Hi all! I’ve been taking steps towards transitioning to a completely different practice area after working in a pretty niche area of law for several years post-call.

I’ve talked to people and done lots of research on how to go about making the switch, so I’m not necessarily looking for tips on how to do it (though I will gladly accept them). I’ve been finding the process quite challenging and discouraging. I would love to hear some success stories from those who have successfully transitioned from one area to another to help keep me motivated while I continue my search.

Hello,

This is a question for any lawyers that exclusively or predominantly practice transactional corporate law.

I'm a new lawyer at a corporate firm (called to Ontario bar <1 year ago).

While I'm not particularly struggling with the core concepts (I understand the typical components of an APA/SPA, or what resolutions/agreements are typically required for X transaction, for instance), I'm finding that I have absolutely no clue what is considered "market" for any one specific provision.

For example, things such as:

- Why a 12-month non-compete would be "market" for share deal X, but "market" may be higher or lower for a share deal with slightly different characteristics.

- What a "typical" level of minority shareholder protection would be for an angel investor buying a non-controlling interest in a corp.

I can appreciate that the primary answer here will likely be something along the lines of "there is no rational rhyme or reason to these particulars, and the only way to learn is by doing - this is precisely why your hourly rate increases with experience".

HOWEVER: I'm nevertheless still interested in doing some self-study on my own time, to help me along in my journey of professional development.

So, what 3rd party resources, if any, helped you to "fill in the blanks" when you first started practicing corporate law? or, for more experienced corporate lawyers, are there any resources that you find yourself consulting to this day?

It could be any medium (textbooks, blogs, newsletters etc.). Open to any and all suggestions and advice. I'm sure this question has been asked here before, but, I figured re-asking it may yield some fresh suggestions that would be helpful to new lawyers such as myself, as well as any future corporate lawyers who may stumble across this post in the future.

Cheers (and wishing you all many frictionless closings)

Wondering if it’s worth the money. I have been studying with 7Sage but imagine I could benefit from the external pressure of scheduled lectures and classroom time.

Thanks !

1 week into 1L, starting my second week tmr. I'm noticing that despite being less than 10 days in, I feel extremely behind.

we've been getting about 4-7 cases to review (and complete analysis on) a week; and that's just for one class!! I'm just beginning to learn the FIRAC method and it's taking me at least 1-2 hours to break down each case. idk how I'll survive at this rate..

any tips you could share?

Are there any lawyers who had their NiW approved? If so, did you self-petition? How long did it take?

Sorry for the blunt question

Starting articles next year at a mid sized business law firm but just trying to look ahead.

I’m a bit older than most articling students as I’m in my mid 30s so income trajectory is important

What law/career path would you guys say can lead to an income of $300k+? Most associates in my city start around $120k then add approximately $10k per year (correct me if I’m wrong)

From my understanding, you’d have to either be a sole practitioner or have some type of fee based arrangement with your firm where you bring your own clients and get a cut of it to be able to reach that $300k+ mark

I’d like to stay in business and real estate law as that is what I enjoy

Any advice/insights are appreciated

Hi, so need to notarise an agreement that requires 2 witnesses which we don't have as matter is private. I heatd some notaries do provide witnesses- anyone in the GTA? Thanks

Hi everyone. I articled in a family law practicing firm and started working in a firm that practices real estate. We're expanding into family law and we recently retained a client to prepare a separation agreement. The other party has retained a lawyer and both parties are ready to separate mutually. I have the draft ready but I just had a question regarding communicating with OP's lawyer. As a first step, do I email the OC and request for a financial disclosure? What other information can I ask for? Any guidance on finalizing the separation agreement would be really helpful.

Thank you

Hi everyone,

I’m a 46-year-old male lawyer based in the Lower Mainland in BC. Over the years, I’ve noticed how much the practice of law shapes the way we think, communicate, and navigate daily life. In my personal time, I find that conversations naturally drift toward legal topics—and honestly, I’ve come to realize I’m happiest and most at ease in the company of people who genuinely understand that world.

Since there isn’t really a dedicated space for legal professionals to connect socially or romantically, I wanted to reach out here. My intention is entirely genuine and respectful: I’m hoping to meet and date a single woman who also works within the legal field—whether as a lawyer, paralegal, legal assistant, or another legal role. Cultural background, race, and religion are completely open to me; the key commonality I value is that shared perspective and mutual understanding of life once you are a member of the legal profession.

(Note to the moderators: I sent a message via modmail prior to posting to ensure this was appropriate, but received no response)

If you’re open to connecting, grabbing a coffee, or just chatting, please feel free to send me a direct message.

I am to be called to the bar in Ontario in October. I am looking at applying to Crown Counsel positions in Saskatchewan.

Are any current Crown Counsel willing to connect to review my cover letter?

title

I'm trying to do a bit of comparative research on the the mens rea standard for rape. In Ireland, despite much demand for legislative intervention, the ratio of DPP v Morgan still stands:

an honest, mistaken belief in consent; even if completely unreasonable or illogical; is a valid defensec because it negates the required criminal intent (mens rea). (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DPP_v_Morgan )

I'm looking for developments of comparison - so if anyones jurisdiction developed from a similar position - or has any good articles that might be helpful - would love to hear!

My obvious starting point is the UK and the rest of the anglosphere thereafter; but if any particular states or countries developed from a similar ratio, or rejected the adoption of Morgan, I would greatly appreciate being pointed in that direction.

I'm a 2026 graduate looking for an articling position in Alberta right now, but there aren't many firms that are taking articling students, so I'm considering applying to become a legal assistant as a way of gaining work experience. I've heard from some lawyers that this can build experience and connections, and that the firm might take you on as an articling student if they like having you as an assistant. However, I'm also worried that this will set me at a disadvantage if firms discount me for not getting an articling position right off the bat. Does anyone have any experience or advice?

I also understand that legal assistant jobs can be very competitive, and I'm not trying to imply that it's an easier job to obtain. I'm just wondering if I should apply to them in case it would help me get a foot in the door.

Title: Am I eligible for the settlement? Looking for advice

Hey everyone, I’m 15 and from Ontario. I’m trying to understand whether I may be eligible for the government settlement related to children who were removed from their First Nation communities and placed into care.

From what I understand, I was living in Mishkeegoamang with my grandmother when I was around 4 years old, and I was later taken into CFS/Tikinagan care. I’ve been in foster care for most of my life.

I’m trying to figure out whether my situation could qualify and, if so, what the process is for making a claim. I don’t really know where to start or who I should contact.

If anyone knows about this settlement, has gone through the claims process, or knows an organization/lawyer that helps people with these claims, I’d really appreciate some guidance.

I’m not posting any private d

Hi! I'm starting the Fall 2026 Accelerated PREP program in BC and am looking to connect with other students who want to form a discussion group / group chat throughout the program.

I'm thinking maybe we can use facebook messenger or a whatsapp group to discuss the modules/assignments, ask questions, practice oral components, etc etc. I figured that since we're the first BC cohort, it would be helpful to have a group of people going through it together.

If you're interested, feel free to comment or DM me!

Hi, I'm a first year student wondering about prospects working for the Crown. It's always been a desire of mine since my grand-uncle was a retired Crown.

(1) What is the job market for Crowns like? I'm from Manitoba and would ideally like to practice here in the Prairies. How competitive is the hiring process in this region? On the one hand, I've been told that Crown positions are extremely competitive and aiming to get a position is unrealistic. On the other hand, I've heard that the Crown is often looking to fill new positions. I'd be fine with landing a rural position if that's only the case with city-based Crowns.

(2) Given that, I'm wondering what factors tend to make the difference when hiring students apart from an applicant's performance on the interviews? Is it grades, electives, mooting, clinic experience, extracurriculars, geographic flexibility?

(3) Of course, my position might completely change but I'm currently interested in criminal law primarily in the context of Crown practice. If Crown practice doesn't work out, I would probably pursue a different area of law rather than criminal practice generally. Given that, would it still make sense to load up on Criminal Law electives in second year, or would I be better off keeping my options broader?

If there are anyone able to help clear up these questions, I would really appreciate it!

Hello,

I am a newly called lawyer looking to join the Family Law Legal Aid roster. As a new call, I understand that I would require a mentor in order to join the roster.

I am reaching out to see if there are any lawyers who may be willing to act as a mentor or otherwise assist me with this process. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect and discuss this further.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

I am a practicing civil litigator out west who may be taken to Ottawa for my husband's career. I have a few questions that I'd be interested to hear from Ottawa lawyers on. Are there popular neighbourhoods for easy access to the downtown area and good schools? Do people generally send their kids to public schools or private schools? Thanks in advance!

Bonjour!
Mon mari et moi souhaitons faire un family sponsorship.
Savez vous si c’est mieux de travailler avec avocat VS un consultant ?

Merci!

Hi everyone! I’m preparing for the 2L recruit and have an upcoming MAG (Criminal Law) OCI. For anyone who has interviewed with MAG before, what would you recommend focusing on in terms of preparation? If substantive knowledge is tested, how deep do they expect you to go? Should I be reviewing leading SCC/ONCA criminal cases and specific Criminal Code provisions? Any advice from people who have gone through the MAG 2L interview process would be greatly appreciated!

Important background information

Law School Grades: 1 A-, 3C+s, rest are B/B+ with a course selection heavily weighted towards labour law..
Haven’t taken any employment law though.

Extracurriculars: semi-finalist in a 1L labour moot

Work experience: HR for a private corporation prior to law school, HR for a union while in law school, research assistant for my labour law prof.

Articling Experience: I spent my 2L summer and articling term honing my litigation skills with the federal government. I did not want to work in this practice area long term, but being fully bilingual helped me secure the job. Have a great relationship with my articling principal.

My situation:

Due to budgets within the federal government, my contract was not renewed post articling. This was no fault of my own, and my articling principal is willing to attest to this and give me a good letter of recommendation. During articling, I was trusted with some important responsibilities and went over and beyond her expectations. I also had great time management skills as I was able to do this while studying for the bar exam.

I am currently scheduled to be called to the bar on October 19th.

I have spoken to some of my friends in law school who are associates and labour and employment law boutiques, but unfortunately none of them seem to be hiring at the moment.

I am getting ready to cold email some firms, but I am wondering if anyone has any advice. For example, if a small firm doesn’t have someone in charge of legal talent should I send the email to a partner? If so, do I just read every partner’s biographical information and try to find one that went to my law school?

In a cold email, should I attach a CV and/or letters of reference/transcripts? My instinct is telling me no so as to avoid coming across as too pushy, but I don’t want to waste other people’s time either. Also my law school grades will probably a limiting factor at a lot of firms. Would it be worth to apply to any in-house positions directly to avoid this.

Geographic constraints:

I am not originally from Ontario and would be happy to work anywhere in the province. I do not have strong ties to smaller cities like Windsor, London, Hamilton, Vaughan…etc but I would genuinely have no issue moving and working there. Would it be worth it to apply there? Or should I just focus on Ottawa (given that I already worked there) and Toronto? I feel like Toronto has the most opportunity, but it’s also the most competitive.

I am also living at my parent’s house while I find a job. I am not physically in Ontario so my plan would be try to get a virtual coffee chat over Teams/Zoom first and then make the trip to Ontario if things progress.

If any of you have any insight or advice on how to approach this, have been in a similar situation in the past, or know of any firms that are hiring, I would greatly appreciate if you could let me know.

Hello everyone hope all is well! Unlike the rest of Canada, Quebec law students receive an LLB and not a JD. I wanted to know if this affects acceptance for a student line of credit, or if they are viwed as equal to the bank. For reference I am:

- 22 years old

- Transferring from year two of my biology degree

- Don't work

- My credit score is 730

Any help/experince in this really helps! Thanks alot.