All You Need to Know About Articling in Ontario: Important Dates, Duration, Pay, and Bar Exams

Starting a legal career in Ontario is an exciting adventure filled with opportunities and challenges. One of the most pivotal steps on this journey is completing your articling period, which lays the groundwork for your future as a lawyer. In this post, we'll break down everything you need to know about articling in Ontario, from critical dates and duration to pay and bar exams that every aspiring lawyer needs to pass.

Understanding Articling

Articling is a required part of becoming a lawyer in Canada. It provides law graduates with hands-on experience to bridge the gap between what they learned in school and real-world legal practice. During this time, aspiring lawyers learn to conduct research, draft legal documents, and interact with clients. This experience is crucial for developing practical skills and professional understanding.

For instance, articling students might handle cases in areas like family law or corporate law, gaining insight into how different legal sectors operate.

How Long is Articling?

In Ontario, the articling period typically lasts for ten months. This timeframe allows new lawyers to gain in-depth experience across various legal tasks.

If securing an articling position proves difficult, the Law Practice Program (LPP) offers an alternative. It is structured similarly to articling and emphasizes practical skills training, lasting about six months, followed by a four-month work placement.

Important Dates to Remember

Awareness of key deadlines can significantly impact your path to becoming a lawyer. Here’s a breakdown of important dates for those pursuing articling in Ontario:

1. Application Period for Articling Positions

• Typically begins: January

• Typically ends: May

  
  

Most firms post their articling opportunities during these months. Individual deadlines may vary, so stay alert for specific openings.

2. Articling Start Dates

• Generally starts: Late summer to early fall (August to September)

  
  

These dates can differ by firm, so it is wise to confirm with your employer.

3. Summer Bar Exam Registration Deadlines

Barrister Exam 2025 (Summer)

Accommodation request deadline	*April 15, 2025
Registration deadline	April 23, 2025
LSO deferral deadline	April 23, 2025
Examination	June 4, 2025

Solicitor Exam 2025 (Summer)

Accommodation request deadline	*April 15, 2025
Registration deadline	May 7, 2025
LSO deferral deadline	May 7, 2025
Examination	June 18, 2025

Being on top of these registration deadlines is crucial for your study time and preparation. Please check the LSO website here regularly for any updates.

4. Bar Exam Results Release

• For May exams: Released in late July

• For November exams: Released in late December - early January

  
  

These results will determine your next steps in your legal career.

Articling Pay in Ontario

The financial aspect of articling is vital for aspiring lawyers. The pay received during this time usually varies significantly.

Per the LSO, The Mandatory Minimum Compensation (MMC) is $620 per week for all Ontario-based articling and Law Practice Program (LPP) work placements that begin on or after May 1, 2023.

1. Typical Salary Range

Recent surveys reveal that the average articling salary in Ontario is between $50,000 and $75,000 annually. Larger firms tend to offer higher salaries. As of 2025, the largest firms in Ontario offer salaries upwards of $98,000 ($1,900 per week) with bonuses up to $4,000, while smaller firms often offer less competitive compensation.

2. Unpaid or Low-Paid Positions

While many firms do compensate articling students well, some smaller organizations or non-profits may offer unpaid or low-paid positions. It's essential to weigh your financial situation against the experience you will gain during your articling year.

3. Expenses During Articling

Don’t forget about other costs that may arise during your articling year. Budget for bar exam fees, study materials, rent, and any costs linked to relocation if necessary. Anticipating your financial obligations can help you manage this important year.

Preparing for the Bar Exams

The bar exams represent a significant milestone on your path to becoming a licensed lawyer in Ontario. Here’s how you can gear up effectively.

1. Study Resources

Use the resources provided by Ontario Bar Pro the Law Society of Ontario, and consider taking bar preparation courses. Forming study groups can enhance motivation and create a supportive environment. Group discussions can deepen your understanding of complex topics.

2. Study Schedule

Create a focused study plan. Allocate time for each subject area while incorporating regular breaks. This approach helps you avoid burnout and keeps your mind fresh.

3. Exam Strategies

To make your studying effective, focus on understanding rather than memorizing. Good exam strategies, like managing your time and structuring your answers clearly, can reduce exam day stress significantly.

Tips for a Successful Articling Experience

Navigating your articling period successfully is essential for your future career. Here are some strategies to maximize this experience.

1. Build Strong Relationships

Creating connections with mentors and colleagues, and lawyers at other firms can lead to future job opportunities. Be proactive in seeking feedback, asking questions, and showcasing your eagerness to learn. A recommendation from a mentor can be invaluable.

2. Gain Diverse Experience

Taking on various tasks within your firm can give you a well-rounded view of the legal profession. Experience in different areas, like litigation, corporate law, and family law, will enhance your skills and attractiveness to potential employers. Focusing on one or a few areas is also a great approach if you know what practice area you want to pursue after articling.

3. Maintain a Growth Mindset

Every challenge during articling can serve as a lesson in your professional journey. Embrace feedback and turn setbacks into learning opportunities. This attitude is vital for long-term success.

4. Stay Organized

Keep track of your projects, deadlines, and responsibilities to manage your workload efficiently. Using digital tools or planners can help you stay organized and on top of your tasks.

Wrapping Up Your Articling Journey

Articling in Ontario is a critical step toward becoming a licensed lawyer. Knowing what to expect can greatly enhance your experience. Focus on important dates, be aware of salary expectations, and prepare for the bar exams as you progress.

With dedicated planning and a commitment to personal development, you can maximize this valuable year. Embrace the learning opportunities available to you, as they will shape your future in the legal profession.

By familiarizing yourself with the articling process, you can navigate this key phase confidently and set yourself up for a bright legal career.

What Happens If You Don’t Secure an Articling Position?

Not securing an articling position during 3L can feel discouraging, but it is not the end of your legal career. There are alternative paths and strategies you can use to continue your journey to becoming a lawyer in Ontario.

1. Consider the Law Practice Program (LPP)

The Law Practice Program (LPP) is a structured alternative to articling, offered in both English at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and in French at the University of Ottawa. It consists of:

• A four-month skills-based training period with simulated client interactions, drafting exercises, and legal research assignments.

• A four-month work placement in a legal setting.

  
  

The LPP provides hands-on training and practical experience, making it a solid alternative for those who were unable to secure traditional articling positions.

2. Apply for Last-Minute and Unlisted Articling Positions

Many firms do not follow structured recruitment timelines and hire on a rolling basis. If you haven’t secured a position yet, keep applying. Look beyond traditional large firm positions and explore:

• Smaller firms and solo practitioners who may not post their positions publicly.

• In-house legal departments at corporations that may be open to training an articling student.

• Government agencies and legal aid organizations that take on articling students outside the formal recruitment process.

  
  

3. Networking: Your Most Powerful Tool

Many articling positions are filled through networking rather than public job postings. Here’s how you can leverage networking to find an opportunity:

• Reach out to alumni from your law school who are working in firms that interest you.

• Attend legal networking events hosted by bar associations, law societies, and professional organizations.

• Ask for informational interviews with practicing lawyers to learn about their experiences and potential openings.

• Join legal mentorship programs where you can connect with established lawyers who may be able to help.

  
  

4. Cold Emailing Lawyers and Recruiters

Cold emailing can be an effective way to introduce yourself to firms that may not have publicly advertised positions. When reaching out:

• Keep your email concise and professional.

• Highlight your strengths and why you’re interested in their firm.

• Attach your resume and transcript to make it easy for them to review your qualifications.

• Follow up politely if you don’t receive a response after a week or two.

  
  

5. Utilize Job Boards and Legal Recruitment Services

There are several job boards and recruiters that specialize in legal placements:

• LSO’s Articling Registry – A platform where firms post available positions.

• Law job boards such as Lexology, Indeed, and SimplyHired.

• Legal recruitment agencies that help connect law graduates with articling opportunities.

  
  

6. Gain Experience in a Related Legal Role

If you’re struggling to secure an articling position immediately, consider working in a paralegal, law clerk, or research assistant role at a law firm or legal organization. This experience can:

• Improve your legal research and drafting skills.

• Expand your professional network.

• Make you a stronger candidate when applying for articling positions in the future.

  
  

7. Consider Delaying the Bar Exams

If you haven’t secured an articling position, you may wish to delay writing the Ontario bar exams. This will give you more time to focus on finding a position without the added pressure of preparing for exams. However, some students choose to complete the exams first to enhance their qualifications and demonstrate commitment to the profession.

Final Thoughts

Not securing an articling position right away does not mean you won’t have a successful legal career. By being proactive, strategic, and persistent, you can find an alternative route to becoming a licensed lawyer in Ontario. Keep applying, networking, and exploring different paths—opportunities are out there!