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Advocate, Barrister, Counsellor, In-house Counsel, Legal Advisor, Litigator, Negotiator, Prosecutor, Solicitor
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information to perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law
Interest in negotiating settlements of civil disputes (lawyers only), in applying principles of civil law as it pertains to notarization of legal documents and in researching legal precedents and gathering evidence
Interest in mentoring in order to advise clients of their legal rights and all matters related to law; may act as an executor, trustee or guardian in estate and family law matters; may act as mediator, conciliator or arbitrator
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Lawyers advise a wide range of clients on legal matters, including industry, government, businesses, employers, individuals, and not-for-profit societies. They represent clients before courts, tribunals, and regulatory bodies. They provide legal opinions and risk assessments, draft court documents such as pleadings, and draft other legal documents such as contracts and wills. They may also plead cases and conduct prosecutions in courts of law.
In the past, legal practice in Canada was divided into two types of work. Barristers did court work and solicitors did office work. Now when lawyers complete their training, they are called barristers and solicitors because they are qualified to do both.
Today, most lawyers try to help their clients avoid going to court. Going to court requires lawyers to do many hours of preparation, which they then must charge to their clients. It also poses risk for clients, because no matter how well the lawyer prepares, the judge or jury may not decide in their favour.
To avoid the added cost and risk of court, lawyers encourage clients to use out-of-court dispute settlement methods. These include things like negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
Barristers act as advocates for clients in both criminal and civil (non-criminal) lawsuits. Criminal law involves alleged breaches of the Criminal Code of Canada, such as arson, theft, and murder. It also involves violations of other statutes such as the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Civil cases involve disputes between private parties and include:
Lawyers may litigate (argue) criminal or civil cases on behalf of clients or the government. In Canadian law, the government is called the Crown. Lawyers who argue on behalf of the government in criminal matters are called Crown prosecutors.
Whether lawyers practise criminal or civil law, and no matter who they represent, they:
Some barristers also act as a mediators, conciliators, or arbitrators. This means they represent clients in various types of proceedings that allow them to settle cases out of court.
Solicitors (office work lawyers) may never go to court. They often specialize in areas such as:
In very small or remote communities, lawyers may practise in several areas of either civil or criminal law.
Not all lawyers who work for government are prosecutors. Some advise politicians and bureaucrats (government employees who are not elected buy hired) on the law and public policy. Corporations may also have lawyers who work in-house, advising their employers on business law matters.
In general, solicitors act as advisors in legal transactions. They may:
Lawyers are also notaries public and commissioners for oaths under Alberta’s Notaries and Commissioners Act[pdf]. This includes articling students (they have finished law school and are completing a 12-month term of practice). This year of supervised experience is the final step to becoming licensed to practice law.
Subject to the Notaries Public and Commissioners for Oaths Regulations, a notary public may:
However, only a licensed lawyer or judge can witness, certify, and attest deeds, contracts, and commercial instruments.
Legal work can be demanding and stressful. Lawyers often work long hours to meet deadlines. For example, they may need to draft briefs (write up legal arguments to present to a judge). Or they may need to research cases (gather evidence and review previous judgments on similar cases). They must also stay on top of new developments in both the law and the legal profession.
Some lawyers work as partners or associates in law offices and employ staff to help with the workload. Many lawyers work within government or for corporations.
Other working conditions depend on factors such as the size and type of the employer. For example:
Lawyers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 25, 2022 and Mar 05, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Values and ethics | 12 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 12 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 11 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Membership in a provincial or territorial law society | 11 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 10 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 10 |
To practice law in Alberta, lawyers must complete 3 stages of training. This requires a total of 5 to 7 years of post-secondary study plus 1 year of articling (a type of practicum or apprenticeship).
The first stage is 2 to 4 years in an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree program. Undergraduate degree programs and university transfer programs are offered by post-secondary schools throughout Alberta. Students can be admitted to a law degree without completing their first degree if they have an exceptional academic record. Most students, however, go to law school after finishing their first degree. These days, many law students also have a master’s degree.
Students who want to enter law school must write the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This aptitude test is given 4 times a year at several Canadian campuses.
The second stage is a 3-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school at a Canadian university or equivalent. Admission to law school is based on the applicant’s academic record, LSAT score, and other markers of potential success. For example, assessors may consider time- management skills by looking at past work experience or extracurricular activities.
Internationally trained lawyers or law graduates who would like to practice in Alberta must have their degrees evaluated by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). Once the NCA has assessed a student’s degree, they may need to complete one or more exams or specific law school courses within a certain time frame.
The third stage is called articling. After students obtain a law degree or receive a Certificate of Qualification from the NCA, they must article (work) for 8 to 12 months as a student-at-law. This is a form of apprenticeship. The student must have an articling position before applying for student-at-law status with the Law Society. Once they start articling, their Principal Lawyer (qualified supervisor) provides them with practical training in both barristers and solicitors. Articling students receive a salary based on area of specialization. This can vary depending on location and employer.
Law graduates must find their own articling position. Securing a position depends on several factors. These include:
Students-at-law must also complete the Practice Readiness Program (PREP) during their articling term. This is a 9-month course given by the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED). It consists of 4 phases during which the student develops the competencies required to be admitted to the bar (licensed to practise) as an entry-level lawyer. PREP is offered twice a year, with course start dates in June and December.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Lawyers serve as advisors and problem-solvers. They study and interpret the law to advise clients of their rights and legal obligations. They represent client interests in legal transactions and proceedings.
Under Alberta’s Legal Profession Act [pdf], you must be a registered member of the Law Society of Alberta (LSA) to practice law in Alberta or call yourself a Lawyer.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Lawyer.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Aside from practising law, law graduates may pursue careers in government, business, industry, not-for-profits, and post-secondary institutions. Lawyers may also be self-employed.
In private practice, lawyers may move into senior partnership with their firms. A few are appointed judges or to administrative tribunals. Government legal advisors have opportunities as department heads, trade negotiators, or diplomats. Corporate lawyers may become company executives.
Lawyers also may combine their law training with other professional disciplines. For example, they may become arbitrators or mediators, research medical or business policy, or enter politics.
Lawyers also work in the legal departments of large corporations as in-house counsel. In this capacity, they perform legal work directly for the business or organization employing them.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 4112: Lawyers and Quebec notaries occupational group, 76.6% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 4112: Lawyers and Quebec notaries occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 231 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Incomes vary widely according to factors such as:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $29.45 | $87.42 | $48.78 | $43.96 |
| Overall | $35.71 | $111.50 | $76.94 | $78.02 |
| Top | $46.70 | $164.84 | $105.20 | $96.14 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $216,528 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $153,685 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $146,397 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $145,690 |
| Public Administration | $134,832 |
Law Society of Alberta website: www.lawsociety.ab.ca
Legal Education Society of Alberta website: www.lesaonline.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 22, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
