While the work will vary from court to court and from Justice to Justice, law clerks are generally given the opportunity to research and draft pre-hearing memoranda, edit judgments, draft post-hearing memoranda, and assist in writing papers and speeches. Many courts will also provide continuing education programs for the clerks of the court. Overall, the courts encourage and welcome an open and friendly working and learning environment.
The opportunities open to law clerks upon completing their clerkships vary – from working in law firms, to government, to graduate studies and more. These positions are directed towards students and alumni with strong research, writing and communications skills.
Clerking in Ontario may be pursued in lieu of the articles necessary to be called to the Bar in Ontario. Clerking in another province might fulfill only some of the articling requirement necessary to be called to the Bar in that province. Students and alumni are encouraged to check with the licensing authorities of the provinces in which they are interested in clerking.
In the Fall of every year the Career Development Centre (CDC) hosts a Clerkship Information Session (Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 11:30 am - 12:50 pm ET, FTX 351). This is a great opportunity to learn about the clerking experience and gather application information. Concurrent with this session the CDC will prepare a Clerkship Information Booklet summarizing information about courts across the country and providing application information, deadlines etc. – When this information is available it will be circulated to students. Alumni can request the Booklet by emailing [email protected].
If you are interested in clerking after law school you are strongly encouraged to read the Clerkship Booklet in The Source and to make an appointment with the CDC, to further discuss how to attain this goal. Alumni can contact the CDC by email at [email protected].
Internal Application Process for the Supreme Court of Canada and Ontario Court of Appeal
Applicants to the Supreme Court of Canada and the Court of Appeal for Ontario are not required to participate in the Faculty’s internal process in order to apply directly to those courts. However, applicants who wish to be considered for the Dean’s recommendation must submit an application through the internal process described below.
Competition for these positions is intense. In addition to demonstrated academic excellence, competitive candidates at the highest courts often have:
- prior work experience demonstrating they have assumed significant responsibilities;
- a record of contributing to their communities in meaningful ways;
- a language profile which includes command of both official languages;
- a deep commitment to learning; and
- a demonstrated willingness to exchange ideas and engage with the complexities of the law.
Candidates with a CGPA of 8.0 or higher, along with a strong application, are typically competitive. If your CGPA is below but you have a strong application, you may still seek an internal recommendation.
Eligibility
Supreme Court of Canada
- 2nd year J.D. students who will graduate in 2028;
- 3rd year J.D. students in a four-year program who will graduate in 2028 (i.e. National Program, or Joint J.D. programs);
- 3rd year J.D. students who will graduate in 2027; and
- Alumni.
Court of Appeal for Ontario
- 2nd year J.D. students who will graduate in 2028;
- 3rd year J.D. students in a four-year program who will graduate in 2028 (i.e. National Program, or Joint J.D. programs); and
- 3rd year J.D. students who will graduate in 2027.
Timeline
The internal vetting procedure forms an important part of seeking the Dean’s recommendation to the courts and students and alumni must adhere to the timeline below.
Application Deadline: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 12:00 pm ET
Dean’s Selection Committee Review for Supreme Court of Canada applicants: Mid-November 2026. This step applies only to candidates seeking the Dean’s recommendation for the Supreme Court of Canada. Candidates seeking the Dean’s recommendation for the Court of Appeal for Ontario will not be invited to an interview; the Committee will assess candidates based solely on their academic performance and application materials.
Internal Application Package
- Applications for the Supreme Court of Canada must include:
- A cover letter addressing all requirements;
- A resume;
- Transcripts of marks obtained in all post-secondary studies, including law school and any other post-graduate courses;
- Three (3) letters of reference. Candidates should note that if they receive the Dean’s recommendation, they will be required to resubmit three (3) letters of reference to the Court in January. The Dean’s recommendation will count as a fourth letter of reference. If you do not receive the Dean’s recommendation and wish to apply directly to the SCC, you will need to obtain a fourth letter of reference.
- A legal writing sample (5-10 pages in length). Must not be co-authored or a factum.
- Applications for the Court of Appeal for Ontario must include:
- A cover letter;
- A resume;
- Two (2) letters of reference (at least one from a law professor);
- Copies of transcripts of law school marks and all other post-secondary studies;
- A legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages (see FAQ Page on the Court’s Website for further information).
Submit your complete application(s) via email at [email protected]. Each application should be submitted as a single PDF in the appropriate folder.
Please reach out to the CDC at [email protected] if you are interested in exploring clerkships at these courts or at other appellate level courts and trial courts in Canada.