Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Law Practice Program (LPP) the same as Articling?
The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) has approved three licensing paths for law graduates to be called to the Bar in Ontario. The LPP is one of those three paths. After graduating from law school, LPP Candidates complete a 4-month hands-on training simulation before they begin their work experience. They are prepared to “hit the ground running” when they join your office in January for their 4-month work experience. They have the same rights of appearance and responsibilities as an Articling student.
2. I want to participate. How do I get the ball rolling on a work experience?
Offering a work experience is as simple as completing the Employer Profile Form. Once you submit the form, a member of our work experience team will be in touch. Please click on the following link to access the form: Employer Profile Form.
3. What are the requirements for a supervising lawyer?
The supervising lawyer must have a minimum of 3 full years of practice in Ontario and must be in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). The supervising lawyer cannot supervise more than 2 licensing candidates simultaneously.
Work experiences are expected to be in person in a normal program year. However, so long as effective supervision can be maintained by the work experience supervisor, the work experience can be in-person, remote, or a combination in accordance with LSO guidelines. Employers may contact lpp.weo@torontomu.ca should they have any questions.
4. Can supervisors receive CPD hours for being a supervisor?
Yes. Supervising lawyers can claim CPD hours for supervising an LPP Candidate. Please visit the Law Society of Ontario’s (LSO) CPD site at the following link to learn more: LSO CPD Requirements.
5. Are work experiences only available January to April each year? When does the hiring begin?
Work experiences typically take place from January to April each year. The hiring process begins in June each year and runs until December. We encourage employers to start early to ensure they secure a candidate for their work experience.
6. What kind of work can I give an LPP Candidate? How many hours a week is a work experience?
Work experiences must be at least 35 working hours per week. You can assign the same types of tasks to LPP Candidates as you would assign an Articling student. These tasks include but are not limited to: research; drafting; court appearances, etc.
7. Are work experiences paid?
As per the Law Society of Ontario (subject to change): The Mandatory Minimum Compensation (MMC) is $620 per week for all Ontario-based articling and Law Practice Program (LPP) work placements that begin on or after May 1, 2023 (LPP website updated June 2023).
Rates of compensation vary based on an employer’s size and their areas of practice. You set the compensation. Past compensation rates have ranged from minimum wage to as high as $1900/week.
8. How is the work experience evaluated? Do I need to complete or file forms with the LSO?
During the course of the work experience, you do not need to complete any additional forms or file any documentation with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). Our office will contact you and the LPP Candidate by phone to gather feedback on the LPP Candidate’s performance and to provide any additional support that may be needed.