Choosing the right law school is crucial for achieving success in one’s academic journey and career prospects. This country is one of the best for studying law, and numerous ambitious students worldwide come to study at the best law universities. They have exceptional reputations, making it considerably competitive for skillful international students to enroll at their best.
At the same time, those who can make it can become privileged law students respected highly in any work environment. In this article, several top-notch options for studying law in Canada are discussed, and if you’re ready, take a look at the best law schools there and start your application.
Top Law Schools in Canada
1. University of Ottawa
Founded in 1848, the University of Ottawa, also known as uOttawa or U of O, is a public university with worldwide recognition and high university rankings. It is also the largest bilingual French-English university worldwide, offering various degree programs in ten faculties. Its Faculty of Law is among the top five best law schools in Canada. It hosts over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and the degrees offered include Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Civil Law, Master of Law, and Ph.D. in Law.
Students are also offered a wide range of specializations, such as social justice, human rights law, international trade, and more. If you are interested in studying indigenous legal systems, civil law, or common law in English or French, the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law is the ideal place to do it.
2. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is the third-oldest law school in Canada, founded in 1912. This institution’s Faculty of Law is part of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, one of Canada’s prominent universities of legal education, with a history of over 100 years. It is distinguished for being the only law school in Alberta to run for 62 years.
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, one of the country’s biggest oil sources, the University of Alberta is a great choice for studying energy law. The Faculty of Law includes programs of various degrees, and experienced faculty members provide quality education based on collaboration and innovation.
3. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary, also known as UCalgary or U of C, is a leading institution that has been offering degree courses in 14 faculties since its establishment in 1966. It is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, and several notable alums include Stephen Harper, the former Prime Minister, and James Gosling, the creator of Java.
U Calgary’s Faculty of Law is one of Canada’s most prestigious law schools and the first law school in the region. The Faculty of Law also has a unique program called J.D. in International Energy Lawyers. The fee for its J.D. programs is $60,542 per year for international students. Dual programs are also offered, including a JD/MBA program in partnership with UCalgary’s Haskayne School of Business, a JD/MPP program in conjunction with UCalgary’s School of Public Policy, and lastly, a JD/JD program with the University of Houston.
4. Dalhousie University
Established in 1818, Dalhousie University is a well-established public institution in Canada and a member of U15, one of the respected research universities in the country. With more than 200 degree programs and 13 faculties, the university is home to over 21,000 students, 23% of whom are international, representing more than 115 countries.
Itss Schulich School of Law is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a unique region with a rich cultural heritage and outstanding scenery. This law school is prominent for its programs in Juris Doctor, Master of Law, and Ph.D. in Law, as well as extensive research activities in various fields of art, including environmental and tax law, health law, law and technology, and more.
5. Queen’s University
Founded in 1941 by the Church of Scotland, Queen’s University at Kingston is a prestigious public university with a unique history. Also known as Queen’s University or Queen’s, the university started education in 1842 with only 13 students and two professors; now, it is home to more than 31,000 students, including 4,000 international students from 101 countries. The Faculty of Law is a respected law school with high rankings nationwide.
The faculty dates back to 1861, when it was founded, and since 1957, it has been operating as the current faculty. One of the most notable alums here is John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister. The main areas of interest are business, constitutional, criminal, and international law. Besides, there are several diploma programs at the graduate level, including legal services management and immigration and citizenship law.
6. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto, also known as U of T or UToronto, is one of the leading public research universities in the world. Established in 1827 as King’s College, the university became the first higher educational institution in the Province of Upper Canada. It is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, encompassing 11 colleges and two suburban campuses.
The higher institution is well-known as one of Canada’s pride for contributing knowledge, innovative teaching, and cutting-edge research that has made significant changes in the world. The discovery of insulin, stem cell research, and the first artificial cardiac pacemaker took place at the research institutes of UToronto.
The U of T is one of the best law schools in Canada and the world. Maclean magazine says it is the number one law school providing the best legal education in Canada. In 2022, Times Higher Education placed its Faculty of Law in the top 16th among the best law schools in the world.
Toronto’s Faculty of Law offers a wide range of combined Juris Doctor programs, other law courses, and the standard three-year JD programs. Students may also enroll in other graduate programs, such as Master of Laws (LLM), Global Professional LLM (GPLLM), Master of Studies in Law (MSL), and Doctor of Jurisdic Science (MSL).
7. McGill University
McGill University is one of Canada’s leading public research universities in Montreal, Quebec. It was established in 1821 and named after a Scottish-Canadian merchant, James McGill. It earned international recognition for its outstanding chemistry, medicine, and biology performance.
As a premier higher educational institution in North America, McGill is affiliated with many major universal awards. One of its notable alumni is Nobel Prize winner Ernest Rutherford. He discovered the atomic nucleus and explained the process of radioactivity, which significantly contributed to the scientific community.
The Faculty of Law at McGill University, established in 1848, is one of the oldest in Canada. It is one of the top law graduate schools in the world, known for its groundbreaking excellence in civil law and common law. The institution allows students to graduate with two Bachelor of Civil Law degrees and a Juris Doctor.
It is a unique and highly specialized program offering students a comprehensive learning and thorough understanding of the law, allowing them to practice legal professions in Canada, the U.S., and other international firms. Students may also enroll in a joint-degree program that includes the BCL/JD Program with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Social Work (MSW).
The faculty also offers the standard Master of Laws (LLM) program and three specialization LLM courses in air and space law, environment, and bioethics. Moreover, students may pursue a doctoral degree in general, comparative, or air and space law.
8. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is one of the top three universities in Canada. Established in 1908, it became well-known for its commitment to promoting the human rights of the indigenous people of British Columbia. Additionally, with its world-class quality of education and research, UBC has received a high international outlook and is well-known as the alma mater of three Prime Ministers of Canada.
The Peter A. Allard School of Law is among the best in Canada and North America. It focuses on subjects such as business law, tax law, environmental and natural resource law, and indigenous law. Its programs also allow law students to explore a broad perspective and understanding of the law, particularly about Pacific Rim issues and feminist jurisprudence.
The law school offers a Juris Doctor program, where students gain hands-on experience solving legal problems through clinical trials and externships. It also offers four graduate programs, including a Master of Laws in Common Law, a Master of Laws in Taxation, a Master of Laws (LLM), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Law.
9. York University
York University is Canada’s fourth-largest public research institution in Toronto, Ontario. Established in 1959, it became well-known for having the oldest film school in Canada. Its Osgoode Hall Law School is one of the premier law schools in Canada, providing superior law and legal studies to Canadian and international students.
YorkU’s law and legal studies placed 4th among Canadian universities, according to the 2018 QS World University Rankings by Subject. The law school offers a Juris Doctor program for undergraduate students, two types of LLM degrees, and a Ph.D. in Law.
10. Université de Montréal
Université de Montréal is the largest francophone public research school in Canada. This institution was established in 1878 as a branch campus of Université Laval and officially operated as an independent university in 1919. Its Faculty of Law is well-known for publishing the law journal Revue Juridique Thémis de l’Université de Montréal.
This university became one of the most important references for instructing legal traditions in Canada and North America. The faculty offers a Bachelor of Law in Civil Law degree and a one-year Juris Doctor in Common Law for Quebec civil law graduates. Students may also enroll in a wide range of graduate law programs, including Juris Doctor in North American Common Law, Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Law in Comparative Private Law (LL.M.), Master of Laws in Notarial Law (LL.M.), etc.
Furthermore, graduate law students at this excellent law school may have the opportunity to study for their Ph.D. in law degrees at an international institution.
In conclusion, Canada offers a variety of top-class degree programs in law at the most prestigious universities with a long history and world-class recognition. All it takes is to feel confident about your skillset and determined to achieve your professional goals. Apply to the best law schools in Canada today and prepare for the respectful career options in numerous law institutions.
We hope this article on the best law schools in Canada was helpful. To learn more about the study options in this diverse country, make sure to check out the Open Courses and Study in Canada pages!
