Interested lawyers can complete the online form. We review mentor requirements in late spring and finalize the list in early summer. For assessors, availability is confirmed a few weeks before each in-person session.

 Mentors receive honoraria for their four-month participation. Assessors are paid based on the hours worked on the project.

 In addition to access to a network of past and current LPP lawyers, the program offers training sessions, orientation, and online resources.

 Since the COVID-19 pandemic, all fall assessments are conducted virtually. Assessors observe and evaluate candidates in simulated scenarios, including client meetings, mediations, negotiations, bail hearings, and trials, providing feedback based on established criteria.

 During the four-month training period, mentors meet weekly with their virtual firm via web conferencing to discuss professionalism, practice management, and simulated files. They review deliverables, provide feedback and evaluations promptly, and support candidates' professional development by sharing personal experiences.

 Mentors can claim up to 12 CPD hours annually, including 3 professionalism hours (1 of which covers EDI). Assessors are not eligible for CPD credits.

 Five years of experience as a lawyer in Ontario (mentors typically average 15 years) and good standing with the LSO.

 All qualified candidates who notify the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) of their intention to enroll in the LPP and pay the required licensing fees will be invited to register for the program.

 If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and wish to participate in the LPP (training and work placement components), you must provide the LPP with appropriate documents issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

These documents must be submitted before the start of the LPP. You are personally responsible for obtaining these documents from the relevant Canadian government agency or office. The documents must confirm your legal name and be valid for the duration of the LPP.

Note: You will not be able to start the LPP in August without the necessary documents.

To participate in the program and apply for professional work placements, you must be authorized to work in Canada. An open work permit must be obtained prior to the start of the LPP. To determine your eligibility for an open work permit, visit the “Work Permits: About the Process” page on the Canada.ca website and click on the text “You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.” A pop-up window will display the eligibility criteria.

If you are an asylum seeker awaiting a final decision, or if you are a Convention refugee or a protected person, you must also hold a valid open work permit to participate in the LPP. You will not have to pay the processing fee for the work permit application.

If you are a permanent resident currently residing outside Canada, you must ensure you can enter the country and work in person starting in January (the beginning of the placement component). 

 To join the LPP, NCA students must have met all NCA requirements and submitted a Certificate of Qualification to the LSO before the LPP starts in August.

 The LPP strongly recommends that candidates complete both Ontario Bar Exams (Barrister and Solicitor) before the LPP begins in June, although this is not mandatory.

Please note: Some employers may require candidates to have already passed both exams to be considered for a placement. 

Bar Exams

If you plan to take the exams in November (during the training component) or March (during the work placement), we urge you to carefully consider this decision. The LPP is a full-time, rigorous, and intensive program requiring dedication to both training and the work placement.

Study Time

We recommend starting your exam preparation before the program begins. During the training component, there may be occasional breaks in the schedule that you can use for studying. Note that any additional study time must be outside of regular program hours.

Exam Days

If your Bar Exam dates conflict with LPP activities, please contact program management to discuss.

If you choose to take the exams during the work placement (in March), study and exam leave will be at the discretion of your employer. 

 For any questions about fees and refunds, please contact the Law Society of Ontario.

 The LPP is not eligible for OSAP funding as it is a practical training program required for professional licensing. However, if you have received OSAP support in the past and wish to apply for an interest-free status exemption, you may do so through OSAP. For next steps and deadlines, consult the “Law Practice Program” accordion on the “Information by Student Group” section of the OSAP website. Updates for the upcoming cohort will be available in June/July.

Please note that the above information is subject to change without notice as it is based on current OSAP policies and guidelines. While we strive to keep our website up to date, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) policies, which govern OSAP, take precedence over the information provided here.

The University does not offer financial aid to LPP candidates. For more information on financial assistance, visit the LSO Aide financière | Barreau de l'Ontario. 

 The LPP is a rigorous, full-time program. Candidates are expected to fully commit and focus on the program. They must be available during regular business hours to meet program expectations.

 The entire training component of the LPP will be delivered online from mid-August to mid-December. Any activities or events requiring in-person attendance will be communicated in advance.

 Candidates’ progress in the LPP will be evaluated throughout the program. Feedback will be provided before and after evaluations. Each four-month component will have distinct assessments graded on a pass/fail basis.

 Candidates with disabilities who require accommodations must register with the University of Ottawa.

Once you receive your student ID and email address, you can begin the registration process. Start as early as possible to ensure accommodations are in place when needed. Registration must be completed before the deadlines posted. 

 Accommodations may include additional time for assignments.

Given the time-sensitive nature of LPP tasks, accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis once registration is completed.

 Email us at [email protected] or call +1 (613) 562-5800 ext. 1011.

 Email [email protected] to request your confirmation letter.

The training component aims to develop the skills required for entry into the legal profession. Candidates will work on simulated case files, individually and in teams, under the guidance of a mentor. This component simulates a legal practice environment.

Candidates will engage in practical tasks designed to develop skills in ethics, professionalism, communication, analysis, research, client management, and practice management. They will manage simulated cases across various practice areas and complete tasks such as interviews, drafting, research, strategy development, negotiations, and hearings.

Historically, 100% of candidates who successfully completed the training component secured placements.

The LPP supports candidates with resources such as résumé and cover letter reviews, networking advice, and access to job opportunities. Candidates must undergo a selection process, including interviews, to secure placements. Employers make final hiring decisions. 

According to the LSO (subject to change), the mandatory minimum compensation (MMC) is $620 per week for all placements starting on or after May 1, 2023.

To ensure mutual benefit, candidates and employers indicate preferences to facilitate placements.

Candidates with a potential placement should inform the program by emailing [email protected]. The program will verify the organization's and supervisor's qualifications to provide an appropriate experience.

Currently, all placements must be completed between January and April.

Visit our website regularly for updates or contact [email protected] or call +1 (613) 562-5800 ext. 1011.