Judges preside over courts of law, interpret and enforce rules of procedure, adjudicate civil and criminal cases and administer justice. They may specialize in particular areas of law such as civil, criminal and family law. Lawyers also plead cases or conduct prosecutions before courts of law, tribunals and boards, and negotiate civil dispute settlements. This occupational group also includes articling students. Education, Training and Experience People in this group require a pre-law college or university program and a bachelor's degree from a law school.
Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.
Judges usually have extensive experience as lawyers or law professors and continuous bar association membership. They must be members in good standing with their provincial or territorial law societies or bar associations. Judges appointed to more senior positions in a court usually have experience as judges in that court. Lawyers require a period of articling, a bar admission course and exam, and a provincial or territorial licence. The proportion of women in these occupations has increased significantly over the last ten years.