Lawyers
(NOC 4112)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesLawyers advise clients on legal matters, represent clients before boards and write legal documents like contracts and wills. Lawyers plead cases, represent clients before tribunals and oversee prosecutions in court. Lawyers work for law firms, prosecutor's offices, federal, provincial and city and town governments, and businesses or they may be self-employed. Articling students are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Lawyers and Quebec Notaries most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 71% of Lawyers and Quebec Notaries who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $102,134. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$35,224
Minimum$104,920
Median$167,952
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$14.74
Minimum$33.28
Median$46.76
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Lawyers advise clients on legal matters, represent clients before boards and write legal documents like contracts and wills. Lawyers plead cases, represent clients before tribunals and oversee prosecutions in court. Lawyers work for law firms, prosecutor's offices, federal, provincial and city and town governments, and businesses or they may be self-employed. Articling students are included in this group.
Job duties
Lawyers:
- Tell clients about their legal rights and all matters related to law.
- Research legal precedents and gather evidence.
- Plead clients' cases before courts, tribunals and boards.
- Draw up legal documents like real estate transactions, wills, divorces and contracts, and prepare statements of legal opinions.
- Negotiate settlements of civil disputes.
- Carry out administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.
- May act as mediator, conciliator or arbitrator.
- May act as executor, trustee or guardian in estate and family law matters.
- Lawyers may specialize in specific areas of the law like criminal law, corporate law, contract law, taxation law, administrative law, international law, commercial law, real estate law, family and estate law, intellectual property law and labour law.
Sample job titles
- articling law student
- corporate counsel
- crown attorney
- defence counsel
- judicial assistant - Supreme Court
- law partner
- lawyer
- legal advisor
- legislative counsel
- prosecutor
- solicitor
Skills
You should enjoy challenge and competition. A high degree of accuracy and concentration are necessary. You must be convincing, concise, able to think quickly under pressure, and able to express your ideas clearly. You should have a strong understanding of language and the ability to think logically and analytically. Patience, tact, and an understanding of human nature would be helpful in dealing with the public.
Job requirements
- Two to three years of undergraduate studies and a bachelor's degree from a recognized law school.
- Successful completion of the bar examination and completion of a period of articling are required.
- Licensing by the provincial law society is required.
Other considerations
Self-employment is common for lawyers. Many lawyers work regular hours, but this is usually confined to lawyers who are employed by government offices or corporations. Lawyers in private practice, for the most part, work longer and irregular hours. Most of the work of lawyers is done in offices or law libraries. Lawyers wishing to practise in another province or territory may be required to pass examinations set by the provincial or territorial law society.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Public administration
Finance and insurance
Other services (except public administration)
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$94,664 median annual incomeMaster
$81,713 median annual incomeDiploma Above Bachelor
$74,216 median annual incomeDoctorate
$71,114 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor
$45,929 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,398 median annual incomeMaster
$71,043 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,055 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,443 median annual incomeEducation & training
Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
University ProgramThese programs prepare students for the independent professional practice of common or civil law, for becoming a Quebec notary, for taking bar examinations, and for advanced research in jurisprudence. They include courses in the theory and practice of the legal system, including the statutory, administrative, and judicial components of civil and criminal law.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Practice: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.