The PLEA: Becoming a Lawyer

Myth

A lot of what happens throughout a legal career happens behind the scenes and not in a courtroom. In fact, you may never enter a courtroom at all. For instance, solicitors help clients comply with their legal obligations and thus avoid legal issues before they get to court. Litigators work to fix legal issues after they have arisen and a court action has been filed. Litigators will usually be the lawyers going to court, but both areas involve lots of research, writing, drafting, and meeting with clients to resolve legal issues and settle disputes.

Truth

Legal professionals offer a variety of services that contribute to a system of public laws, dispute resolution, and justice for society. Lawyers are essential participants in the legal system. They are members of a profession and are officers of the Court, meaning they have a professional and ethical responsibility to serve their clients, the profession, and the judicial system in terms that protect and promote their clients and the public interest. A lawyer’s principal responsibility is to see that each client obtains the benefit of their legal rights and is aware of their legal obligations.

Myth

You do not need to be good at, or even participate in public speaking activities as a lawyer, depending on the type of lawyer you want to be. Regardless, with practice these skills develop. Lots of students go to law school afraid of public speaking and come out as great litigators!

Myth

Like many things in law, it depends. Lawyers have a unique and privileged position in society and this comes with responsibilities. Admission to the Law Society of Saskatchewan and practice of law requires suitability to practice which means the candidate is honest, governable, financially responsible, and has respect for the law and the administration of justice. This does not mean that an applicant has never made mistakes, had financial difficulties, or encounters with the legal system such as criminal charges. The Law Society considers all information provided by an applicant, including their circumstances, evidence of learning and change, and honesty and candidness. If in doubt, reach out to the Law Society for further information!

Truth

To apply for a license to practice law in Saskatchewan, you must be able to provide either your proof of graduation from a common law faculty of a Canadian university or a Certificate of Qualification issued by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) if your law degree was acquired outside Canada or in Quebec. The Certificate may require completion of exams or law school courses.

Myth

Being licensed to practice law requires a few steps. Many people believe you need to take a bar exam, however, this is different in Saskatchewan. You must complete the Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) Bar admission course from the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) and article for one year. After this, you apply for admission to the Law Society of Saskatchewan for a license to practice law,
demonstrating that you are suitable to practice.

Myth

Finding a job after law school takes hard work and commitment, but it is not because there are no jobs available. About 94% of Saskatchewan law school graduates obtain articling placements in their first year out of law school.