hello! 👋

My name is Josh! I’m 24, I’m a third year in criminology and I was in the Canadian armed forces for three years. I like avocados and playing video games.

I am new to Reddit and started up an instagram page last week to share law related content. I started diving into topics such as what is law and mentioned notable SCC cases like Oakes test, Anns test, and R v. Herbert. I’m hoping I can build a community where like minded people can connect and want to learn more about law. I have a passion pursuing it as a career path into law school and becoming a lawyers. My goal is to learn and grow with others who do as well.

So I wanted to come out and ask what it actually means of being a lawyer. How did you get into pursuing it, what’s you’re story or background, and why do you love your job or/ dislike it 😂 Has the industry changed compared to what it was like before phones and do you have any advice or wisdom as I begin to study for my LSAT’s.

I don’t want to be foolish and say I’m interested in a particular area, I like to remain realistic and keep an open mind. First finish the degree and get in the law school first. I am possibly interested in crown prosecutor or something in social justice. If there any crowns or those who work in the area I’m mentioning I would really love to hear more about you.

It’s going to be a long haul but I can’t wait to get out of this billable hours nonsense

I got called to the Ontario Bar in June 2025, and honestly, I’m at a point where I don’t know what to do anymore.

I’m an internationally trained lawyer with 4.5 years of litigation experience back home. Before doing the LPP, I actually secured an articling position at a well-known downtown Toronto firm. Four months in, they told me I needed more training and suggested I pursue the LPP instead. So I did.

I ended up doing my LPP placement with MAG’s Civil Law Division, working in a niche area and regulatory law matters. I genuinely thought I’d made it. I got into the government hireback pool, had several interviews, but nothing turned into an offer. There’s always someone more senior or an internal candidate who gets the job.

After the LPP, I worked as an associate for a solo practitioner in a niche area of law. I was billing around 140 hours a month with barely any mentorship. That job ended after I asked about a raise that had been promised in my offer letter.

And since then? Nothing.

I’ve applied to countless firms. Government at least interviews me. Private practice doesn’t even call. I recently applied to a well-known firm hiring junior lawyers, only to see them hire two fresh calls who had articled at Bay Street firms. Nothing against them, but it really made me wonder whether my experience means anything here.

I’ve networked like crazy. Coffee chats, LinkedIn messages, reaching out to partners, associates, recruiters. I’m an extrovert, I genuinely enjoy meeting people, but I’m exhausted. Every conversation ends with “keep in touch” or “something will work out.” But when?

I’m starting to wonder if being an ITL or doing the LPP is actually working against me. I see other ITLs who got their foot in the door through traditional articling and were hired back. Sometimes I wonder how different things would’ve been if my articling had worked out.

I’m not even asking for a fancy job or a huge salary. I’m happy to start junior, learn, and work my way up. I just want a chance.

At this point, I’m seriously considering opening my own practice, not because I’m ready, but because I feel like I have no choice. My background is in litigation and regulatory law. I know nothing about family law, immigration or wills and estates. I have zero clients, no real mentorship, and the thought of going solo honestly terrifies me.

I feel like an imposter. I went from handling complex litigation back home to struggling to get an interview for a junior lawyer position here. It’s financially and mentally exhausting.

So I genuinely want to ask: Is there a stigma around LPP graduates or ITLs in Ontario? Am I missing something? Has anyone been in this position and actually managed to turn things around?

And for those who’ve gone solo with little Canadian experience, how did you even begin?

Please don’t tell me to just network more. I promise I’ve tried. I just want to practise law and build a career. I didn’t think it would be this hard.

Any neurospicy lawyers practicing have any tips on time keeping? The various pulls for attention throughout the day have me posting .5 for a 10 hour work day and I feel like I am always back tracking trying to reconfigure what I have done in the day… also for those folks who wanna say “just post as you go” that doesn’t work for me and hasn’t since I started in practice YEARS ago… I’m looking for something new that might work for me if it works for others with non neurotypical brains…

TYIA <3 much love and appreciation

I am a 9 year call on mat leave and expecting second child. I am not returning to my previous firm. When and how do I disclosure that I am expecting to deliver in the coming months when interviewing with new firms. I interviewed with a firm and learned that they are looking to have someone take over another lawyers practice while she is on mat leave. I initially decided to disclose it after I received an offer/accept an offer. I feel deceitful not disclosing it off the bat but I also recognize I am under no obligation to disclose the pregnancy at this stage. Looking for some guidance/advice on how to handle this. I don’t want this to damage my reputation.

Hi everyone, i am a fresh grad from law school and i passed the bar and got called, but have been struggling a lot with finding a job. i am interested in corporate law and i don't care to work on bay street (yet because i know i have to get my foot in the door somewhere first). i've done a ton of networking, cold calling and emailing and applied to actual job postings on Indeed and LinkedIn. I am desperate to find work!!!

I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck with reaching out to legal recruitment firms and agencies who are the middleman in helping you get hired i.e. they sort of play a matchmaker role between you and the firm. Does anyone have any experience working with a recruitment firm or a legal recruiter? How was your experience and is it worth contacting them? any advice is appreciated.