Navigating the Law Practice Program as a NCA Student

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For law students who have completed the NCA examination, there are often questions about what comes next and how to complete the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) licensing process. One option for fulfilling the experiential training component is the Law Practice Program (LPP) at Ryerson, which I, Paula Poniatowska, a recent NCA graduate and current LPP Candidate, opted for. In this blog series, I will provide an overview of the LPP, my personal experience as an NCA Graduate going through the program, and tips on succeeding in the LPP.

What is the Law Practice Program (LPP)? The LPP is a structured program for law school graduates or those who have completed the NCA Exams. It consists of a 4-month simulated hands-on training and a subsequent 4-month work placement at a law firm or another legal department. LPP candidates have the same rights and responsibilities as articling students, and the program offers a virtual firm experience where candidates collaborate on simulated client files in various legal practice areas, guided by supportive mentors.

The Ryerson LPP has gained popularity, attracting around 260 students this year. Some were Canadian law students who lost their articling positions due to the pandemic, while others were NCA students and foreign-trained lawyers seeking to complete their licensing process. The LPP focuses on developing key skills, including professionalism and ethics, oral and written communications, research skills, analytical skills, client relationship management, and practice management.

How to Register for the Law Practice Program:

  • Obtain your NCA Certificate of Qualification.
  • Register on the LSO Licensing Portal by the deadline (June 15, 2021 for this year).
  • Pay the online fee of $3,164.00.

The Two Components of the LPP:

  1. 1. Simulated Virtual Law Firm Experience (4 Months: August - December)

  2. During this practical training, candidates work individually and in a virtual law firm of approximately 4 to 6 other LPP Candidates, guided by a practicing lawyer acting as a mentor. The tasks and assignments are designed to be practical and relevant to real-world legal experience. Candidates engage in webinars, workshops, written assignments, oral assignments (such as client interviews and simulated depositions), and more. This part of the LPP offers hands-on learning, allowing candidates to draft legal documents, conduct negotiations, argue motions, and manage clients and the practice like a real firm.


  4. 2. Practical Work Placement (4 Months: January - April)

  5. Candidates participate in a 4-month work placement, which is similar to working at a law firm and mirrors the tasks of articling students, albeit for a shorter period. The LPP equips candidates with the necessary skills to jump right into their work placements, making the most of their experiential training. While Ryerson offers a database of LPP employers, candidates are responsible for finding their own work placements, though they are approved by the Ryerson careers team. The database includes a variety of employers, such as major institutions, large and small firms, government agencies, clinics, and sole practitioners throughout Ontario.

In the next post, I will delve deeper into my personal experience with the LPP, the valuable lessons I gained, and answer Frequently Asked Questions to assist others in making informed decisions about their LSO experiential training.

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