I don't know what the numbers are like for other provinces (hopefully lower) but the LSO charging roughly $5000 for articling students to receive their licence is gross. I'm lucky enough to be with a firm that is covering part/potentially all of my costs, but my colleagues going to practice outside of big law, many in less financially remunerative but critical areas in criminal defence, legal aid, family law, etc are expected to shell out $5000 more for the privilege of working an articling job they secured themselves and to take two online exams?
We are in the middle of a global pandemic, financial pressure on everyone is increased and there was already a shortfall in articling positions before COVID (1.6 new licensees to every new practice position, per the ON gov). I'm honestly disgusted with the LSO at the moment, especially considering the same day they sent us these bloated invoices, the current Benchers voted down a motion to consider permitting articling students voting rights, not even to actually provide us with some representation in the organization where fiscal decisions significantly impacting us are made. All while the LSO announces it has an unexpected $15M GAIN from 2020. Just sick stuff.
Just reading this now and glad I’m not the only one. Last semester of undergrad and motivation really took a hit in mid feb. After a couple weeks of video games, procrastination, and getting high, I finally feel like I’m back and can focus on my studies again. Hoping the best for everyone!
At least at uOttawa law, English as your second language would not undermine your admission chances. See this: "If English is not your first language, the LSAT, while relevant, may carry less weight in the Admission Committee’s evaluation of the application." (https://commonlaw.uottawa.ca/en/students/admissions/admissions-criteria).
Overall, I think that you have a good chance at the Common Law Section as the law school admits a lot of new immigrants and mature students every year. Your cGPA is also very strong.
Relatively weak chances at Western and Queen's because the two law school are more difficult to get in compared with uOttawa law. In my view, you may have a better chance at Western law than Queen's as Western seems to place a great emphasis on cGPA these days. Good luck!