Quebec is considered to be one of the most egalitarian, inclusive, and democratic regions of Canada. Because of these characteristics, it is an ideal place to obtain an exceptional legal education. Quebec universities have a long and notable history of being at the forefront of legal reform and fighting for civic and minority rights.
Here are the five best law universities in this city to get better acquainted with their law programs!
Top Law Schools in Quebec
1. McGill University
Founded in 1821 in Montreal, McGill University is considered a top-tier institution for higher education and among Quebec’s leading universities for law. It bears the name of a Scottish merchant, James McGill, who was responsible for establishing its predecessor, the University of McGill College.
In addition to over 300 available academic programs, the university takes great pride in its alums, among which are 12 Nobel laureates and over 100 Rhode scholars. Today, McGill University is known for attracting the best and brightest students from both Canada and abroad. Its students have the highest average entering grades in the country.
One of the most prominent faculties at the university is the Faculty of Law, which delivers a world-class law program in Quebec. The faculty comprises a diverse group of legal academics who are well-versed in standard and civil law practices. Due to this, the faculties put great emphasis on a comparative and trans-systemic approach to teaching.
In addition, when teaching the letter of the law, minority and indigenous perspectives are also considered. During their studies, law students are also given various opportunities to find legal internships that will benefit their education and the community.
2. Université dé Montreal
The Université dé Montreal, or University of Montreal, is a world-renowned French-language research institution located in the same city. It comprises thirteen faculties that offer over 600 undergraduate and graduate programs. From its humble beginnings over a century ago, the university has grown into a higher-education institution that serves society.
Moreover, a recognized law university in Quebec insists on student involvement in the decision-making process. That’s why it has two prominent student unions advocating for students’ rights on all academic levels. Since its establishment in 1878, its Faculty of Law has been highly regarded for its academic excellence.
It is at the forefront of legal education, striving to incorporate the ideas of intellectual pluralism and groundbreaking scientific research into its curriculum. Faculty members encourage their students to participate in academic research at all levels. Through this practice, even during their studies, law students understand the amount of effort and dedication needed when advocating for meaningful and long-lasting reform. In addition, arguing their diverse legal stances forms a vibrant learning environment.
3. Université Laval
Laval University, or Université Laval, is a top-tier research institution for higher education located in Quebec City, Quebec. It was founded in 1852 by Queen Victoria through the issuing of a royal charter. However, because the school’s roots may be traced back to 1663, it is considered the oldest institution for higher education in Canada and the first in France.
Over its century-long history, the university is recognized as one of the best in Quebec. It has acquired several prominent alumni, among whom are former prime ministers of Canada. It aims to educate students who will make impactful changes in their communities and society. The Faculty of Law was established in 1852, making it North America’s oldest French-speaking legal program.
For many years, the faculty has acquired a reputation for academic excellence. Upon graduation, many of its students have prominent legal careers in Canada and abroad. Presently, it is focused on creating an international learning environment by offering various exchange opportunities and building a faculty of diverse legal scholars. Through these practices, it aims to educate legal experts who can tackle the most critical problems of today’s world.
4. Concordia University
Concordia University, another institution in Montreal, is a world-renowned comprehensive research institution. Although it is considered relatively young, having been founded in 1974, it has built an international reputation for academic excellence. By enrollment, it is one of the largest universities in Canada, with a student body numbering over 50,000 students.
It is also one of only three universities in Quebec that teach English as the primary language. Moreover, Concordia University is an excellent law institution in Quebec that aims to align its curricula and teaching methods with the most significant trends and challenges facing society today.
While the institution doesn’t offer direct law programs, you can take a minor course in Law and Society from its Department of History for two or more years. When taken, you must take it with a major, honors, or specialization program. As a part of the Faculty of Arts & Science, a more prominent faculty, it has aimed to create a multidisciplinary curriculum that will help students understand how the law intertwines with all other aspects of society.
Furthermore, during their legal studies, students are taught to understand the relationship between how the law may affect the individual and how it may affect society as a whole. The department’s primary focus is to equip students with exceptional theoretical knowledge and a legal skillset needed to obtain the letter of the law.
5. Université du Québec à Montréal
The Université du Québec à Montréal is a highly acclaimed institution for higher education and the largest constituent of the Université du Québec system. It was founded by the government of Quebec in 1969 through the merger of various other smaller academic institutions. It is well-known for being a top school for law in this city and is considered to be among the largest universities in Canada, as it yearly welcomes over 40,000 students.
The Department of Legal Science is a pivotal part of the Faculty of Political Science and Law. Its core teachings are based on the defense and promotion of social justice. Thus, the department encourages students on all academic levels to participate in student and local communities. Through volunteering and internships, students enhance their critical thinking and debate abilities. Moreover, they understand the most prominent concerns of their community and the different social groups within it.
Attending law schools in Quebec, Canada, offers international students distinct academic and career promotion opportunities. By engaging themselves in this city’s bilingual and multicultural environment, international students can improve their skills in handling multiple legal contexts and broaden their worldwide employment options.
We hope this article about the best law universities in Quebec was helpful. Make sure to check out our Study in Canada page and the Open Courses for International Students to learn more about studying in Canada abroad.
