choice.

What is harder, the LSAT or the bar?

Generally, the bar exam is considered harder than the LSAT. The LSAT tests logical reasoning and reading comprehension for law school admission, while the bar exam requires extensive legal knowledge and practical skills to obtain a license to practice law.

What happens if you fail the bar three times?

Unlike some states that impose strict or discretionary limits on the number of attempts, California allows candidates to retake the bar exam as many times as necessary until they pass.

Is the Ontario bar exam hard?

The Ontario Bar Exams might not have the same notorious reputation as the New York Bar, but they are not easy. However, with some help, some strategizing, and some deep breathing, you can and will pass the rewrite.

How can a foreign lawyer practice in Canada?

Licensing and employment process for foreign-trained lawyers
  • 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.

What to bring to the Ontario bar exam?

Permitted Items

The following are the only Permitted Items. The following items provided by the Law Society on the day of the candidate's Licensing Examination: Licensing Examination booklet with questions, Scantron answer sheet, two pencils, a highlighter, a calculator, and an eraser.

How many times did JFK Jr. take the bar exam?

Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor degree from the New York University School of Law in 1989. He then failed the New York bar exam twice before passing on his third try in July 1990. After failing the exam for a second time Kennedy vowed that he would continue to take it until he was ninety-five years old or passed.

What is the hardest state to pass the bar exam in?

California is universally regarded as the toughest state for taking the bar exam. This notion is not dissuaded by the state's low bar-pass rate. In addition to the performance test, five essay questions, and the Multistate Bar Exam, the California exam takes two days.

Is 295 a good bar score?

In order to pass the Uniform Bar Exam, examinees must earn a score of at least 260 on the MBE and MEE. However, a score of 280 is generally considered to be a good score, and a score of 300 to 330 (highest score on bar exam) is considered to be excellent.

How much do solicitors make in Canada?

Although Canadian lawyer salaries vary dramatically from mid $30,000 to over $400,000, the average lawyer salary in Canada is $126,595.

Who makes more, an attorney or a lawyer?

The national average salary for an attorney is $97,879 per year , while a lawyer has an average salary of $96,557 per year . Although the average earnings have a slight difference, you may earn more or less depending on your years of experience, employer, location and skills.

What is a barrister called in Canada?

All Canadian lawyers can call themselves both “barristers and solicitors”, although many define their practices as either one or the other. A barrister is a litigator, i.e. a courtroom lawyer. Traditionally, the Bar was the place in a courtroom where counsel stood to address the court.