About Ryerson’s LPP
Ryerson's Law Practice Program (LPP) is the first of its kind in Ontario. Innovative, rigorous and demanding, the eight-month LPP is an approved pathway to lawyer licensing in Ontario (equivalent to articling), offering simulated, virtual training with a hands-on work term. Ryerson works with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and the legal community, including a strategic alliance with the Ontario Bar Association (OBA), to deliver a dynamic program that prepares Law School graduates to succeed in their legal practice and careers. The focus is on developing the skills and competencies future lawyers need for success. The eight months of the LPP is more like work - not school - helping to develop the skills and competencies lawyers need.
Timeline
2014
After Ryerson was awarded the contract by the LSO to develop and deliver a three-year pilot program, the program launched with its first cohort in August, 2014; in addition to welcoming our first Candidates, from the beginning of the year, we engaged with lawyers across the province to create the simulated virtual files; 100% of Candidates were placed with employers from various areas of practice including private practice, in-house, government and legal clinics.
2015
The program grows–Sheila Block and Jim Seckinger enthusiastically agree to deliver 3 days of Trial Advocacy workshops during each of the in-person weeks in August, October and December; some work placement opportunities open for consideration by LPP Candidates in the summer prior to the start of the program; 100% of Candidates were placed with employers from various areas of practice including private practice, in-house, government and legal clinics.
2016
Ryerson’s LPP Team (including The Chang School and ISTC partners) are recognized with Ryerson’s Julia Hanigsberg “Make Your Mark” Staff Award; Corporate Counsel programming is added to the Training, with presentations, webinars and scenario considerations; 100% of Candidates were placed with employers from various areas of practice including private practice, in-house, government and legal clinics.
2017
Recognizing the successes and benefits of the LPP, the Law Society of Ontario votes to extend the LPP pilot for a further two years; 100% of Candidates were placed with employers from various areas of practice including private practice, in-house, government and legal clinics.
2018
January 16, Ryerson’s LPP was awarded a 2017 Champion of Diversity Award by the Province of Ontario; October 9th, the LPP hosts its successful “Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Conference: The Power of All Of Us”, bringing together members of the profession, with current Candidates; in late December, once again recognizing the impact and benefit of the LPP, and the contributions that were being made to the profession by the nearly 1,000 graduates of the program to date, the Law Society of Ontario votes to keep the LPP as a pathway to licensing in Ontario; 100% of Candidates were placed with employers from various areas of practice including private practice, in-house, government and legal clinics.
2019
By the end of our 6th year, over 1300 law graduates will have completed the LPP as their chosen path for licensing; 100% of Candidates were placed with employers from various areas of practice including private practice, in-house, government and legal clinics.
2020
The LPP is set to welcomes its 7th cohort, and introduce further program innovations to enhance the experience of Candidates and their preparation for the profession.
Our Team
Chris Bentley
Managing Director
Gina Alexandris
Senior Program Director
André B Bacchus
Assistant Director
Patricia Campagna
Instructional Program Coordinator
Lee Mendelsohn
Academic and Records Coordinator
Keya Selby
Work Placement Coordinator
Lindsay Kane
Work Placement Coordinator
Janet White
Work Placement Coordinator
Felicia Singh
Work Placement Assistant
Marwa Brayman
Program Assistant
Jaclyn Nobrega
Program Assistant
Doug Lou
Computing and Technical Analyst
Limariz Gatmaitan
IT Assistant
The Chang School
Live Actor Simulation @ Ryerson
LAS@RWhat's Being Said About Us
The LPP has been making an impact on the legal profession. Don't just take it from us, read what Candidates, Alumni, Mentors and Employers are saying!