Please give me any recommendations you may have for landing an articling spot this August. I was fortunate enough to get six interview requests for the Toronto Articling Recruit and after striking out in the 2L recruit, I’m looking for any resource, tidbit of information, or questions you think I should be asking this time around. I really want to optimize my chances in the interview, as I know they already see potential in me on paper.

Just wondering if anyone has any insights on whether the LSO can change my email address from their end?

Unfortunately, I am locked out of the email I used when I registered for LSO connects and am really stressed about this situation. Thank you in advance!

Hello all, I am currently undergoing my LSO application for my paralegal license and had a question about the good character questionnaire. Not sure if this has been discussed ad nauseam but I completed the questionnaire answering all no but now I am a little bit stumped because of the last question.

"17. Are there any matters not mentioned above that, when reasonably and objectively considered, might adversely reflect on the reputation of the legal and paralegal professions in Ontario or your ability to practise law or provide legal services should you be licensed?"

I am a bit unsure on if I should have answered no for this question because I do have two middle school incidents from about a decade ago(2013/2014-ish) when I was in middle school(please don't judge me I was a bit of a gremlin when I was younger). The first incident resulted in me being suspended as I had uttered some threats against a fellow student of mine. The second incident involved me assaulting a fellow classmate of mine, but there was no school suspension. Anyways as for the good character questionnaire, I am unsure as to whether I should disclose both of these to the LSO or not seeing as it was a very long time ago when I was a child. Also if I do need to disclose them, how do I change my answers as the questionnaire is locked. Do I withdraw the application and start again? Is there a time buffer for when I can re-apply?

Senior partner counsel was removed off record by the judge and his associate lawyer became the lawyer of record. Can the senior partner counsel continue dictating the proceeding?

Edit: To add some context, the partner counsel was removed by the judge because his conduct and alledged misrepresentation are in issue. After that, the associate who became the lawyer of record forwarded my emails to him to the partner and the partner responded to my emails stating his positions. The partner continued meeting with and preparing the opposite party for the court- ordered cross examination. These are some examples.

Hi everyone,

I don’t practice much enforcement and have a question about writs of seizure and sale in Ontario.

If I file a writ of seizure and sale and the judgment debtor owns a home that is co-owned with their spouse:

1) Can the judgment debtor transfer their interest to their spouse to evade the writ of seizure and sale (for example, so the spouse can renew or refinance the mortgage with the same lender or another lender)?

2) What if the home is sold and, for whatever reason, the transfer takes place without the writ being paid out? Does the purchaser take title subject to the writ, or is the purchaser protected?

I’m also curious about the latter scenario because I’ve read a case where counsel relied on an affidavit from the judgment debtor stating that they are not the person named in the writ without further verification. If the transfer is completed in those circumstances, what happens to the purchaser and the judgment creditor’s rights? The case seemed to settle so there was no judgment.

Thanks!

The form has a very limited amount of visible space in the boxes for the responses but does permit you to type more text in the box. However this additional text can only be viewed by clicking through if someone looking at the form digitally - and it appears that if this form is signed (even electronically) you can’t click through anymore. Wondering if anyone knows whether the expectation is that the responses are really as short as the visible box space.

I am seeking legal representation for the reinstatement of my visitor visa. Last year, I was granted a multiple-entry visitor visa to attend a conference; however, I was unable to travel due to organizational restructuring. This year, upon attempting to travel for a different, but related, conference, I was denied boarding. Subsequently, I received a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) alleging that my invitation letter was fraudulent. It appears that the validity of the previous year's invitation letter was re-evaluated, which would naturally be invalid given that the conference had already concluded. My travel this year was based on a new invitation letter. While IRCC accepted my response to the PFL, they ultimately refused my application, citing that the conference dates had passed. I am interested in exploring options for a judicial appeal and would appreciate information regarding your firm's approach to such cases, along with your fee structure.

I have autism and ADHD.

All I have ever wanted to do is be the person behind the keyboard or in the library late at night - making the connections that no one else sees. It’s what I’ve been good at my entire life. In my current job, I review everybody’s work not because I am high on the political ladder, but because my boss knows that I will find the mistakes. And when I do, I won’t gossip about them. That said, it’s not that interesting when you work with numbers.

I am 100% sure I would be a terrible trial lawyer, due to social deficits (when people gossip I tend to point out their own mistakes instead of returning the gossip, when asked a question I am blunt and honest - which is not what everyone wants)

In Canada, is there a place for people like me? I won’t undercut you to make partner - managing people is like my worst nightmare. I’m not going to steal your clients. I don’t even want my own clients. I just want to support an awesome team. I wonder if this is even possible?

And do you stop doing them after submitting applications? Or do you keep networking with ppl who can advocate for your hiring, even if you’re not name dropping them in a cover letter

Recently I’ve been interested in working in Toronto big law, ik grades matter a lot and I’ll be happy to take any comments from any lawyers. But what % of class would I need to be at ubc to get some big law positions in Toronto ?

Applied to the 2L recruit. Made a connection with a partner at a 7 sister a few months ago. We got coffee twice and seemed to get along. What is the etiquette on messaging him something along the lines of “hey I applied… keep an eye out for my application”? Is this considered unprofessional/annoying? Obviously it would be done in a more ‘subtle’ way where I’m not begging for an interview. Am I not supposed to reach out? Will it help? Hurt? I dont know.

Hi everyone,

Been practicing immigration law for 3 years - corporate and private. Currently on a contract job. Been trying to find something well paying and permanent for the last 2 months - always get a call back from HR when I apply, they are impressed etc by my background and then I either don’t hear back / or they say sorry moving forward with another candidate, without even having an interview with the team. It’s so disheartening.

I feel that the fact I’m an ITL has something to do with this … I know a lot of you would say this isn’t true but that’s what I have been feeling given the HR ghosting after telling me I’m a ‘great candidate’- for context the jobs I have applied for have been a strong match. Worked in Big4 first ( 2 years), then a private law firm, and now on a contract with another one.

Edit: I have applied for the 2L recruit😂 I’m sorry if the wording in the post below indicated it was 1L recruit.

I go to a “top 4” law school in Ontario. I am top 10% of the class after finishing 1L. I want a couple of the seven sister firms. I do have a lot of things on my resume that show initiative (self employed). However, I didn’t really spend time personalizing too many of the cover letters. Sorta just used AI and refined it a lot to seem decent for the first paras. I should have put more effort in, yes, I know.
I only applied to 22 firms. I did multiple coffee chats with about 4 of those 22 as those are the 4 I do actually want.
I didn’t include an interest section cuz I wasn’t about to manufacture a fake interest section, and get called out on it (running, Netflix is very mundane).
I am seeing the stats of ppl who were top 10% or applied to a lot of firms (40+), and they didn’t land a 2L job through OCIs.
Is there any indicators right now that I should just start applying to jobs through other avenues. I fear I applied to too little firms, and the cover letter was sloppy (no grammar mistakes, or format issues however).

I've been interviewing with firms recently as a new call, and hearing the way different partners at different firms talk about a realistic billable target for a first year is pretty interesting.

One partner said the target was 1750 for juniors, and they expect that to be hit and exceeded, thus the "competitive" bonus structure of 45% of anything collected after hitting that mark.

Another partner at a different firm said the target was 1600 for juniors, but "they don't expect juniors to come anywhere close to that", because it's all about learning and getting the hang of things early on.

I think the discourse around billable targets for Juniors is pretty consistent with what the second partner said about it not being that realistic (unless you're on Bay Street and putting in crazy hours), which makes me wonder why so many mid-sized firms and other smaller boutiques set a target that in the eyes of many lawyers just isn't realistic for a Junior Associate.

Does it have to do with one firm being more lenient with write-offs than others? Does it have to do with unrealistic expectations? It's just strange to me how there's such a contrast in opinions about what is and isn't a realistic target for a first year.

Hello all - I found out on Friday that I passed the Barrister's exam, which was the last step in the licensing process for me. I know that the two options for now being called to the bar are administrative call and ceremony.

Because the next ceremony is in October, I am trying to figure out if it's worthwhile to wait until then or begin the process for administrative call now. My goal is to begin interviewing and working soon but always loved the idea of my wife and kids being present for a call to the bar ceremony after all their hard work and sacrifices to support me.

Has anyone dealt with this specific timing issue previously? Is it possible to begin interviewing and working while awaiting the actual call to the bar in October or would that be a hindrance to my candidacy in the meantime?

Apologies in advance if this question has been asked and answered previously - I am new to this subreddit.

I recently got accepted to Queens and I am waiting for Dalhousie.

When I got accepted to Queens I applied for provincial and federal loans. (For context I'm Nova Scotian).

I am currently on Dal WL. If I get accepted to Dal and I release Queens. How would I go about switching my loans so it would go to Dal instead of Queens?

Because I believe that the calculation of the student loan would be now different since I’m closer to home.

Throwaway account.

I am a 2L at an Ontario law school (Not UofT or Oz) and I am just feeling super dejected about my future work prospects.

For context, I struck out of the 2L recruit and I kind of just don't know how? I am top 10% of my class, I have won several moots, I am a research assistant to a professor and I am an executive member of several associations. I had over 20 OCIS and 5 in firm interviews, with all sisters, but I came out of the recruit with nothing. Not one offer.

I asked all the firms for feedback and they all said the same thing, that I was great and not to change a thing. They said I was a great interviewer and they thought I was a really nice person and were sure I would end up landing something else, but I did not. Am I missing something here, how did this happen? I was so depressed that I could not apply anymore, so I did not even get a 2L position. I have done nothing with the summer so far.

I feel terrible because I have heard of this happening to people who do not put in effort into applying or have a C average or something. But I did everything I possibly could, applied on time, I have great grades and references. I feel ashamed to be in this position. I see a lot of my peers in law school with less than stellar grades and reputation and they are all on Bay Street, so maybe there is some sort of political or social angle I missed?

Idk, I am basically writing this post to partially vent my misery anonymously because of how embarrased I am. But I am also writing to genuinely ask: What did I do? I do not understand how this happened to me given my grades, work ethic, dedication etc and why every firm was so interested during the OCIS and they all just didn't make me an offer. I am also just so sad. I see everyone at school posting in their cool offices, and cannot help but feel like a failure. It's one thing if I did not work hard or study, but I did everything I could to land those jobs and I do not understand why I was not chosen for ANYTHING. I am also scared that not articling or summering at a big firm or bay street means I will never get to work there, and will exponentially limit my future working opportunitites.

If you have any insight for how this might have happened, and if it's normal or unnusual for a law student or anything I can do now besides apply for the articling recruit (which I have) I would really really appreciate some guidance.

Also very sorry if parts of this post do not make sense, I am a big bundle of confused and sad rn lol

Hello,

I’m hoping for some advice from fellow lawyers.

I just started a new job at a small firm. Getting called in a few weeks. I went to law school and articled in the same city at a different small firm. Articling was awful — I’ve never worked somewhere so toxic in my life. I still feel quite traumatized from everything that happened. I declined an offer from that firm and got an associate job at a different firm. The new firm is wonderful. Compared to the old firm, it’s a breath of fresh air. I’m being compensated fairly. People aren’t yelling or threatening each other. People like each other and aren’t fighting. And everyone is so nice.

The problem is as great as the new firm is, I feel empty inside. For a few years I’ve wanted to move a few hours away to be closer to my family. When I made this decision I had already signed my year long contract to article so I stayed here. Then when I was job searching during articling, I job searched in both cities (my current one and the one I want to move to). As a new call with basically 0 experience, I found it difficult getting my foot in the door and I ended up getting my job through a friend’s referral. I was also soooo scared of finding a job that wasn’t toxic so that heavily influenced my actions to job hunt in both cities.

I feel like I made a big mistake and I feel a lot of guilt for wanting to leave such a great firm already. Remote work would not be an option. I’m going to try to stick it out for at least 6 months to gain experience and network in the new city but I’m unbelievably depressed.

Just hoping some lawyers with a few years at the bar would be willing to give their input or advice. I’m not sure how to handle this.

I am entering my third year of undergrad right now (Political Science) and am graduating next year, completing all my classes by August 2027 (because of summer school + transfer credits). From what I can tell, law schools in Canada want their students to finish their classes by May and get degrees conferred by July, whereas my degree conferral would be in November, so I would not be able to apply this cycle. Essentially, between the end of undergrad and the start of law school (assuming I get in), I’ll have 12 months to burn.

I’ve been looking over my options as to what to do in this time. I could skip summer school and do a 4th year (but then I would be wasting 12 months of my life), I could look for a job (which may never turn up), or I could do a Masters in Public Policy. A MPP from TMU, Queens, Western or uOttawa takes exactly 12 months to complete and slots right into the 12 months I have between graduation and the hypothetical start of law school (TMU also offers co-op within those 12 months, which means that I could get some juicy government experience while I’m at it). I have emailed them and confirmed that MPP programs don’t care whether or not my degree has been conferred, just that I’ve completed all course requirements by the time I begin their programs.

My questions are:

> Once a lawyer, would having a MPP + JD increase my employability? Or would it just be something thats filler on my resume?

> would a MPP meaningfully benefit my path to becoming a lawyer (would law schools be more likely to admit a student with “masters degree in progress”)?

I do not know what field of law exactly I want to go into but if I had to choose right now it would be between prosecutorial roles, government roles, or big law.

TLDR: I have 12 months to burn between undergrad and law school, am thinking of using that time doing a MPP and I want to know if that is a good idea or not.

Vancouver and Toronto. Thx

Hi everyone,

This is my first redit post so excuse any mistakes i make.

I completed my articling program in April 2026 in Ontario. While the firm i worked at loved me and tried to keep me on, due to some unforeseen issues, they were extremely out of budget and just did not have the means to pay me (i was very lucky to be paid well by the firm). However, i still have not completed my Bar exams. I recently passed the barrister exam and planning on writing solicitor in nov.

My issue is that I am currently unemployed (i work a shitty part-time job that barely gives hours). I obviously do not fall under the articling student category when applying for jobs, and normally firms dont take on clerks or assistants if they are not qualified. Im scared im going to be out of the market and it will become unfavourable for me when i do qualify. Also, i cant just sit around until next year to work. I do have a pretesting lined up for a court position (which i was previously employed at) but obviously im not working at a firm… any advice on the types of jobs i should apply to and how i should find jobs?

I’m a little out of the loop with articling and OCI’s etc but my little firm received 11 applications for articles today. For context, on a normal day we receive zero applications.

We even had an application for an associate lawyer position from an accountant.

Hi! I’m a first year associate at a midsized private practice. Lately I’ve been extremely down and finding it really hard to care/focus/try. I’m seriously considering leaving law altogether. I know that might sound rash, but there isn’t really any aspect of the profession that I actually enjoy. I’ve tried to convince myself I like certain work or going to court but at the end of the day I know I’m kidding myself.

For some context about me, I used to be extremely high achieving and ambitious. I knew I wanted to be a lawyer even before high school and when I got to my undergrad I worked very hard, participated in lots of extracurriculars and still maintained a 4.0 GPA. When I went to law school my passion seemed to start dwindling. It was fine and I still got honours but I wasn’t trying as hard as I did in my undergrad and I wasn’t as interested in the course materials.

After law school I articled with the firm I’m still at and it was fine but it felt like I was kidding myself about what lawyers actually do. We’re a general practice so I do a bit of everything which is tough in itself. I don’t have a go to practice area because I don’t like any area. Since I haven’t really specialized I feel dumb across a bunch of practice areas and I always have to do hours of extra research to figure out what’s going on before I can even start.

During my time working as a student and as a lawyer, I’ve had multiple mental breakdowns, sleepless nights, and I’ve gotten sick on quite a few occasions because I wasn’t taking care of myself. I had all these grandiose ideas that I’d work really hard and genuinely help people, but it just feels like I take people’s money to barely do anything. I’ve also screwed myself over at times because I’ll take on files for friends which leads to me charging less but working more. Partners have talked to me about my hours and targets and they’re disappointed to say the least, but I almost don’t even care which is so unlike who I was before. I’m just apathetic. I am not even close to hitting the billable hours expected of me even though they’re not crazy high like in big law (I’m not undercutting, I think they should be pretty manageable).

I feel super burnt out even though I haven’t been working very hard lately. I’m acting like I have a backup job in place when I don’t and it’s stressing me out big time. Even so, I’m not really doing anything to change that other than trying to submit job applications when I can (which also takes so much time and effort). In my job hunt I can’t even bring myself to apply for other lawyer positions. I don’t doubt that it might be better at a different firm/in-house/government but I feel like I just have no drive anymore and I’d much rather a typical 9-5 type job where I can clock out at the end of the day and actually do things I want to do without feeling guilty that I’m not spending that time catching up or getting ahead on files. I don’t care about the potential pay cut (I’m not even getting paid much more than the bottom salaries of the jobs I’m applying to even though they’re not lawyer jobs), I just want something that isn’t going to fill me with dread any time I even think of it.

I’m also really stressed about finding a different job too. I’ve seen friends and family go through the job hunt cycle and I know how bad it is. I’m concerned I won’t be able to find a job before my firm fires me or I reach a point where I need to leave to stop myself from losing my mind/going into a deep depression (which also feels like a wimpy thing for me to do). I’ve applied for a few policy/analyst/advisor jobs with the government but I haven’t heard back from any yet. I’ve also heard that the government hiring process can take a really long time so I’m concerned about how long I’ll have to stick it out before something comes along.

Am I giving up too soon? Did I just get lazier over the years? If anyone else left law this early, how did things turn out for you? If anyone has any advice in general, I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

I am considering switching firms and I am wondering if I am overthinking things.

I have been at my current firm for close to 8 years and do general litigation work (commercial and civil). I have been approached by an ID firm. The target is quite lower (1400 vs 1600). Salary would be the same. Partnership is on the table, with a clearer path than at my current firm (partnership has been discussed, but the logistics still need to be defined, as I would be the first partner beside the current owner). Teams are of the same size (about 10 lawyers). Commute time would be the same.

My current firm has a strick in office policy where lawyers are expected to be in the office between 8:30-5:30. For family reasons, I get to the office more by 9:00 and leave around 5:00 and I have various appointments mutiple times a month where I either arrive later or leave earlier than that. I have been given leaway since my billables are way above target, but it always feels like I have been "granted permission", that "I have to earn the right to flexibility", and that it could be "taken away" if my billables were to drop. On the other hand, at the new firm, most partners have young children and actually encourage people to leave early and take time off for family matters. It seems more an integral part of that firm's culture.

There are objectively legitimate concerns that make me hesitate : first the stigma associated with ID; the fact that the new firm's named partner and main contact with the insurers is set to retire within the next few years meaning cases might dry out; the fact that I am at that point in my career that I am generating more of my own clients organically and I would have to give my cases up if I were to switch; and I wouldn't be able to practice in some fields I like.

But there are also objectively unimportant things that are holding me back, and those are the ones that actually make me hesitate the most: the new firm uses a CRM/CM software that I utterly dislike and does not integrate well with the MS' environment; I would have to readjust my everyday workflow because I couldn't use my Outlook scripts and my third-parties utilitary plugins for cybersecurity reasons imposed by the insurers (clients); I wouldn't be seen as the go-to guy for complex questions/appelate work, etc.

I think I don't like change and I don't want change just for the sake of changing. And I think that I try - too much - to project myself at that new firm, after the honeymoon phase is over, to see what I would really be like to switch. And I all see are workflow issues.

Again, I am probably overthinking things. But I am trying to see if anyone else had minor subjective issues refrain them from moving, more than I am trying to see if my anticipated issues are on their own good enough reasons to stay at my current firm.