The ultimate goal of the Admission Program is to ensure that candidates obtain the entry-level competencies required in order to provide the highest standards of professional services to clients and employers.
To qualify to apply for admission as a barrister and solicitor in New Brunswick, students-at-law are required to complete the Admission Program. This program comprises three elements which the student must successfully complete to qualify for admission: period of articles, with an approved principal, of at least 48 weeks in length; the Bar Admission Course; and the Bar Examinations.
Who is eligible for enrolment in the Law Society of New Brunswick Admission Program?
To be eligible for enrolment in the Law Society’s Admission Program, all applicants must provide the following information:
Legal Education
- confirmation that they have completed at least two years of university studies in a program leading to a degree other than law; and
- proof of graduation from a common law faculty of a Canadian university; or a Certificate of Qualification issued by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA).
Good character
In New Brunswick, each applicant must provide proof that he or she is of good character and repute. Questions relating to good character and repute are included in the Application Form for Admission as Student-at-Law (Form 1). Applicants are required to fully disclose any event, circumstances, conditions or matters that touch or may concern their conduct, character and reputation. All candidates must also provide the names of three individuals, at least one of whom taught the candidate in university, who will provide references for the applicant.
How do I enrol in the Admissions Program?
You must submit your application package and the enrollment fees to the Admission Department of the Law Society of New Brunswick before May 1st.
To register you must submit the following documents to the Director of Admissions:
- Original official transcripts from each post-secondary education institution you attended (including universities, community colleges etc) showing all degrees granted and final marks received. You must make arrangements for these transcripts to be sent directly from the educational institution to the Law Society. If transcripts cannot be provided before the deadline date, you must provide proof that you have ordered the transcripts;
- If you did not obtain a Canadian Common Law degree, in addition to your transcripts you must provide a Certificate of Qualifications from the National Committee on Accreditation;
- Bar Admission Program Registration and Agreement;
- Application for Admission as Student-at-law (Form 1);
- Course Registration fees.
No later than two weeks following the start of the term of articles, you must also submit the following forms:
- Articling Agreement (Form 2). Note: the student and principal should each keep one copy of this document;
- Principal’s Statement of Qualifications (Form 3) signed by your principal and by each of your Associate Principal(s);
- Education plan (Form 4). Note: the student and principal should each keep one copy of this form;
What are the fees?
View the fee schedule for the applicable fees.
What do I do if I have questions?
Consult the Admissions Program Guide for complete information regarding the Admission Program.
Contact us for more information.
If you are unable to provide any of the required documentation for reasons beyond your control, please contact the Director of Admissions to discuss your particular circumstances.
If you are unable to start articling prior to June 1, contact the Director of Admissions to discuss your circumstances as soon as possible.