HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A common path is to finish secondary school with strong English or French, writing, research and critical-thinking skills. Many students then take a college or university program related to law, legal studies or a legal assistant path, or complete a bachelor’s degree before entering law school. In Quebec, students interested in notarial work usually follow the education route required for that role, which can differ from the lawyer path. Early experience through volunteer work, office jobs, internships or legal assistant roles can help build practical skills. Exact requirements may vary by province, specialization and employer.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Advise clients of their legal rights and all matters related to law
- Research legal precedents and gather evidence
- Plead clients' cases before courts of law, tribunals and boards (lawyers only)
- Draw up legal documents such as real estate transactions, wills, divorces and contracts, and prepare statements of legal opinions
- Negotiate settlements of civil disputes (lawyers only)
- Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law
- May act as mediator, conciliator or arbitrator
- May act as executor, trustee or guardian in estate and family law matters.
- Lawyers and Quebec notaries may specialize in specific areas of the law such as criminal law (lawyers only), corporate law, contract law, taxation law, administrative law, international law, commercial law, real estate law, family and estate law, intellectual property law and labour law.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Community involvementCommittee workInterpersonal skillsLeadership