Applying to Law School - timeline?

Start criticizing every premise in newspaper editorials and commercials that you can. Get a logic puzzles book. There are some for LSAT logic games in particular Start listening to the free http://www.princetonreview.com/lsat-logic.aspx podcast [disclosure- I work there but not on this] which discusses how to tear down arguments with specific examples that you see all around you. Working at a law firm will help you in your future career but won't help at all with the LSAT. The LSAT is really about being able to read critically and dissect arguments and premises. The best way to practice that is just to start being kind of annoying and question the basis of what everyone around you is saying/writing.

As an American I have no specific advice for you, but http://www.lawstudents.ca/forums/ was highly recommended as a resource for Canadian law school applicants in an earlier http://ask.metafilter.com/92639/Are-the-numbers-enough#1356447 ("This is where I went to ask all these questions as I prepared my applications.").

Take a couple of philosophy classes. Sort of relevant data http://leiterlawschool.typepad.com/leiter/2008/04/which-undergrad.html.

Enjoy sleeping while you still can.

Your school's philosophy department likely has courses in formal logic. Take as many of them as possible.

I think you're worrying too much. Get one of the books with practice tests in it and see if you still feel like you need to start preparing now. You can get the hang of the logic questions with a little practice.

I'm considering a similar route and I found http://www.lsac.org/canadiancfc/canadian_homepage.asp website extremely helpful - there's specific information about each school, the LSAT, and the application process. The other thing I'm doing is talking to some friends of mine who are already a few years out of law school for a real-life perspective. And study the crap out of the LSAT practice tests because you're going to need those skills times a million when it comes time for the bar exam. Honestly, it sounds like you're well on your way and have good grades and some extracurricular and volunteer activities that precede your interest in going to law school (as opposed to starting volunteer work a few months before the application is due).

I just took the LSAT in September. Don't overthink preparations just for the test. I got a Kaplan brand review book that came with five REAL PRACTICE TESTS!!! (3 in preint and 2 on a CD ROM). I basically just did questions and tests until my average time per question was 1 minute or so (my main concern for preparation was being able to finish the test in the time alotted). Once you see one practice test book's worth of questions, you've seen most of the question types you will see on the test. As for other preparations I'm not sure about Canada, but to go to American law schools the biggest piece of preparation advice I would give is: Save up a lot of money before you go. Have a realistic view of the current job market. If possible, already have the money to cover tuition.

Honestly, I wouldn't sweat it. It sounds like you are a capable enough thinker on your own. The LSAT is just a standardized test for which there are myriad preparation programs. Data in, data out. The LSAT has really no bearing on law school (other than getting you in), and nothing you learn to prepare you for the test will put you in better stead when you matriculate--unless Canadian law schools require you to figure out which appellant owns the blue car and lives in the green house with a parakeet. Unless the legal market is very different in Canada (which it may be), I'd spend more time considering whether the costs are justified. There are a lot of capable lawyers jobless these days. Pro bono work, at least in the US, has ALWAYS been much more competitive than you might expect, and now you've got seasoned attorneys fighting for those jobs, as well.