Explore Careers - Job Market Report

in
Printing Options
Lawyers and Quebec Notaries  (NOC 4112)
Southern Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Lawyers and Quebec notaries advise clients on legal matters, represent clients before administration boards and draw up legal documents such as contracts and wills. Lawyers also plead cases, represent clients before tribunals and conduct prosecutions in courts of law. Lawyers are employed in law firms and prosecutor's offices. Quebec notaries are employed in notary offices. Both lawyers and Quebec notaries are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments and various business establishments or they may be self-employed. Articling students are included in this group.

Crown attorney, Crown prosecutor, attorney, barrister, corporate counsel, general counsel, law partner, lawyer, legal advisor, notary (Quebec), solicitor.

View all

Lawyers and Quebec notaries perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Advise clients of their legal rights and all matters related to law
  • Research legal precedents and gather evidence
  • Plead clients' cases before courts of law, tribunals and boards (lawyers only)
  • Draw up legal documents such as real estate transactions, wills, divorces and contracts, and prepare statements of legal opinions
  • Negotiate settlements of civil disputes (lawyers only)
  • Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law
  • May act as mediator, conciliator or arbitrator
  • May act as executor, trustee or guardian in estate and family law matters.

Lawyers and Quebec notaries may specialize in specific areas of the law such as criminal law (lawyers only), corporate law, contract law, taxation law, administrative law, international law, commercial law, real estate law, family and estate law, intellectual property law and labour law.

Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Bridgewater, Digby, Lunenburg, Shelburne, Yarmouth

View all

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Lawyers and Quebec Notaries in Southern Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Lawyers and Quebec Notaries in Southern Region as well as in the rest of the Nova Scotia.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Southern Region Fair 2011-09-12

Currently the chances of qualified Lawyers and Quebec Notaries finding employment are considered to be fair in the local area. Employment potential is fair locally because, although there are occasional opportunities with private firms and government, it is always possible to start your own firm. Employment is very stable with the exception of retirements. There tends to be a higher turnover for those working with Legal Aid. Nova Scotia's public prosecution service has reported some challenges in retaining prosecutors in 2008. The prosecution service also expects to lose several lawyers to retirement over the next three years. Some legal work is subject to the strength of the local economy, such as real estate law. The demand for specialized lawyers is becoming more common, such as in immigration.

In addition to employment opportunities locally, opportunities may exist in other areas of the province or in other regions of the country. People who are able to work elsewhere may want to research opportunities for this occupation in other labour markets within Nova Scotia and across the country. The future employment outlook for Lawyers and Quebec Notaries in Nova Scotia is expected to be fair over the next 5 years.

Additional information on Lawyers and Quebec Notaries (opportunities in other areas, training, who hires, current job openings, statistics and other information), is available on other parts of this web site.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.