how to become a real estate lawyer in canada

by Rosanna Abernathy 5 min read

  1. Satisfy degree requirements. To qualify for law school you will need a four-year bachelor’s degree. ...
  2. Gain experience in public speaking. The ability to speak with anyone is a great skill for a lawyer, including real estate lawyers.
  3. Earn high grades. Law school admissions is basically a numbers game, and the two most important numbers are your undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and your score on the ...
  4. Work closely with faculty. Another key element of your application will be letters of recommendations from professors who know you.
  5. Intern with a real estate lawyer. You can get an early taste of the life of a real estate lawyer while in college.

Career Requirements
  1. Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program. Students who want to become real estate lawyers must usually first earn a bachelor's degree. ...
  2. Step 2: Take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
  3. Step 3: Earn a Juris Doctor Degree. ...
  4. Step 5: Begin Working as a Lawyer. ...
  5. Step 6: Earn a Certificate or LLM.
Sep 29, 2021

Full Answer

How to become a real estate lawyer?

Becoming a real estate lawyer requires an extensive amount of education and plenty of hands-on experience. The process requires a college degree, a law school degree, and a passing score on the bar exam. Satisfy degree requirements.

How to become a lawyer in Canada?

In order to qualify for bar membership in Canada, you must take either a Bachelor of Laws Degree (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.), which both take three years to complete. Your first year of law school will consist of general courses, such as Constitutional Law, Property Law, Contracts Law, and Criminal Law.

How to become a real estate agent in Canada?

Let’s dive in! To start, there are several prerequisites you must satisfy before start training for work in the real estate industry. You must: Be at least 18 years of age. Have graduated grade 12. Be a citizen of Canada.

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How long does it take to become a real estate lawyer in Canada?

Earn your law degree In Canada, the first-level common law degree is the Juris Doctor or JD, which takes three years to complete.

How much do real estate lawyers make in Canada?

The average real estate lawyer salary in Canada is $122,500 per year or $62.82 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $95,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $167,510 per year.

How much does a real estate lawyer make in Ontario?

The average real estate lawyer gross salary in Ontario, Canada is $145,580 or an equivalent hourly rate of $70. This is 1% higher (+$1,148) than the average real estate lawyer salary in Canada. In addition, they earn an average bonus of $8,240.

What does a real estate lawyer in Canada do?

Real estate lawyers typically review all the legal documents and issues related to a transaction. This includes looking at a legal review of the Agreement of Purchase or Agreement of Sale. They ensure property taxes are up-to-date, and that there are no claims or liens registered or on file against the property.

What type of lawyer earns the most?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaTax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.Immigration attorney: $84,000.Estate attorney: $83,000.Public Defender: $63,000.More items...•

What's the highest paying job in Canada?

With that in mind, here are the top 5 highest paying jobs in Canada according to data from the Canadian Visa website:Physician/Doctor – 150,000 CAD/year.Lawyer – 135,000 CAD/year.Miner/Oil and Gas Driller – 77,250 CAD/year.Dentist – 75,000 CAD/year.Registered Nurses – 74,000 CAD/year.

Is law school difficult?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

Do you have to be smart to be a lawyer?

You need good grades in high school so you can get into a good college or university. Then once you are there, you need a good GPA and good credentials so you can be competitive when you apply for the limited spots reputable law schools have open. So the answer is yes, you do need to be smart to be a lawyer.

Can a lawyer be a real estate agent Ontario?

While the law in Ontario says only a real-estate professional can trade in real estate on behalf of buyers and sellers, there is an exemption that also allows real-estate lawyers to trade in real estate if the lawyer is providing legal services and the trade in real estate is itself a legal service.

Do you need a lawyer to sell a house in Canada?

Canada: Does Every Home Purchase And Sale In Ontario Require A Lawyer? Parties to a real estate Agreement of Purchase and Sale occasionally ask whether they actually need a lawyer to close the deal. The answer to that question is a resounding yes.

Do you need a real estate lawyer in Ontario?

If you're thinking of buying a house or condo in Ontario, you'll need a real estate lawyer to help represent you. Overall, a lawyer's job is to protect your rights by making sure that all the terms of your agreement of purchase and sale are complied with and that you receive a clear title to the property.

What is a real estate lawyer?

A real estate lawyer has a law degree and specializes in the legal aspects of property transactions. They work in both legal offices and courthouses. When a property transaction occurs, the vendor or buyer employs a real estate lawyer to ensure the transaction follows the laws.

What does a real estate lawyer do?

A real estate lawyer performs any legal duties involved with a property transaction. When a residential or commercial property is about to transfer from one owner to another, the real estate lawyer prepares documents for both the seller and the buyer to sign.

How to become a real estate lawyer

Aspiring real estate lawyers need to complete a long course of study ending with the bar examination. Follow these steps to become a real estate lawyer:

Salary and job outlook

Real estate lawyers earn an average base salary of $53,803 per year, according to Indeed Salaries. This figure depends on the location, size and success of the law firm. If you are a self-employed real estate lawyer, factors that can affect your income include:

Skills for a real estate lawyer

Real estate lawyers need soft skills that they have naturally and hard skills, such as legal concepts and terminology, that they gain during their education. Skills real estate lawyers commonly need to be successful in their careers include:

How to become a student at law in Alberta?

To become a Student-at-Law, you must complete the Law Society of Alberta Admission Program . This entails completing the Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) course and a clerkship/ articling period.

What is the Nova Scotia bar?

The Bar Admissions process of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society involves completing a Skills Course and year of Articling, and a Bar Examination. The Skills Course covers Practice Management Skills (online); Interviewing, Negotiation and Litigation Skills (in-person at the Society offices in Halifax); Legal Writing Skills (online) and Legal Drafting Skills (online).

How many times does the LSAT test?

This standardized entrance test is given four times annually.

What are the requirements for a lawyer license in Ontario?

Ontario requires applicants to complete the Barrister Licensing Examination and the Solicitor Licensing Examination. Both are self-study, open -book exams. The Barrister Examination tests your knowledge of Practice Management Issues; Litigation Process; Alternative Dispute Resolution; Problem/Issue Identification, Analysis and Assessment; Establishing and Maintaining the Barrister-Client Relationship; Ethical and Professional Responsibilities; and Knowledge of Ontario law, Federal legislation and Case Law. The Solicitor Examination tests your knowledge of Ontario, Federal and Case law, along with all policies, procedures and forms; Ethical and Professional Responsibility; Establishing and Maintaining the Solicitor-Client Relationship; Practice Management; and Fulfilling the Retainer. Each exam takes seven hours to complete and can be done online. Check out this video for more information on the licensing exams for Ontario.

How long do you serve as a student at law in the Northwest Territories?

Once you are a Student-at-Law, you will serve 12 months of service in articles of clerkship approved by the Society to a member. This member may be a judge of the Northwest Territories/Nunavut Court of Justice; a Judge of the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Canada or of a superior court of a province or territory; or a barrister and solicitor who does not live in Northwest Territories/Nunavut but is an active member in good standing and has practiced law for at least five years.

How to become a lawyer in Canada?

If you attend a foreign law school and wish to become a Canadian lawyer, your education must be approved by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). You must submit your qualifications and experience in law to the NCA. The NCA will then determine what, if any, further coursework you must complete at an approved Canadian law school prior to licensure as a lawyer in your province. You may also be asked to complete examinations in order to qualify for licensure. If you qualify, you will be issued a Certificate of Qualification, which you may use to seek entry to your province’s law society.

What is the law society of Ontario?

The Law Society of Ontario#N#The Law Society of Ontario requires that you graduate from a law school approved by Convocation in order for your law education to be provincially recognized. All schools listed under “Law Schools in Canada” below are approved by Convocation.

What is the job of a real estate lawyer?

A real estate lawyer deals with the purchase and sale of commercial and residential real estate, negotiates leases, and handles zoning issues. Becoming a real estate lawyer requires an extensive amount of education and plenty of hands-on experience. The process requires a college degree, a law school degree, and a passing score on the bar exam.

What do real estate lawyers meet with?

Real estate lawyers meet with a variety of people during their workday, from clients, potential clients, opposing counsel, and even judges or arbitrators. You need to be comfortable speaking to diverse constituencies, often off the top of your head. While in college, look for opportunities to engage in public speaking.

What is the most important test for law school?

Study for the LSAT . The LSAT is probably the most important factor in your law school application, so take it seriously. It tests reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. [3]

What do students do in a real estate clinic?

In a real estate clinic, students may represent low-income cooperative boards or other non-profits. Students will assist with loan and co-op unit closings, shareholder meetings, and drafting by-law or lease amendments. Find schools with a real estate concentration or certificate.

How to get a letter of recommendation for law school?

To get strong letters of recommendation, you should try to work with faculty as a research or teaching assistant. This experience will allow professor to write detailed letters of recommendation in support of your admission to law school.

How to check if you are accredited?

To check, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s (“DOE”) Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Where do law schools place their alumni?

Most law schools place their alumni in the local legal community. Accordingly, you should pay attention to the school’s location and make sure you feel comfortable living there.

What is articling in real estate?

Articling is a period of training supervised by a professional mentor. Upon approval of your real estate license, many provinces expect the new real estate agent to complete certain articling educational requirements.

How to become a real estate agent in Canada?

1. Begin your real estate certification. Many real estate classes can be taken online at your convenience. The first step in the process is successfully completing the basic real estate licensing course in your province. Each province administers their own certification courses through sanctioned real estate councils or association boards.

What is the role of a real estate agent?

Part of your role as a real estate professional will be to meet with purchasers, listen to their requirements — their likes , dislikes, needs , style preferences , etc. — and help them find a property that matches their specifications. You’ll work with the listing agent (if it’s not you) to arrange property viewings, negotiate with the seller and help finalize the sales process.

How old do you have to be to sell a house?

To start, there are several prerequisites you must satisfy before start training for work in the real estate industry. You must: Be at least 18 years of age. Have graduated grade 12.

When do you hit the pavement with your first real estate client?

Once you’ve finished your articling period, it’s time for you to hit the pavement and get your first real estate client. Here are some tips that might help:

What is the best marketing strategy?

The best kind of marketing is relationship marketing. This is based on the premise that people who know you are more inclined to trust you to provide a high level of service.

Which provinces offer real estate training?

For instance, British Columbia provides real estate education through UBC Sauder’s Real Estate Division. Manitoba, on the other hand, offers training through the Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA). Each province handles educational certification in a different manner from the others.

What are the first years of law school?

Your first year of law school will consist of general courses, such as Constitutional Law, Property Law, Contracts Law, and Criminal Law. This is where your undergraduate degree in Policing or Criminology would help you excel. During your second and third years you will have the opportunity to choose more specialized courses based on your areas of interest. You will also participate in a mock trial and write several lengthy research papers.

What are the areas of the LSAT?

There are three key areas tested on the LSAT: reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. You will also be asked to provide a writing sample on a given topic, which will be sent with your application along with your LSAT score.

How long does it take to become an articling lawyer?

Articling is the last step in your formal legal education and consists of working under the supervision of a qualified, licensed lawyer for anywhere from 9-12 months. This type of internship will expose you to the different areas of law, as well as give you the experience of what it is to be a lawyer in Canada.

How many law schools are there in Canada?

Once you have completed your undergraduate degree and written you LSAT, you are ready to choose a law school. There are at least two dozen law schools across Canada to choose from, and it is up to you to do the research to determine which school is best for you.

How long does it take to become a bar in Canada?

In order to qualify for bar membership in Canada, you must take either a Bachelor of Laws Degree (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.), which both take three years to complete.

Why is it important to take the LSAT?

Scoring well on the test is important for admission to law school. You can take the LSAT several times in an effort to improve your score, but find out if the school (s) you are applying to look at the lowest score, highest score, or an average.

How many times a year is the LSAT?

Take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The LSAT is held four times a year. [3]

What are the subjects covered in first year law school?

First-year courses are typically compulsory and cover subjects like contracts, criminal law, and legal writing.

Why do you write a law review?

Writing for your school's law review can also provide tangible experience, bolster your professional credentials, and impress potential employers.

What is the difference between Quebec and English common law?

Decide where you want to study and practice law. Quebec law is based on French Civil law, while law in the other provinces and territories is based on English common law. Practically speaking, you will need to train in the kind of law applicable to where you want to practice as a lawyer.

Why do people join study groups?

Joining a study group can be a way to find support, although maintaining a group takes diligence .

How to become a lawyer in high school?

Complete Secondary School and graduate with your high school diploma. In the process, you might be able to gain insight into legal careers by joining a debate club or mock trial team, if your school offers them.

How long does it take to become an articling lawyer?

Articling, simply put, requires you to work under the supervision of a qualified lawyer for 10 months. Articling can be done in a private practice, legal clinic or government office or in-house with a legal department. In Ontario, articling is a very flexible program - trainees can work with a number of mentors, in a variety of practices and be based internationally.

What is the LSAT score?

The LSAT score is based on the number of questions answered correctly and ranges from 120 to 180. Results are released to the student and whichever law schools they have applied to.

What is an olsas?

The OLSAS is an intermediary for the student and the school - acting as a go-between in collecting the necessary documents and passing them along. Each law school however has its own admission requirements so it is the student's responsibility to make sure they've gathered everything they need.

What is the LSAT in Ontario?

This is a standardised admissions exam that tests reading, logical reasoning and analytical reasoning. It comprises of five 35-minute sections and is multiple choice.

How to get a licence to practice law in Ontario?

To get your lisence to practice law in Ontario, Canada, new law school graduates must pass first the Ontario Bar exam and also demonstrate that they are ready to put what they've learned into practice by either 'articling' with a qualified lawyer or completing the Law Practice Program (LPP) .

What is a law degree in Ontario?

A law degree offers an unparalleled education - giving students the chance to make their mark in a constantly changing industry. And, even if they choose not to practice, lawyers can easily use their hard-earned skills in another field as Ontario law degrees will always be viewed favourably by employers.

How long does it take to get into the bar in Ontario?

To be called to "the Bar" in Ontario, candidates must also complete the open-book Barrister and Solicitor examinations. They both exams take 7 hours to complete and are offered three times a year (November, March and June) by the Law Society of Ontario.

What is a licensing fee schedule?

A fees schedule that outlines all fees for the licensing process is set for each licensing process year.

How long does it take to get a bar license?

All parts of the licensing process must be completed within three (3) licensing years.

What is the law society act in Ontario?

To be licensed as a lawyer in Ontario, the Law Society Act requires that an applicant be of “good character.” The good character requirement is intended to protect the public and maintain high ethical standards in the profession by ensuring that persons who are licensed as lawyers show respect for the rule of law and the administration of justice and conduct themselves with honesty, integrity and candour. There is no fee for this part of the licensing process.

How long is the Law Practice Program?

Law Practice Program. The Law Practice Program (LPP) is an 8-month program. The LPP runs from late August to the end of April at Ryerson University. The Programme de pratique du droit runs from early September to the end of April at the University of Ottawa.

When is the barrister licensing deadline?

The licensing process year runs from May 1 to April 30. The deadline to apply is usually at the start of December of the previous year. See the fees schedule for the cost to apply to the licensing process. See Licensing Process Information Session Webcast or transcript. Pass the barrister and solicitor examinations.

How to become a lawyer in Ontario?

To become licensed, you must: Complete a J.D./LL.B. from an approved law school in Ontario or another Canadian province or obtain a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation.

What is MAP in law?

The Member Assistance Program (MAP) is a confidential service fully independent of the Law Society. Lawyers, paralegals, law students, other legal professionals and their families covered by the MAP are provided with confidential access to a number of services.

What to consider when choosing a law school?

When picking a law school, you will consider many things, including the size of the school, its distance from your home, the type of law it specializes in, the composition of the student body and faculty, whether it offers courses or a degree in French, and the philosophy of the school.

What are some extracurricular activities for first year law students?

Many students participate in trial advocacy and client counselling competitions, volunteer at legal clinics or non-profit organizations, and participate in student-led clubs and social events at the law school. This is a great way to meet people with similar interests and find out how you can apply your legal training outside of academics.

Do all law schools require the LSAT?

Nearly all Canadian and US law schools require the standard LSAT. The 'regular' LSAT is held online, thus may be taken in any country where there is reliable internet service. Not valid are the specially-designed LSAT for entry into law schools located in India, and the specially-designed Spanish-language LSAT for law schools located in Puerto Rico.

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Accreditation

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Receiving Your Score

Law Schools in Canada

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Degree Programs

  • You must complete a Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) program or Juris Doctor (J.D.) program in order to qualify for bar membership in any Canadian province or territory. This generally takes three years to complete.
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