Going To A School Where You *Don't* Want To Practice

[Taurobolium]

From browsing here the last few months I've gathered that a good rule of thumb is go to school where you want to practice. However, I don't think I will have that luxury. Let's say I attend law school in BC or Alberta but want to live and practice in Atlantic Canada after I'm done. Are my odds of making that happen/articling in someplace like Halifax or St John's greatly diminished? Any advice for people in this boat? Should I try to transfer to UNB or Dal after 1L?

[LMP]

With respect to UNB, I don't really see you getting in everywhere else but being rejected there. 

But in more direct answer to your question, it isn't fatal to not attend a maritime school. Though you may have to do a little more legwork tracking down postions. 

 

[SNAILS]

In addition to the above, consider the difference in provincial legislation. If you want to practice in an area that is very heavy in provincial law (family law, for example) you might find it best to work with the statutes in law school that you'd be working with in the work world.

Your post begs the question, "Why not got to UNB or Dal right away?" If it's a cost of living thing (i.e. you can live for free with family right beside University of Alberta) then that seems legit. You'll be fine moving wherever you want in common law Canada and practicing law.

If you have been rejected at UNB and Dal but have been accepted in Alberta or BC - I'm not sure what to say.

Transferring law schools after 1L is a pain in the neck - not recommended. (Disclaimer: I have not transferred law schools after 1L, but it seems like a pain in the neck).

Edited February 1 by SNAILS

[Whist]

12 hours ago, SNAILS said:

If you want to practice in an area that is very heavy in provincial law (family law, for example) you might find it best to work with the statutes in law school that you'd be working with in the work world.

There's lots of provincial involvement in family law, but the Divorce Act is federal and a huge part of the area, and even general property division principles tend to echo across Canada. Lower transferability than crim or tax no doubt, but family law wouldn't be my first example of a problem area.

To OP, I agree that I would be surprised if you couldn't get into any Maritime schools, but could get into one in AB or BC. Relying on transferring after 1L is a huge gamble and I wouldn't recommend it. You could return to Atlantic Canada with a degree from AB or BC, but you're going to have to do more legwork and firms are going to ask why you went to school out West. You being from the area will help a lot but I've heard firms are more concerned about out-of-province applicants always having their eye out for opportunities elsewhere. If you know you want to work in Atlantic Canada, make reasonable effort to go to school there first.

[Mal]

The argument to go to school where you want to practice is overblown. Practically everything you learn in law school at Canadian common law schools is transferable knowledge. The practice of law is largely learned during... practice. 

The bigger problem is that Atlantic Canada just doesn't have that many jobs, which makes it difficult to break into regardless of school choice. Law school is a gamble for everyone, it is just a matter of degree.