Legal research and writing are fundamental skills required of practicing lawyers in Canada. To help aspiring Canadian lawyers develop these essential skills in preparation for entry into a Bar admission program, the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) developed the Legal Research and Writing (LRW) course.

The course was designed in partnership with the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) and was first piloted to a small group of NCA students in early 2020. The LRW course was created to help internationally trained law students learn how to write and conduct research for the Canadian legal system as they prepare for Bar admission and practise in Canada. 

The NCA amended their NCA Assessment policy in June 2021, identifying that effective January 1, 2022, NCA Candidates will need to demonstrate competence in legal research and writing by completing a course focusing on the skill areas. The NCA considers the LRW course a valuable tool in helping prepare students to write their NCA exams.

The course was a great help to me and could be to other candidates before they attempt their NCA exams. – LRW pilot student

Beginning in January, CPLED will be offering the LRW course six times per year. The online course is eight weeks in length and consists of two modules and four assignments that include a research and writing component. Students will receive valuable feedback on their assignments from trained Assessors who are practising lawyers with a minimum of five years of experience.

Students need to have received their NCA Assessment report and submit the $375 CAD, plus the applicable taxes tuition fee to register for the course. Registration opens at www.cpled.ca on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at 9 a.m. MT with the first course offering to begin Wednesday, January 26, 2022.

For more information on the LRW course offerings and registration, visit the LRW course section on the CPLED website.