So you are finally called to the bar after years of studying for your law degree and completing the highly competitive Lawyer Licensing Process for your province. Now you’re a member of your Law Society within your provincial jurisdiction, but what happens if you want to practice in another jurisdiction? If your provincial Law Society is a member of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and a signee of the National Mobility Agreement, the solution is simple. Once a lawyer is called to the bar in a member province, they can provide legal services temporarily in respect to the law of another province or territory. 

However, lawyers can only practice in other common law jurisdictions for 100 days a year. A 100 days is equivalent to just over three months of practice time, so what happens if this is not enough time to handle all of your matters. Many lawyers overcome this limitation by becoming qualified in the province they seek to practice. But what are the benefits of being dually qualified in more than one Canadian province to practice law? 

No limitations

No limitation on the amount of time you can practice in another jurisdiction is the most significant benefit of being licensed in more than one jurisdiction. Lawyers who have been called to the bar in multiple law societies can do this once they keep up with the continuing professional development requirements in both provinces and pay their annual fees. Lawyers in this position can navigate the interest of their clients without any limitations towards their services.

Attracting clients from multiple provinces 

To be dually qualified to practice imposes certain obligations for lawyers to stay current in the changes in their practice area in each province. Many clients understand this obligation. Another significant benefit of being dually qualified is that potential clients may see you as more knowledgeable in your practice area. Dually qualified lawyers can market this perception of knowledge and assist clients in more than one jurisdiction, increasing their appeal to both law firms and potential new clients. 

Dually qualified lawyers can attract clients from multiple provinces. Another perk to being licensed in multiple jurisdictions is that lawyers will receive unique cases based on the fact they can practice in multiple jurisdictions. For instance, a family lawyer may receive clients for child custody matters that involve multiple provinces. Thus being dually licensed can provide this unique expertise.

At the end of the day, it is a privilege to practice law in any Canadian province. However, with this privilege comes great responsibility. This is a responsibility that will grow if you decide to become licensed in another jurisdiction. So make sure you are ready before you choose to make this your path in the future.