| I have a law degree from a country other than Canada. How can I be called to the bar in British Columbia? An applicant seeking to be called to the bar in British Columbia who has obtained a law degree in a country other than Canada or a law degree in the Civil Code must first obtain either a Canadian LL.B. degree or a Certificate of Qualification issued by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA): see Law Society Rule 2-27(4). With either of these qualifications, he or she may then apply to enrol in the Law Society Admission Program (LSAP). The LSAP consists of nine months of articles and the 10-week Professional Legal Training Course. Upon successful completion of LSAP, the applicant may then be called and admitted in BC.
How can I apply for a Certificate of Qualification?
If you wish to apply for a Certificate of Qualification, please contact the National Committee on Accreditation at the address below for an application and information package.
Upon review of your completed application, the NCA will advise you whether you must either complete further study at a Canadian common law school or pass certain examinations set by the NCA. It is your responsibility to arrange for completion of the NCA's requirements. If you are required to undertake further study at a Canadian university, this does not guarantee admission. You must apply to one or more Canadian universities and meet their individual entrance requirements.
Please note that the Law Society has no contact with the NCA on individual applications and will not overrule a decision of the NCA or waive the requirements for a Certificate of Qualification in lieu of a Canadian LL.B.
The address of the NCA is:
National Committee on Accreditation
c/o Federation of Law Societies of Canada
World Exchange Plaza
1810 – 45 O’Connor Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 1A4
Tel: 613-236-7250, ext. 229
Fax: 613-236-7233
Email: nca@flsc.ca
The NCA application package is available on the Federation of Law Society's website at www.flsc.ca.
Can I receive credit in the Law Society Admission Program for time spent qualifying or practising elsewhere? An applicant who holds professional legal qualifications in a common law jurisdiction outside Canada and has been in the active practice of law in that jurisdiction for at least one full year may apply for a reduction in the nine-month articling term.
The articling term may be reduced by up to one month for each full year of active practice experience in another jurisdiction. The maximum reduction is five months; accordingly, the minimum articling period for any applicant receiving a reduction is four months.
As well, an applicant who has engaged in the active practice of law in a common law jurisdiction outside of Canada for at least five full years may apply to the Credentials Committee for exemption from all or portions of the 10-week Professional Legal Training Course.
See Reductions in the Articling Term and Exemption from PLTC for more information, including instructions on how to request a reduction in the articling term or exemption from PLTC.
How can I obtain information about immigration requirements? If you are not resident in Canada, please consult the Canadian immigration authorities at an Embassy or High Commission office in your area with regard to immigration requirements.
How can I learn more about LSAP? For information on the Law Society Admission Program, including instructions on how to apply for LSAP, see Law Society Admission Program.
How can I obtain more information? If you have any questions on the LSAP, please contact:
Member Services
Law Society of British Columbia
8th Floor, 845 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 4Z9
Tel.: 604 605-5311
Toll-free in BC: 1-800-903-5300
Fax: 604 687-0135
Email: memberinfo@lsbc.org
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