Career Path Guide

A career as an environmental lawyer can be a very exciting and fulfilling one. As this is a relatively young field of law and there is not much in the way of precedent, most cases that go to trial are groundbreaking. If you are interested in law, the environment and being part of an exciting new field, becoming an environmental lawyer may be the perfect career choice for you.

Below we've outlined how to get started in this profession. We've also included helpful supplementary information, such as a job description, an overview of the job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employer types and much more!

Education Needed to Become an Environmental Lawyer in Canada

In order to become an environmental lawyer in Canada, students must complete various stages of education.

Stage 1: The first stage is two to four years in an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree program. Recommended areas of study for a career in environmental law include, but are not limited to:

• Environmental Studies

• Environmental Science

• Business or Commerce

• Resource Management

• Philosophy

Stage 2: The second stage of education for prospective law students is completion of a three year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an accredited law school. Admission to law school is based on the Faculty of Law's assessment of the applicant's academic record, LSAT score and general qualifications. A bachelor's degree generally is required to gain admission into law school, although the minimum requirement is completion of at least two years of a program leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Students seeking admission to law school must also write the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is an aptitude test administered four times a year at a number of Canadian campuses.

Stage 3: Some provinces may require students to work for one full year as a student-at-law. This is a form of apprenticeship wherein the student enters into an agreement with a licensed practitioner of the provincial Bar, to provide the graduate with practical training in both barrister's and solicitor's work. Students are often paid modest salaries in these positions.

Final Stage: In order to become licensed law practitioners, articling students must successfully complete the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education program. This practical program covers several aspects of the law, and is typically offered several times per year.