The Study of Law

Legal education in Canada is divided into two phases: the academic study of law at one of the university law schools and practical training under the auspices of a provincial law society for those who wish to be admitted to practise and called to a Bar. As there is a reciprocal recognition of university law degrees between the common law provinces (all provinces except Quebec), the academic study can be taken in any one of these provinces.

A sound education in law provides a good foundation for a great variety of careers. In the past most law graduates have entered the private practise of law to concentrate on various types of legal work: real estate transactions, commercial contracts, company law, family law, taxation, etc. Contrary to popular belief only a few lawyers concentrate on court work and even fewer specialize in criminal cases. While the tendency to specialize in the practise of law is becoming more prevalent, most lawyers continue to be general practitioners prepared to perform most types of legal work according to the needs of their clients.

Besides the private practise of law, law graduates can join the legal departments which many corporations find it expedient to maintain; others enter the employ of various government departments to serve in a variety of capacities. A few pursue nonlegal vocations in, business, journalism, social work, and law enforcement. At the University of Manitoba consideration is given to the fact that while most students take law to become practising lawyers, some are taking law as an additional discipline to enhance their opportunities in fields other than the practise of law; thus, while the emphasis is on the academic study of substantive law, the study is carried on in a practical context.