How to Become a Lawyer in New Brunswick
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Law Society of New Brunswick to work as a lawyer in New Brunswick or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“To qualify for admission to the Law Society of New Brunswick, an applicant must satisfy Council that he or she is of good character and repute and has acquired credentials through one of the following options”
From lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 6 steps
- Licensed in another province: 3 steps (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Trained outside Canada: 3 steps
- Annual fees
-
- Practising member's annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021: $3,509.80 (for members called before May 1, 2021)
Source
“Practising member’s annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021 - $3,509.80 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Practising member's annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later: $3,122.08 (for members called on May 1, 2021 or later)
Source
“Practising member’s annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later - $3,122.08 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Mandatory Professional Liability Insurance: $2,012.50 (payable annually, or by monthly pre-authorized debit payments)
Source
“$2,012.50 (HST included) payable annually, or by monthly pre-authorized debit payments”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Non-practising member's annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021: $945.30 (for non-practising members called before May 1, 2021)
Source
“Non-practising member’s annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021 - $945.30 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Non-practising member's annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later: $751.12 (for non-practising members called on May 1, 2021 or later)
Source
“Non-practising member’s annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later - $751.12 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Retired Membership Fee: $125.52
- Practising member's annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021: $3,509.80 (for members called before May 1, 2021)
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 6 done
- 6 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $125.52
-
Submit the application package and enrollment fees to the Admission Department of the Law Society of New Brunswick before May 1st.
Source
“You must submit your application package and the enrollment fees to the Admission Department of the Law Society of New Brunswick before May 1st.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-graduates... -
Complete a period of articles with an approved principal of at least 48 weeks in length.
Source
“period of articles, with an approved principal, of at least 48 weeks in length”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-graduates... -
Successfully complete the Bar Admission Course.
Source
“the Bar Admission Course”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-graduates... -
Successfully pass the Bar Examinations.
-
File the application for admission to the Society with the required forms near the end of the articling term.
Source
“Students-at-law will also be reminded which forms must be filed with the application for admission to the Society.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/admission-to-the-law-... -
Take the Barristers and Solicitors' oath or affirmation during the admissions ceremony.
Source
“all new lawyers must take the Barristers and Solicitors' oath or affirmation during the admissions ceremony”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/admission-to-the-law-...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Law Society of New Brunswick
6 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $125.52 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 5 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Practising member's annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021: $3,509.80 (for members called before May 1, 2021)
Source
“Practising member’s annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021 - $3,509.80 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Practising member's annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later: $3,122.08 (for members called on May 1, 2021 or later)
Source
“Practising member’s annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later - $3,122.08 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Mandatory Professional Liability Insurance: $2,012.50 (payable annually, or by monthly pre-authorized debit payments)
Source
“$2,012.50 (HST included) payable annually, or by monthly pre-authorized debit payments”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Non-practising member's annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021: $945.30 (for non-practising members called before May 1, 2021)
Source
“Non-practising member’s annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021 - $945.30 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Non-practising member's annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later: $751.12 (for non-practising members called on May 1, 2021 or later)
Source
“Non-practising member’s annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later - $751.12 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Retired Membership Fee: $125.52
Licensed in another province
0 of 3 done
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 2 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $125.52
-
Complete and submit the Application for Admission of a Person Admitted in Another Province or Territory of Canada (Form 11) with the required documents.
- Application for Admission by a Person Admitted to Practise Law in another Province or Territory of Canada: $1,725 (for administration and reading materials, invoiced once registration has been approved)
Source
“A non-refundable fee of $1,725 (including HST) for administration and reading materials will be invoiced once your registration has been approved.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-lawyers-f...
Source
“Applicants must complete and submit Application for Admission of a Person Admitted in Another Province of Territory of Canada (Form 11 registrer here)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-lawyers-f... - Application for Admission by a Person Admitted to Practise Law in another Province or Territory of Canada: $1,725 (for administration and reading materials, invoiced once registration has been approved)
-
Review the reading materials the Society advises are required to qualify for admission.
Source
“the Society will advise applicants of the materials they are required to review to qualify for admission”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-lawyers-f... -
File a Form 11A certifying that the reading material has been read and understood prior to admission.
Source
“Applicants must certify by filing a Form 11A that they have read and understood the reading material prior to admission.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-lawyers-f...
Listed fees for this route
1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.
2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $125.52 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 5 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Practising member's annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021: $3,509.80 (for members called before May 1, 2021)
Source
“Practising member’s annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021 - $3,509.80 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Practising member's annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later: $3,122.08 (for members called on May 1, 2021 or later)
Source
“Practising member’s annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later - $3,122.08 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Mandatory Professional Liability Insurance: $2,012.50 (payable annually, or by monthly pre-authorized debit payments)
Source
“$2,012.50 (HST included) payable annually, or by monthly pre-authorized debit payments”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Non-practising member's annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021: $945.30 (for non-practising members called before May 1, 2021)
Source
“Non-practising member’s annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021 - $945.30 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Non-practising member's annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later: $751.12 (for non-practising members called on May 1, 2021 or later)
Source
“Non-practising member’s annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later - $751.12 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Retired Membership Fee: $125.52
Trained outside Canada
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $125.52
-
Apply to the National Committee on Accreditation to have your law credentials evaluated before submitting an application for admission.
Source
“Candidates who have not obtained an LL.B. or a J.D. from an accredited Canadian Law School must apply to the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) to have their law credentials evaluated before submitting an application for admission.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-internati... -
Submit your documented qualifications in law and experience for the Committee's evaluation.
Source
“Candidates must apply and submit their documented qualifications in law and experience for the Committee’s evaluation.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-internati... -
Undertake any further studies the Committee determines are required, which may include passing examinations and/or completing specified course credits at a Canadian law school.
Source
“In some cases, the candidate will be required to pass examinations and/or complete specified course credits at a Canadian law school.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-internati...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Law Society of New Brunswick
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $125.52 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 5 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Practising member's annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021: $3,509.80 (for members called before May 1, 2021)
Source
“Practising member’s annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021 - $3,509.80 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Practising member's annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later: $3,122.08 (for members called on May 1, 2021 or later)
Source
“Practising member’s annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later - $3,122.08 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Mandatory Professional Liability Insurance: $2,012.50 (payable annually, or by monthly pre-authorized debit payments)
Source
“$2,012.50 (HST included) payable annually, or by monthly pre-authorized debit payments”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Non-practising member's annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021: $945.30 (for non-practising members called before May 1, 2021)
Source
“Non-practising member’s annual fees for members called before May 1, 2021 - $945.30 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Non-practising member's annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later: $751.12 (for non-practising members called on May 1, 2021 or later)
Source
“Non-practising member’s annual fees for members called on May 1, 2021 or later - $751.12 (HST included)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Retired Membership Fee: $125.52
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Dishonoured Cheque/Rejected Payment Fee: $34.50 (subject to payment of a processing fee to replace a cheque not honoured or a rejected pre-authorized debit)
Source
“subject to payment of a $34.50 (includes HST) processing fee”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Late Payment Fee - Practising members: $287.50 (for practising members)
Source
“Practising members - $287.50 (includes HST)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Late Payment Fee - Non-practising members: $115 (for non-practising members)
Source
“Non-practising members - $115.00 (includes HST)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Change of Status Fee: $86.25 (there is no fee to change to Retired status or resign membership)
Source
“$86.25 (includes HST) * Note - there is no fee to change to Retired status or resign membership.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Inter-jurisdictional Practice Permit - lawyer from the Law Society of Prince Edward Island: $115 (the permit fee charged is the same fee charged by your law society to members of the Law Society of New Brunswick)
Source
“Application by a lawyer from the Law Society of Prince Edward Island $115.00 (incl. HST)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Inter-jurisdictional Practice Permit - lawyer from the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society: $1,150
Source
“Application by a lawyer from the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society $1,150.00 (incl. HST)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Inter-jurisdictional Practice Permit - lawyer from the Barreau du Québec: $230
Source
“Application by a lawyer from the Barreau du Québec $230.00 (incl. HST)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Inter-jurisdictional Practice Permit - lawyer from the Law Society of Saskatchewan: $201.25 (the permit fee charged is the same fee charged by your law society to members of the Law Society of New Brunswick)
Source
“Application by a lawyer from the Law Society of Saskatchewan $201.25 (incl. HST)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms - Application for Admission by a Person Admitted to Practice Law in a District or Jurisdiction outside of Canada: $1,725
- Failure to meet the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Requirements by December 31st: $230
Requirements
Education
Applicants must provide confirmation that they have completed at least two years of university studies in a program leading to a degree other than law.
Source
“confirmation that they have completed at least two years of university studies in a program leading to a degree other than law”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-graduates...Applicants must provide proof of graduation from a common law faculty of a Canadian university or a Certificate of Qualification issued by the National Committee on Accreditation.
Source
“proof of graduation from a common law faculty of a Canadian university; or a Certificate of Qualification issued by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-graduates...
Insurance
All members who intend to practice law must obtain the minimum insurance coverage necessary from the New Brunswick Professional Liability Reserve, and coverage is mandatory unless an application for exemption is accepted.
Source
“All members who intend to practice law must obtain the minimum insurance coverage necessary from the New Brunswick Professional Liability Reserve. Coverage is mandatory unless your application for exemption therefrom is accepted”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/admission-to-the-law-...
Other
Lawyers applying under the National Mobility Agreement must be engaged in active practice in a reciprocating jurisdiction immediately preceding the application and be members in good standing authorized to practice law in their home jurisdiction.
Source
“Lawyers who are engaged in active practice in one or more of the reciprocating jurisdictions immediately preceding the application for admission and who are members in good standing authorized to practice law in their home jurisdiction may apply for admission”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-lawyers-f...
Already licensed in another province?
Extra steps
Lawyers from reciprocating jurisdictions may apply for admission under the National Mobility Agreement or Territorial Mobility Agreement, but must submit a transfer application, pay a fee for administration and reading materials, and review and certify that they have read and understood the required reading material prior to admission. Source
“Lawyers who are from a Canadian jurisdiction that has signed and implemented the National Mobility Agreement (NMA) or the Territorial Mobility Agreement (TMA) (reciprocating jurisdictions) may apply for admission (transfer) to the Law Society of New Brunswick.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-lawyers-f...
Submit the transfer application
Source
“Applicants must complete and submit Application for Admission of a Person Admitted in Another Province of Territory of Canada (Form 11 registrer here)”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-lawyers-f...Review the reading materials
Source
“the Society will advise applicants of the materials they are required to review to qualify for admission”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-lawyers-f...Certify the reading requirement
Source
“Applicants must certify by filing a Form 11A that they have read and understood the reading material prior to admission.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-lawyers-f...
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Law Society of New Brunswick
Credential assessment
National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) evaluation
Assess the legal education and professional experience of individuals who obtained their credentials outside of Canada or in a Canadian civil law program.
Source
“The mandate of the NCA is to help Canada's law societies protect the public interest by assessing the legal education and professional experience of individuals who obtained their credentials outside of Canada or in a Canadian civil law program.”
lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-internati...
Exams
-
Bar Examinations
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Law Society of New Brunswick
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Law Society of New Brunswick
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Law Society of New Brunswick
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick | $36.06 | $59.94 | $72.12 | Good (4 of 5) |
| Canada | $30.22 | $59.76 | $107.14 | — |
Lawyers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- Nova Scotia Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Becoming a Lawyer - Law Society of New Brunswick lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer · fetched October 10, 2026
- Process for Graduates of an Accredited Law School (Common Law) - Law Society of New Brunswick lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-graduates... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Admission to the Law Society - Law Society of New Brunswick lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/admission-to-the-law-... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Process for Lawyers from another Province (National Mobility Agreement) - Law Society of New Brunswick lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-lawyers-f... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Process for Internationally Educated Lawyers - Law Society of New Brunswick lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/becoming-a-lawyer/process-for-internati... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Fees - Law Society of New Brunswick lawsociety-barreau.nb.ca/en/for-lawyers/fees-forms · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a lawyer in New Brunswick?
Yes. Registration with the Law Society of New Brunswick is required to practise in New Brunswick.
Which exams are required?
Bar Examinations.
Getting Licensed? Get Your Resume Ready Too
Nainly pairs expert resume assessment with a done-for-you career marketing campaign, so your profile keeps reaching decision-makers while you work through the licensing steps.
Schedule a CallFree consultation. No commitment.