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Essay / Judicial System Essay - 991
To become a lawyer in Canada, students must complete an undergraduate degree in pre-law or have completed 90 credit hours toward a bachelor's degree (“How to Become a Lawyer in Canada”, 2015). After graduating, students must pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is a standardized entrance exam offered four times a year. It focuses on reading comprehension, analytical and logical reasoning. If students are successful, they can attend law school in Canada. Finally, students must complete the provincial bar admission course, which differs by province (“How to Become a Lawyer in Canada,” 2015). Since education is a provincial responsibility, there is no national accrediting body (University of Toronto, 2012). Thus, to practice as a lawyer in Canada, it is preferable to work in private firms, in the public interest or within the government (University of Toronto, 2012). According to The Counsel Network (2016), Canadian lawyers with one year of experience earn an average annual salary of $100,000, which can increase to $160,000 per year by the 7th year. Despite the enviable salaries they earn, according to the Law Society of BC, perceptions of lawyers have only improved recently as public opinion becomes more appreciative. This increase in approval may be due to the recent change in attorney ethics, clarifying honor,