There is also a prevailing view that it’s impractical in terms of preparing anyone to become a good lawyer. To many candidates, it’s unclear how to prepare for it, or where to direct their questions. As an ambassador for law students at the University of Ottawa and later for articling students at the Ontario Bar Association and as a representative for the Canadian Bar Association, I have had to field many complaints about Ontario’s infamous licensing process – usually about the exam specifically. Given that lawyers have been deemed essential, we should be taking this opportunity to re-examine once and for all the merits of the current licensing process.Ĭalls to change that process are nothing new. But, regrettably, the system will have to do without a cohort of new lawyers for several months. There will likely be an administrative call to the bar process available to those who have fulfilled licensing requirements in June, followed by a celebratory event at a later date. The March 2020 solicitor licensing exam was also put off. In a worrying development last week, the Law Society of Ontario (“LSO”) cancelled its June 2020 licensing exams and call ceremonies. The courts have put non-urgent matters on hold, and the criminal defence bar is advocating to have the number of persons in custody reduced.
Ontario’s government has suspended Ontario’s limitation periods and procedural time limits. Legal Aid Ontario has raised financial eligibility by six per cent. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the legal profession on its head, as several stakeholders in our justice system try to adjust to a difficult situation.
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