I have just under a month until I finish my articles. I do not intend to work in law after I do -- I turned down a relatively decent offer to continue at my current firm post-articling because I have decided that law is not the right path for me.

However, I am unsure if I should still get called to the bar. The necessary attire is around $2k from what I've understood and then there are the yearly law society fees which makes it feel like a waste of money to get called when I don't intend to practice. However, part of me is worried about not solidifying my credentials if I don't. Therefore, I'm seeking advice on what to do.

Further, if I do get called I am uncertain if I should be getting called under "inactive" status or "active - non practicing" as I do not intend to practice but "inacitve" seems to be more for retirees.

I have no interest in working overtime and have no interest in sacrificing my weekends/free time. I understand this is an unavoidable aspect of most jobs, at least sometimes, though the frequency of this occurrence seems much higher in law than in other professions.

I would like the free time to pursue my other interests and hobbies. I can't see that being possible working 60 hours a week doing intense mental work. I don't care much for the money.

Do your work weeks leave you with the mental energy to pursue your other intellectual hobbies? or does law just monopolize your time and intellect?

Accidentally posted this question in the big law sub and realized it drew in a lot of people from NYC big law commenting there’s no log off lol. Is Toronto big law comparable? What is WLB like?

I’m doing my articling right now and my principal gets very frustrated and will shout and say mean comments. On one hand I’m trying to be understanding because I know there’s so much I need to learn. I’ve also heard this is pretty common unfortunately. But I’m starting to feel so incredibly stupid and anxious all the time. I don’t have a choice but to stick this out but I was hoping to hear from other people who have gone through something like this to feel less alone.

how much do grades matter for getting into your chosen exchange program?

I have interviews coming up with MAG Crown offices (one general office and one specialized). I am unsure what to focus on as I have not taken evidence yet. I know I need to focus on the manual, recent SCC/ONCA decisions and my 1L crim notes but I am not sure what else to focus on. For specialized offices will I be asked substantive/hypos relating to those specific offences?

I am halfway through articling and CPLED’s PREP. I have about 6 months to go and it’s unlikely any of the articling students in my firm will be retained because it is a government institution and they hardly retain people.

Looking at the current legal job market, what’s the best time to start looking for jobs so I will have a job ready to go when called to the bar May next year?

Thanks

Hi all, this isn't relevant to me but just something I'm curious about.

I'm interested to hear about JD holders who work for the government in managerial or policy oriented roles. Is it common for the government (both provincial and federal) to hire JD's to work in these roles? Or are these roles usually more reserved for those with a MA, MPP or MPA? Just curious because I've heard mixed things.

Pretty simple, just want to know which process servers do most lawyers pick and prefer, what do they like and not like about them, etc.

I want an overall general idea before I pick one

I want to hear from Lawyers who had a hard time in law school (and I mean GPA in the 2 something on 4.0 or 4.3) and who made it now. Who are happy and successful.

It's a thing to be having a hard time in law school, and reaching out you only meet people who are doing fine/good/great but I wanna hear from the ones who struggled because those persons are more meaningful to me right now to hear from.

Considering law school and the big law grind really doesn’t appeal to me. Can you article places that are more boutique or mid sized or are those positions not as available? I’ve posted on this sub quite a bit these past few days and I don’t understand why people join big law if most of them quit soon after from burnout. I have worked in corporate 6 years now (in a non law role) and have come to realize how important having a life and focusing on your health is, so I really don’t want to hand cuff myself to a desk 12 hours a day and make my life worse. Why do people do it knowingly?