Debt Trap

The increasingly high cost of tuition is a barrier to entering the legal profession. I graduated from the University of Ottawa - Faculty of Law in 2015. I was lucky to have financial support from my family and law firm employer, as well as scholarships and part-time jobs. .

If I was starting over today, the current price of tuition would probably deter me from applying to law school. Especially given what I know about the job market, and how hard it can be to make a living doing social justice work.

We should make it easier for the best and brightest to practice law, including students who can’t afford to incur tens of thousands in debt. There is room for innovation such as encouraging (paid) practicums in 3L and reducing licensing fees for lawyers in certain practice areas. I don’t have all the answers, but at least I understand the problems.