A court clerkship is when part of the articling term is served with a court or judge under section 38(2) of the Act.

As of January 1, 2023, a complete term of articles when clerking with the court returned to 15 months (see this article for details on the changes to the articling term). At least five of these months must be spent articling with a principal who is an active member of the Law Society and meets the requirements to qualify as a principal. If you were approved as a Student-at-Law prior to January 1, 2023, the term of your articles with the courts and firm must add up to 11-15 months (see this article for April 2020 changes to the articling term). At least three of these months must spent articling with a principal who is an active member of the Law Society and meets the requirements to qualify as a principal.

To apply for a court clerkship, complete the online application process through the Lawyer Portal by submitting an Application for Admission as a Student-at-Law and an Articling Agreement Application.

After you have completed or are nearing the end of your clerkship and have obtained a new articling position with an active/practising member of the Law Society, submit a new Articling Agreement Application through the Lawyer Portal at least 30-days prior to your commencement date. The judge or justice that you completed your clerkship with must certify the clerkship by submitting a specialized Certificate of Principal (Form 2-12/2-13).