Written by Gabriela Estrada

Doing justice abroad is complex and involves a great deal of effective communication and the same language channel for both parties. In Canada, this process is twofold, as Canada is a bilingual country (English and French), and English is widely used in the legal system. 

Planeta Immiland, our school of English and French with a focus on immigration, has developed this article for foreign lawyers with a native language other than English who want to work in Canada practicing their profession, therefore, they should read it carefully to know what level of English on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) the country requires, what are the immigration programs that can bring them to Canada and what language tests they must submit. 

How much English must a lawyer speak to work in Canada?

To work as a lawyer in Canada, the foreign professional must demonstrate proficiency in English or French. Specifically for English, the country's immigration programs for this profession are based on a minimum required level equivalent to a CLB 7, which indicates advanced proficiency; in particular, the candidate's listening must be high.

In Canada, lawyers need both oral and written skills; however, the language proficiency most commonly used will depend on the context in which you get the job. A good foreign lawyer in Canada must be able to draft legal documents, communicate with clients and colleagues in English and understand the laws and jurisprudence of the country in this language, all this suggests that the minimum advanced level is 7, but if 8 or more, much better because the candidate for the position may have great chances of being selected, since the level depends not only on what the immigration program requires, but also on the requirements of the law firm that is hiring.

Let's place the minimum level CLB 7 in a typical day on the job representing clients in court, negotiations and meetings, or drafting legal documents, contracts and arguments. 

Orally, the CLB 7 lawyer will be able to communicate effectively with clients to express their ideas, explain the case clearly and conduct formal discussions with the appropriate vocabulary and expressions. Here, the accent takes a back seat, since, if there is something that is not understood, know that in this environment there is no place for conversations against the clock, for long silences for not knowing what is being said or for simple confusion for not knowing legal or common expressions, since the language of law is technical, precise and everyday and the conversation is slow, wanting to be understood; even more so if you practice in predominantly English-speaking provinces such as Ontario or British Columbia.

In writing skills, the lawyer's role requires a broad technical vocabulary in English, as he or she will have to draft, depending on the position, legal documents, client engagement letters, may have to work directly with conflict analysts, advise on immigration cases where he or she must negotiate with the opposing party, etc., and all of this, whatever the environment, must be very well written with the proper wording and spelling befitting a professional like any native Canadian.

What proof of English language proficiency is required to work as a lawyer in Canada?

As noted above, a candidate for a job as a lawyer in Canada must demonstrate strong English language skills. To measure them, you can submit the most commonly used international recognition tests, below:

• IELTS General Training.
• CELPIP General Training.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core. 

The levels may vary according to the immigration programs to Canada. In this official IRCC link, you can review the language tests for skilled immigrants and their requirements, click here.

What immigration programs are available to work as a lawyer in Canada?

Foreign lawyers can apply to economic mobility programs such as Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Worker Program; however, whichever immigration route you choose, you will always require a high level of English.

At Planeta Immiland, we are convinced that learning to speak English is one of the most feasible ways to immigrate to any place in the world, since this language is expanding every day, and if it is Canada, linguistic competence is of enormous value, even more so for professionals, since this country appreciates the academic preparation and work experience of its immigrant population. Being a foreign lawyer in Canada implies more than simply knowing the law and having a commitment to justice, working as a lawyer in Canada requires communication skills and English is the central axis for internationals who want to practice this profession here. 

Our language school offers specialized courses that will help you level your English and bring you to the required score to work as a lawyer in Canada. Learn more at English 4 Express EntryEnglish 4 Express Entry, a course designed to provide students with the fundamental language skills to succeed in the Canadian Express Entry system, with special emphasis on achieving the proficiency levels required for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). If you would like more information about our courses, you can fill out this contact form We will be happy to help you in any way we can!

Much success in your new job as a lawyer in Canada!

With love,

Planet Immiland