This article is going to list the top 20 law universities in Canada for you to study in. Canadian law includes many laws and regulations that lawyers need to follow. A professional career includes academics, litigation, intellectual properties, media, and many other areas.
Modern-day lawyers have seen many changes. There is a growing need for lawyers to fill important positions in top organizations across different sectors in order to solve various legal issues.
One reason is the growing number of foreign companies looking to enter the global marketplace. Law schools in Canada have a large international student population. There are many universities that offer law programs in Canada.
These requirements are required for international students who wish to study law in Canada.
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required for undergraduate courses. It must have an upper second or 60-69% grade.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited, internationally recognized higher education institution is required for postgraduate programs. The LSAT exam must be passed with a score of 160 by students.
- The proof of English proficiency must be provided by IELTS/TOEFL.
- Students must also submit their Personal Statements, Statements of Purpose, and CV/ Resume.
Let’s take a look at the top 20 Canadian law schools.
Top 20 Law Universities in Canada
20. University of Manitoba
The Faculty of Law offers a 3-year Juris Doctor (JD), which gives students a solid foundation of doctrinal courses and perspective courses. Students also get to experience learning that will help them prepare for the legal profession. Under faculty guidance, students will improve their writing and critical analysis skills. This will allow them to expand their ethical perspective and understand the role of lawyers.
19. University of Guelph
The Department of Political Science manages the Justice and Legal Studies program (JLS). It is an interdisciplinary program. It is part of Canada’s premier law and politics departments.
This program is innovative and examines a wide range of legal issues and justice in an interdisciplinary manner. The students then select a focus area to draw upon the strengths of faculty and further their education.
18. University of Saskatchewan
The College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan was established in 1912. It is Western Canada’s oldest law school. It is well-known for its excellence in research and teaching.
The college has a rich history of Indigenous legal education. It is known for its ability to resolve disputes and provide access to justice. It also boasts a high-respected mooting program, joint degrees programs, as well as global exchange opportunities.
17. University of Waterloo
The law touches almost every facet of society. A degree in Legal Studies is a great preparation for a career as a lawyer, businessman, or in law enforcement.
During your undergraduate degree in Legal Studies, you will explore the effects of law on society, the origins of the legal system, and how the Charter of Rights and Freedoms creates changes. You will also be addressing issues like crime, deviance, and punishment.
Graduates will have skills in problem-solving, communication, research, and problem-solving. They also have a deep understanding of the law and its systems.
16. McMaster University
McMaster Faculty of Law, one of Canada’s most prestigious law schools, is a leading institution of legal education. This Faculty is a leader in Canadian legal scholarship and has fostered generations of thought leaders.
The McMaster Law curriculum has been a well-recognized strength. It is an integral part of the learning experience and is enhanced by regular engagement with the judiciary and bar. While the University maintains the teaching of core law foundations, it encourages new and innovative approaches in legal education.
15. Simon Fraser University
SFU was founded in 1965 and has grown to be Canada’s most comprehensive university. It boasts vibrant campuses in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey, as well as deep roots in partner communities across the province and the globe.
Concentrating on topics in Philosophy of Law and Political Philosophy, Ethics and Moral Theory will allow you to directly apply the Concentration in Law to policy and legal theory courses.
14. Laval University
Laval University offers rich, diverse programs in a student-driven setting. The tradition of excellence in teaching is built on the achievements of renowned faculties. This university offers a stimulating environment that fosters intellectual vitality and encourages students to study. You can also take advantage of many learning support activities to help you complete your project.
The Faculty has produced thousands of highly regarded lawyers. Many of them are still leaders. The Faculty of Law is one of the most prestigious in the country and will help you to build a career that suits your goals. You can develop your legal skills at the university by participating in moot court competitions.
13. Dalhousie University Schulich
It offers programs that are ranked among the top 100 in the world and the top three Canadian schools. It was Canada’s first university to create a school that offers critical courses such as Law. It is more than a century old.
This program provides students with hands-on learning that helps them to understand the concepts and apply them to solving real-world problems. Internationally respected faculty members are leaders in research, policy-making, and practice. The University’s dedicated teachers are passionate about providing the best education and bringing practical experience, analysis, discovery, and interpretation to the classroom.
This institution has students from all parts of Canada. Canadian graduates are well represented at all levels of the system. They are strong advocates, engaged in the community, and highly motivated. Corporate Knights’ 2011 King Schools Survey highlighted the school as a leader in student-led initiatives.
12. Carleton University
Carleton University was established in 1942 in response to the needs of Second World War veterans. It encourages students to get hands-on experience in the classroom and strives to be innovative in research, teaching, and learning.
Carleton University is home to a group of passionate, committed, and enthusiastic faculty and staff. They are dedicated to excellence as well as supporting the education and research that has made Carleton Canada’s Capital University. Carleton University is an employer of choice because it offers programs and services.
11. University of Victoria
It is well-known for its strength in a variety of disciplines, long-term partnerships, and deep-rooted ethic of social service. Students are drawn to the university by its unique faculty, supportive student programs, and vibrant atmosphere that encourages them to be engaged and passionate about making an impact.
It is well-known for its strong academic program, experiential learning approach, and commitment to social justice and community engagement.
10. University of Calgary
UCalgary Law has been called the best law school in Canada. The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law is at the forefront of innovation in North American legal education.
The University of Calgary Faculty of Law, located in Calgary, Alberta is a law school that is part of the University of Calgary (U of C).
About 31 full-time faculty members and 300 JD students make up the Teachers of Law at the University of Calgary. The acceptance rate for this law school is less than 10% and there are 130 slots available each year for first-year applicants.
9. Western University
Western University is ranked among the top 1% of universities around the globe. It is an academic institution that is known for its leadership in education, research, and law.
A competitive candidate must have an LSAT score of at least 80 percent and an undergraduate average of A (80-84 percent). (GPA 3.7). A full undergraduate academic program, research and writing experience, and graduate work are all very beneficial.
8. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta Faculty of Law, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is the university’s graduate school of law. It is Canada’s third-oldest law school and is often referred to as Western Canada’s oldest law school. It was established in 1912 as an undergraduate faculty.
According to Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2018, by Subject, the University of Alberta Faculty of Law ranks among the top 100 law schools worldwide.
UAlberta Law ranks 83rd. This is an increase of 24 places over last year and 54 positions from the previous year.
7. Queen’s University
Queen’s University’s Faculty of Law is a professional faculty located in Kingston, Ontario.
Queen’s University’s long tradition of teaching law to students dates back to 1861. However, the current law school was established in 1957. Toni Pickard and Gary Trotter, Allan Manson and Nick Bala, as well as Don Stuart, are all past and current Queen’s professors. They are often cited in the Supreme Court of Canada or other appellate rulings.
6. Queen’s University
York University’s Toronto law school, or Osgoode Hall Law School (or simply Osgoode), is located in Toronto, Ontario. Both the Law Commission of Ontario and the Osgoode Hall Law Journal are located at the school. There are many LL.M. degrees offered by the university. There are also Ph.D. and LL.M. law degrees.
The Economist and Forbes ranked the university as Canada’s best university. It also oversees campuses in Hyderabad (India) and Beijing (China). It also has satellite centers in Beijing, Shanghai and Mumbai, Seoul, Sao Paulo, and Mexico City. Global academic partnerships are available to students.
Its global reach allows it to manage more than 31,000 alumni workers in over 90 countries and 93 alumni chapters across 60 countries.
5. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is a leader in many fields. The University of Ottawa also offers some of the most comprehensive courses in the world. The internationally renowned Human Rights Research and Education Center is located at the University. It is also home to the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, which is a leader in key areas.
The unique location of the University of Ottawa in the National Capital offers many advantages. It is home to the Supreme Court of Canada and the federal government as well as many NGOs and a vibrant high-tech community.
The Faculty of Law has both Common Law and Civil Law degrees. This prepares graduates for careers in each of the country’s legal systems. The Common Law Section offers a 3-year program in English and French. The Civil Law Section offers a 3-year program in French.
4. University of Montreal
Another excellent Canadian university is the University of Montreal, which consistently ranks #1 in QS Canadian civil legal schools. The university is now fourth in the QS Ranking of Canadian Law Schools in 2021, despite a decline in rankings.
The University of Montreal is a great place for French-speaking students to pursue their dream of obtaining a degree in law. With its wide range of French language degree programs, this university is a great choice. The university also publishes publications such as Business Law for English speakers.
It is open to international students. This university was the first to create a school for management in Canada and it has been around for more than 100 years. This university is located in Montreal and is one of the most well-known in the world. The institution has a strong reputation for its quality education and research. Many great scientists and leaders have been trained there. It offers education at all levels, and its research aims to improve the community.
3. University of British Columbia
Since its inception, the Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia, has been teaching students, community leaders, as well as practicing lawyers, for more than seventy years. It was awarded third place in 2018 & 2019.
Law students receive the necessary core instruction, but the university also helps them to meet the requirements for practicing law in Canada. The University of British Columbia offers two law majors: Common Law and Taxation.
Every program at the university aims to foster a collegial, respectful environment. It is designed so that experiential learning is easy. Both inside and outside of the classroom are learning opportunities.
Faculty members are innovators and scholars who have won national and international recognition for the contributions they make in areas such as human rights, environmental sustainability, and business law.
2. McGill University
McGill University, Canada’s 2nd-ranked law school, is highly recommended by international and local students who want to study law in Canada.
McGill University’s Law Faculty is a focus on Common Law and Civil Law. It also focuses on legal tradition. McGill’s faculty is also committed to teaching quality and bringing their pioneering discoveries into the classroom.
The Faculty of Law can be found on the slopes of Mount Royal near McGill University’s main campus, in Montreal, Quebec. It has been this way for more than a century.
This institution offers dual-degree programs in English and French. It integrates common, civil, and indigenous legal traditions. Master’s and doctoral students are given the full attention of a wide range of top researchers within the vibrant graduate program. Doctoral students are prepared for teaching law in a way that is unmatched.
1. University of Toronto
By 2022, the University of Toronto ranks first in Canada’s top law schools. The University of Toronto is known for its academic excellence. It has been rated by numerous rating agencies as being the best in law.
The Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto is a diverse group of students who are well-educated and strongly committed to justice in their communities as well as around the globe.
U of T is Canada’s Number One law school. It also has a reputation for producing the highest quality (academically speaking) legal students in Canada.
The University of Toronto offers a more rigorous and model-based approach to problem-solving that helps you become a better decision-maker. It also focuses on personal development with programs that will help you reach your full potential as a leader or scientist, entrepreneur, and agent of change.
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