Practice Law in Canada After a 2-Year Accelerated LLB from the University of Hertfordshire

You could start working as a lawyer in Canada just a few years after high school graduation thanks to this accelerated program.

Becoming a lawyer is hard work. In Canada, you typically have to complete a four-year bachelor's degree, then proceed to law school for another year or two before you're licensed to practice as a lawyer.

The United Kingdom offers a quicker path. The University of Hertfordshire, for example, offers a two-year accelerated law program for Canadian students who are just out of high school, meaning you could become a practicing lawyer before you're 21!

To be admitted to Herts, you must be a high school graduate with a passing mark in grade 12 English and grade 12 Math (or equivalent in your province).

The catch is, since the program is accelerated, you'll be studying through the summer, too. A lot will be asked of you during your program, but with the right support and preparation, you're sure to make it through.

What is the accelerated law program like?

Studying law, at its heart, is about "people, power, and problem solving." Whether you want to practice as a lawyer or not, an education in law can help you succeed in business, government, or just about anywhere else.

First-year courses

In your first year, you'll develop the foundations of your legal knowledge. You'll start building professional skills from day one in areas like:

• Contract law
• Criminal law
• Constitutional principles

Second-year courses

In your second year, you'll explore more complex areas of the law, as well as career and professional development. You'll also start specializing: Hertfordshire offers more than 20 specializations to customize your degree. Here are a few options:

• Medical law
• Criminal litigation, evidence, and advocacy
• Copyright and artificial intelligence

In second year, you'll also engage with the Crown Court and Hertfordshire's pro-bono (free) legal clinic, ensuring your skills are tested in real-world scenarios.

You'll learn a lot about law in the United Kingdom and the EU, but the Canadian legal system is quite similar, so much of what you learn will be applicable back home in Canada.

Why study law at Hertfordshire in the UK?

Besides the accelerated timeline, you'll benefit from studying at the dedicated Hertfordshire law school, staffed by experienced lawyers and instructors. You'll be prepared for your law career with a degree that's fully recognized in the UK — and will be usable in Canada, too, after you pass a couple additional exams.

The Hertfordshire law school also boasts a full-scale Crown Court, a replica of a real court room where you'll get to practice trying cases as a lawyer. The term is called "mooting," or a "moot court" — a judge comes in, you argue your case, and you get feedback afterwards. Not only that, but you'll spend some time in the school's pro-bono law clinic, working lawyers and clients, helping out real members of the community, solving real problems.

What do I need to do to practice law in Canada after studying at Hertfordshire?

As a Canadian student, you'll be well-equipped to practice law in Canada after graduating from Herts' two-year accelerated law program. But, you'll still have a little work to do after graduation.

You'll need to get in touch with the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA), run by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. The NCA is the official body for reviewing and confirming the legal education and professional experience for anyone who got their law degree outside Canada.

Your goal is a Certificate of Qualification from the NCA. When you send in your application, the NCA will assess your grades and experience. In most cases, assuming you have no individual marks under 46%, you'll need to write several exams:

• Canadian administrative law (mandatory)
• Canadian constitutional law (mandatory)
• Canadian criminal law (mandatory)
• Foundations of Canadian law (mandatory)
• Canadian professional responsibility (mandatory)

You'll also need to complete a course in legal research and writing. Luckily, this course only takes nine weeks, and it's done entirely online.

Beyond this, the NCA may require you to complete one or two more exams, depending on your specific education and experience — but Hertfordshire will have you well prepared for each and every exam the NCA requires.

Check out this short video from Nathaniel, a Canadian student, to learn more about what you'll experience at Herts:

How much does the program cost? What financial supports are available?

For 2023, the cost is £16,275 for international students — roughly equivalent to $26,000 CAD per year. Canadian students are able to bring along their provincial student loans.

You also may want to learn a bit about student housing at Hertfordshire.

Whether you're eager to become a practicing lawyer, or you're interested in the law as part of your broader education, the University of Hertfordshire's accelerated law program can help you develop your skills and get professional experience.

By working hard for two years, you'll graduate earlier than your peers, and you'll be seeking employment before you know it. Is the two-year accelerated law degree right for you? Learn more on the University of Hertfordshire website.