Licensing

To become a lawyer in BC, candidates must complete the Law Society Admission Program, which includes:

nine months of articles in a law firm, or other legal workplace, including judicial clerkships;
the 10-week Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC); and
two qualification examinations based on the PLTC Practice Material and course work.

After completing the admission program, students can apply for call and admission to the Bar. Applicants will then take the barristers and solicitors oath at a call ceremony or before a judge or practising lawyer, prior to becoming eligible for practice.

Upcoming changes to Law Society Admission Program

In October 2025, the Law Society announced plans to retire PLTC and adopt the Bar admissions training program designed by the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED).

Current PLTC students and those enrolled in the February and May 2026 sessions will not be impacted by this change. CPLED’s Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) course is expected to launch in September 2026. By June 2027, all BC students will enroll in PREP.

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