Lawyers and Quebec notaries (NOC 4112)

Lawyers and Quebec notaries advise clients on legal matters, draft legal documents and represent clients before courts, tribunals and administrative bodies.

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5:11

Lawyer

Source: WorkBC's Career Trek

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Lawyers:

• tell clients about their legal rights and all matters related to law
• research legal precedents and gather evidence
• argue clients' cases before courts of law, tribunals and administrative bodies
• draft legal documents such as real estate transactions, wills, divorces and contracts and prepare statements of legal opinions
• Negotiate settlements of civil disputes (lawyers only)
• do management tasks 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

Special duties

Lawyers and Quebec notaries may specialize in specific areas of the law such as:

• criminal law (lawyers only), 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

Lawyers typically work in offices, courthouses or law libraries, however, travel is often necessary to attend meetings, do research, gather evidence or appear before courts, administrative bodies or tribunals.

Work hours in law firms are often very long, and these professionals can be under significant pressure, particularly when they are preparing to appear before a court, administrative body or tribunal. Lawyers working in government or businesses may have more regular work schedules.

The Mainland/Southwest region has a sufficient or a potential oversupply of lawyers. A willingness to relocate outside this area, particularly to other urban areas, may increase the chance of work or having a successful law practice in B.C.

There is also a need for lawyers with a specialization in areas such as Aboriginal rights, international law, intellectual property, patents and trademarks, environmental law, internet law, entertainment law, immigration law, construction law and mediation.

Lawyers can be affected by downturns in the economy, which may cause a decline in demand for some optional legal services such as estate planning and real estate transactions. High grades from a recognized law school will improve job prospects for new lawyers.