The Law Practice Program (LPP) is an innovative lawyer licensing pathway in Ontario, launched in 2014, that offers an 8-month virtual and rigorous program through both simulated virtual training (4 months), as well as a hands-on work term (4 months). The LPP was launched by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) as a pilot program in 2014 to support lawyer licensing in the province. On Monday, August 24th, the LPP launched its 13th year with over 270 licensing candidates. Speakers during the launch included retired Chief Justice of Ontario, George Strathy and Regional Senior Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario for Central West, Ria Tzimas. This new cohort brings experience from both Canadian law schools and across the globe, including those with Masters and PhD degrees, and some having practised as lawyers previously in over 20 countries and speaking over 47 different languages! The Candidates are supported in the program by experienced practising Ontario lawyers as Mentors, Subject Matter Experts, Assessors, Advisors and Employers.
This year we have 13 candidates from Oakville and Milton in the LPP. These candidates are eager to learn from members of the HCLA during their 16-week work placements. The work placements begin in the new year (January-April, with flexibility for differing start dates depending on a lawyer’s availability to host the candidate). Employers include government, major institutions, large and small firms, speciality boutiques and sole practitioners. Because all the core competencies required by the LSO are covered in the Practical Training, candidates become involved in the relevant areas of their employer’s practice (drafting, research, client management etc).
We keep the process simple: submit an Employer Profile Form (EPF): LPP 2027 Employer Profile Form (EPF) and we will post your opportunity to LPP candidates and provide you with a link to applications. The LPP is pleased to assist with vetting of the applications per each firm or practitioner’s specifications and will prepare a short-list of applicants. Please feel welcome to let the LPP know any skills and languages that are preferred.
The LPP work experience is a great option for recruiting, gaining CPD hours (12 hours) and giving back to the profession. It also provides you with a candidate that is trained and productive and, in turn, allows the candidate to become licensed.
LPP Supervising lawyers can apply to the LSO for recognition of 12 CPD hours for the year. This is done as Alternate Educational Activities. To qualify for accreditation of Professionalism hours (3), alternate educational activities must address topics of professional responsibility, ethics, practice management and/or equality, diversity and inclusion. Supervising an LPP Work Placement is an Eligible Education Activity (within the Mentoring category). You will complete this CPD Accreditation Application Form when reporting your hours: https://cpdacc.smapply.ca/prog/cpd_accreditation/
As of October 1, 2026, the Ontario Minimum Wage is $718.00/week. If as an employer you cannot pay the Ontario Minimum Wage or the Mandatory Minimum Compensation (MMC) ($620.00/week) as set by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), you must apply for an exemption to the LSO.
Rates of compensation vary based on an employer’s size and their areas of practice. You set the compensation. Past compensation rates have ranged from minimum wage to as high as $1,900/week.
