Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and includes Toronto, the country’s largest city, as well as Ottawa, Canada’s capital. The province is home to several major public universities and law faculties that provide legal education and interdisciplinary legal research in common law, civil law, international law, business law, technology law, and other legal fields.
Without further ado, we now discuss some of the best law universities in Ontario.
Top Law Schools in Ontario
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (U of T or UToronto) is a globally ranked public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is well known for research, innovation, and academic excellence. The university is associated with major scientific breakthroughs, including the 1921 discovery of insulin at U of T.
Founded in 1827, U of T has become one of Canada’s leading research universities. In the 2027 QS World University Rankings, the University of Toronto is ranked #32 globally.
The Faculty of Law at U of T, also known as the Jackman Law Faculty, is among Canada’s leading law schools. It offers the Juris Doctor program, graduate law degrees, professional law programs, and joint or combined degree options. Students may pursue the J.D., LL.M., Master of Studies in Law, Global Professional Master of Laws, or Doctor of Juridical Science, depending on their academic and professional goals.
2. York University
Established in 1959, York University is a major public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It has a large and diverse student community, with more than 53,000 students from over 160 countries. York offers programs across fields such as science, business, law, engineering, health, environmental studies, liberal arts and professional studies, education, and arts, media, performance, and design.
York University’s law school is Osgoode Hall Law School, named after William Osgoode, the first chief justice of Upper Canada. Osgoode offers a Juris Doctor program, research and professional LL.M. options, and a Ph.D. in Law. Its graduate programs include full-time and part-time study options for students pursuing advanced legal study or professional specialization.
3. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa (uOttawa or U of O) is a bilingual public research university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It offers programs in fields such as natural and life sciences, engineering and technology, health and medicine, management, arts, humanities, and social sciences. Because uOttawa operates in English and French, it supports a diverse academic and professional community in Canada’s capital.
uOttawa’s Faculty of Law is one of the best law universities in Ontario. It has Common Law and Civil Law sections, with law programs taught in English, French, or both, depending on the program. The Common Law Section offers J.D. programs in English and French, while the Civil Law Section offers civil law programs in French. The faculty also offers graduate law programs, including LL.M. and doctoral options, as well as combined and dual-degree opportunities with other faculties and partner institutions.
4. Queen’s University
Located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Queen’s University is a public research university with a strong reputation for teaching and research. Its research strengths span fields such as physics, cancer care and treatment, materials science, and sustainable technologies.
The Faculty of Law at Queen’s University has a solid reputation for legal education and interdisciplinary legal research. It offers the Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, and Ph.D. in Law. The LL.M. is generally a nine- to twelve-month program, while the Ph.D. in Law is a four-year research degree. Queen’s Law also offers opportunities such as approved international exchanges for J.D. students and courses across areas including business law, constitutional law, criminal law, and international law.
5. Western University
Western University is a public research university in London, Ontario. Established in 1878, Western is known for its academic programs, research activity, and historic campus. It is also a member of the U15, a group of leading research-intensive universities in Canada.
Western Law offers the Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Master of Studies in Law, and Ph.D. in Law. Its LL.M. and M.S.L. programs may be completed full-time in 12 months or part-time in 24 months. Western also offers combined-degree pathways, including the HBA/J.D. and the three-year J.D./MBA, making it one of the best law universities in Ontario for students interested in interdisciplinary legal study.
To summarize, Ontario is a strong destination for students seeking legal education in Canada. The province is home to several established law faculties that offer programs for future lawyers, graduate researchers, and professionals seeking advanced legal training. Since program structures, tuition, scholarships, and admission requirements can change, students should always confirm details on the official law school pages before applying. To get started, check out our guide on how to apply to Canadian universities.
We hope this article on the best law schools in Ontario was helpful. If you are interested, check also the Available Programs for International Students!
