# I'm an old man and I want to go to law school in Canada **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 1, 2015, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700 "2015-08-01T01:48:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2015, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/21 "2015-08-01T16:10:32Z")
> [@hogarth](#): > > The students showed us around and gave us pep talks on how it’s so much hard work and endless study, but it’s all worth it. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) that kind of “pep talk” had the opposite effect on me, so I gave up on the idea of law school and I don’t regret it one bit. There’s no doubt it’s a grind, but if you get in, you should be able to get out. Like **Muffin** , I really enjoyed my time at law school, but I agree it’s not for everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Throatwarbler\_Mangrove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@Throatwarbler\_Mangrove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Throatwarbler_Mangrove)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2015, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/22 "2015-08-01T16:29:16Z")
Thanks to all for the wise words so far. I had no expectation of being well paid fresh out of law school. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2015, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/23 "2015-08-01T17:11:56Z")
Oh, and by the way - if you can speak or understand Chinese, that would be a great help in certain areas of law on the west coast: commercial law, immigration law, and even some aspects of family law. So, your initial thoughts on how you would approach practising law strike me as promising. Government work can vary; yes, Victoria is the capital, but I understand that BC Justice also has extensive offices in Vancouver, simply because of the size of the city. As well, hiring in government offices tends to be variable, depending on the economic cycle. If a government is going through a period of austerity, then it may be difficult to get taken on. Once in government service, however, jobs tend to be secure. Pay may not be as good as in private practice, but benefits like a pension plan (unheard of in private law firms) is one of the attractions of government work, as are the more regular hours and vacation time. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2015, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/24 "2015-08-01T19:31:42Z")
Not in Canada, but me (and also poster **Really Not All That Bright** ) went back to law school as non traditional students. I was 34 when I started. I don’t regret doing it for a second. First, you must have a plan as to what you will use you legal degree for. Thinking: 1. Law Degree 2. ??? 3. Profit! will not work at all. There are many lawyers competing for many spots. I went out on my own right out of law school and am doing well. I think the one positive I have is that I was out in the “real world” and have life experiences and ideas to bring to the table that others who completed law school at age 25 and have been in the profession since then simply do not and cannot have. I am not tied to the typical way of thinking and although at times it has gotten me into a bind, on average it has been a great benefit. If that describes you, and you are willing to take risks and be ballsy at times, it can work well for you. If you are looking to be hired at a prestigious firm, it definitely works to your disadvantage; they want young, single people who will be their devoted slaves for five to ten years. That wasn’t me. If you go through with it, my first piece of advice is to pay absolutely ZERO attention to the career counselors at your school. Do your own networking. Those counselors are for the 22 year olds, not you. Best of luck and don’t let your age deter you. Simply alter your strategy. ---
**Author:** ![Throatwarbler\_Mangrove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@Throatwarbler\_Mangrove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Throatwarbler_Mangrove)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2015, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/25 "2015-08-01T21:55:02Z")
> [@UltraVires](#): > > If you are looking to be hired at a prestigious firm, it definitely works to your disadvantage; they want young, single people who will be their devoted slaves for five to ten years. That wasn’t me. Thanks, that’s where I am right now, no expectation of some biglaw job and a lot of hours. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2015, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/26 "2015-08-01T22:44:45Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > There’s no doubt it’s a grind, but if you get in, you should be able to get out. Like **Muffin** , I really enjoyed my time at law school, but I agree it’s not for everyone. In my case, I was already a bit iffy on the idea of being a lawyer; I had heard a bunch of stories along the lines of “it’s not as easy to get a job as it used to be” (and that was 15 years ago!). I liked attending university classes and I don’t mind taking exams, but I’m not so keen on writing papers and the like. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2015, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/27 "2015-08-02T00:53:40Z")
> [@hogarth](#): > > I liked attending university classes and I don’t mind taking exams, but I’m not so keen on writing papers and the like. Probably a good call, then, on your part. Writing is a big part of being a lawyer, whether barrister or solicitor. I write a lot of briefs and opinions. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2015, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/28 "2015-08-02T01:40:08Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Missed the edit; meant to say that 32 is by no means an old man! There was a guy in his late 40s in my class. I was 45 when I started–and I wasn’t the oldest. That honour belonged to a 55-year-old. Still, we had a number in their 30s and 40s. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2015, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/29 "2015-08-02T02:08:36Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > he didn’t want to work in a mine Best job I ever had was working in a mine-mill. Making great big booms, feeding great big things tumbling about, what more could a fellow want? ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2015, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/30 "2015-08-02T06:58:26Z")
Ah, found it! It took a little searching, but I posted the same question about ten or eleven years ago here, and you may find the responses useful, OP: > **[Going to law school after working for some years](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=239059)** > > Over in this thread, Ceen wanted to know about heading into law school straight from university. Not wanting to hijack that thread, but somewhat similarly, I want to know about going to law school after being out of university for some years. I... ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2015, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/31 "2015-08-02T07:06:05Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > Best job I ever had was working in a mine-mill. Making great big booms, feeding great big things tumbling about, what more could a fellow want? Well, there was that time I worked in a Brewer’s Retail warehouse, sorting empties. Throwing cases of empties around got me into the best physical shape of my life. But I’d have to say the most fun was driving an 18-wheeler. As you can see, OP, some of us explored the alternatives prior to law school. ---
**Author:** ![Throatwarbler\_Mangrove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@Throatwarbler\_Mangrove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Throatwarbler_Mangrove)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2015, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/32 "2015-08-02T14:55:54Z")
Yes, it must have been you I was thinking of. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2015, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/33 "2015-08-02T17:30:25Z")
Huh - I must have missed that thread the first time round. I remember you in law school, **Spoons** , but I don’t remember that thread. Lots of posters who aren’t here any more. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2015, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/34 "2015-08-02T17:37:01Z")
Oh and about the choice of schools: UVic is a good school, but you don’t have to get your law degree in the province where you want to practise. The curriculums are pretty standard across the country, to ensure portability. Personal reasons like family can be a sensible reason to prefer one school over another, as well as networking with the local firms if you want to work there eventually. I went to school in Ontario and Quebec, but have practised entirely in Sask, without any difficulties. ---
**Author:** ![Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ce7236/32.png) [@Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lisa_Simpson)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2015, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/35 "2015-08-02T18:19:42Z")
Speaking of Law Schools, \*\*Muffin \*\*,what is up with Lakehead University’s new Faculty of Law? Has it had its first graduating class yet? When I was in high school I wanted to be a constitutional lawyer. I still partially think that would have been a good career option for me, but I have no desire even to do the work, even if I got accepted at UBC, much less anywhere else. (I live in Vancouver, and have basically been told unequivocally by my partner and son that I can do what I want, but they aren’t moving.) I love school, research, studying, but I kind of like being home for my family more than that. I am an all or nothing sort of person, so the balance required to be a full time student and a mom/partner wouldn’t work for me. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2015, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/36 "2015-08-03T02:19:11Z")
> [@Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](#): > > Speaking of Law Schools, \*\*Muffin \*\*,what is up with Lakehead University’s new Faculty of Law? Has it had its first graduating class yet? It’s going well. The first class will graduate next June. Unlike all the other law schools in Canada, practicums are integrated into the Lakehead curriculum, so the graduates will not have to do further articling/apprenticing following graduation. (This gets them into the workforce a year earlier than other schools, which reduces student debt at the outset of their careers, and gives them one extra year earning top dollar at the end of their careers.) The founding dean is moving on, so if any Dopers want the job, send in your CV. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2015, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/37 "2015-08-03T02:45:44Z")
**Muffin** , is that no-articles thing good for all common law provinces, or just Ontario? ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2015, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/38 "2015-08-04T00:48:59Z")
For temporary licensing, [Common law provinces.](http://www.lsuc.on.ca/For-Lawyers/About-Your-Licence/Mobility-and-Inter-jurisdictional-Frequently-Asked-Questions/#three) (I never asked about immediate permanent licensing without first being licensed in Ontario. Might be in the text of the [mobility agreement](http://flsc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/mobility2.pdf), but haven’t had time to read it.) > [@](#): > > 3.How do I know which by-laws or part of by-laws apply to me? > > The National Mobility Agreement will apply only to lawyers who are “entitled to practise law” in a jurisdiction that has signed the National Mobility Agreement or the Territorial Mobility Agreement and adopted regulatory provisions implementing the requirements of the Agreement. The following jurisdictions have implemented the National Mobility Agreement: > > British Columbia > Alberta > Saskatchewan > Manitoba > Ontario > Nova Scotia > New Brunswick > Newfoundland and Labrador > Prince Edward Island > > The Territories - Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut implemented the Territorial Mobility Agreement relating to permanent mobility only. > > Quebec signed the National Mobility Agreement but has not implemented its provisions yet. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2015, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/39 "2015-08-04T00:55:36Z")
Looks like s. 33 of the mobility agreement would leave it up to the province being moved to by the graduate. ---
**Author:** ![Throatwarbler\_Mangrove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@Throatwarbler\_Mangrove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Throatwarbler_Mangrove)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2015, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700/40 "2015-08-05T01:40:16Z")
Well I’m writing my personal statement. It’s pretty meandering but I’m trying to give a good account of my life and downplaying the whole being an idiot in undergrad thing. Is there any point in applying to US law schools? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-an-old-man-and-i-want-to-go-to-law-school-in-canada/726700.md?page=3)