Becoming a lawyer in Québec is not an easy task to accomplish, especially for immigrants. There are many things that we need adapt to: the difference in language, the basic complexity of law in another country, especially in one, with a mixed judicial system, combining Common law with continental law.In order to be able to exercise the profession of lawyer, you have to be a member of the Barreau du Québec (BDQ).
1. You need to obtain a permit. This permit will allow you to work temporarily or permanently in Québec.
- If you want to equal your studies, you have to: send a file, containing all the pertinent documents (originals or translated) about yourself, your studies and experience in the field. This file shall include : your diploma and grades, as well as information about the number of credits obtained (if applied); a certificate from the police, a list of your works and publications, proof of trainings and of your work experience, birth certificate, a recent photo, signed on the back by the candidate, a check or money order of 569.75$, non-refundable.
- If the committee’s answer is positive, you will be invited to an interview at the BDQ. Then, you will be asked to pay the second processing fee of 569.75$.
- After the interview, you shall receive a written decision from the BDQ on the possibility of recognizing your studies. This letter shall contain all the necessary information about your case, about the number of credits you should obtain (if necessary), the courses you have to take to acquire them and where you can do this. Generally a list of the following universities is given: McGill University, Montréal University, Sherbrook University, University of Laval, University of Ottawa and Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). You should remember that the tuition fees and all the other expenses related to these studies are your responsibility.
- University courses are compulsory, and so are the courses at the School of BDQ (l’École du Barreau). Their duration is 4 months and they are oriented to give future lawyers the necessary, specific knowledge to exercise their profession.
- After you will have completed your studies, you will have to find a place to pass your training. You have to pass six-month training, at a legal office, law-firm, a corporation etc. And remember, no one will find it for you, so I would suggest to start looking for a possibility to find practice when your are passing the School of BDQ.
- When you will have passed the training, you can apply for a temporary lawyer’s permit. This permit is valid for up to 12 months.
- If you want to permanently work as a lawyer, you have to pass a French language exam at the Office Québécois de la langue Française. This exam is free.
2. You have to be included in the Tableau du Barreau, a list of all its members. At this point, it is much simpler. You will be asked to pay the annual member’s fee of 1169.66$ and subscribe several responsibility insurances.
I would like to add, that becoming a lawyer in Québec is not cheap at all. Whether you are starting from scratch and starting a full-time study program at an university, or you decide to equal already existing studies in law, you should remember that it will cost you time, effort and money.
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Thanks.
You are welcome, if you have any additional questions or maybe some particular details you want to find out, don't hesitate to leave a comment:)Have a great day!
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