Complimentary Student Membership

OBA boasts 40 practice-area and interest-based sections, from Aboriginal Law to Workers’ Compensation, through which members of similar aspirations and fields – sometimes in similar settings or career stages – can learn a lot and take a leadership role in the profession.

As student members, you are already enrolled, for free, in both our Student Section and our Young Lawyers Division, connecting you to peers across the province and to early-career lawyers who’ve been right where you are not long ago. But you are also entitled to join two other sections for free. There’s no better way to learn about the unique character, conversations, and developments that define a practice area – to understand and get excited about where you might make an impact – than to participate in sections. 

Enrol in sections

• Our first-class OBA professional development that keeps students and lawyers on the cutting-edge of legal practice, with insights, best practices, emerging trends, and legislative updates from leaders of bench, bar and government.
• Students enjoy special, discounted pricing on an array of programming focused on substantive and professionalism issues. We also host formative series, like The Mindful Lawyer and Inclusive Leader, which deliver complimentary programs to members, with vital guidance on wellness and equality-diversity-and-inclusion topics.
• Students are able to attend select CPD programs for FREE by volunteering to write an article for the Section newsletter about the program. Gain valuable learning while establishing important contacts and getting your name out there.

In order to keep you in-the-know about the latest benefits that will help you, as you advance in your studies, the OBA regularly emails you a newsletter – the Student Insider – that highlights relevant resources, on topics like time-management, financial planning, studying and interviewing tips, and finding healthy balance, alongside upcoming PD and social events, and award, career and volunteer opportunities.

The Insider features helpful articles that capture the views and experiences of students. What you’re navigating now – what’s working for you, what worries or inspires you about the law – is worth sharing in an article that establishes you as a contributor and change-maker.

Contribute an article to a Section newsletter (Insider) or JUST. Magazine. We’re interested in hearing student voices! Students are eligible to attend a CPD program of interest FOR FREE in exchange for writing an article about it for a section newsletter.

Enter one of our student writing contests, including those led by our Insolvency Law, Trusts and Estates Law, and Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance sections.

Attend one of our MentorMeals to connect with other students, young lawyers and seasoned practitioners in your community, in a small-group social setting.

Take part in our programs designed to connect you with leading lawyers of all stripes and learn more about specific areas of practice.

The Mindful Lawyer Series offers programs on a variety of topics (including stress and time management, finding balancing, redefining priorities, and more) on demand.

Videos to support the law school journey videos on topics ranging from acing your interviews to article abridgement and exam tips are available to view whenever you need them.

The Call Forward series offers live and on-demand programs specifically designed to help students navigate realities of transition to practice.

OBA offers an array of avenues to tap into your OBA Community for just the support you need. Whatever hurdles you encounter or anxieties you experience; whatever curiosities or questions you have, there are other members who understand and are eager to empathize and offer advice.

Our Peer Support Network is an online portal where students and lawyers come together to give and gain meaningful support in every aspect of their lives. It provides resources, articles, forums and peer support meetings for lawyers of similar lived experience or circumstances. 

OBA offers regular opportunities for you to engage with fellow legal professionals, in fun and informative gatherings, including community events like our virtual book club and Cultural Celebrations like our annual Blocko and Diwali events.