Toronto has a small number of JD-granting law schools: the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School, and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Lincoln Alexander School of Law. While Canada has many law schools across the country, Toronto’s law schools stand out because they are located in one of Canada’s largest legal and business centers. These schools offer strong academic programs, professional networks, experiential learning opportunities, and access to a wide range of legal communities.
Students at these law schools can gain exposure to legal practice, connect with lawyers and scholars, and build a foundation for careers in Canada and abroad. Here are some of the best law schools in Toronto and what these institutions have to offer.
Top Law Schools in Toronto
1. University of Toronto
The Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto is one of Canada’s leading law schools. Located in downtown Toronto, it is known for academic rigor, research strength, and strong professional connections in Canada’s largest city.
The law school’s official history traces its roots to King’s College in 1827 and the origins of the modern Faculty of Law to the late 19th century. Its J.D. program is a three-year, full-time program, with half-time study available only with permission in special circumstances.
Students do not need an undergraduate law degree to apply to the J.D. program. Applicants must have successfully completed at least three academic years toward an undergraduate degree at an approved, recognized postsecondary institution before entry. The J.D. degree is the first professional law degree for students preparing for legal practice in Canada.
The faculty also offers several graduate law programs. Its research-stream graduate degrees include the Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Studies in Law (MSL), and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). It also offers the Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM), a one-year executive master’s program for internationally educated lawyers and experienced professionals, delivered in an intensive weekend format.
Outstanding law graduates who plan to pursue advanced legal scholarship may apply for the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). Students in the LL.M. and SJD programs may also apply for collaborative specializations across the university, subject to the approval of both the Faculty of Law and the relevant collaborative specialization lead.
2. York University
Another notable law school in Toronto is York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School. Osgoode is a major Canadian law school with J.D., graduate research, and professional graduate programs. York also reports that its law subject ranking was #65 in the world and #4 in Canada in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings.
Students do not need a prior bachelor’s law degree before entering the J.D. program. Osgoode’s J.D. applicants should review the school’s current eligibility requirements, application components, and LSAT instructions before applying.
The school offers a Research LL.M. for students pursuing supervised legal research, a Ph.D. in Law for advanced research-focused study, and Osgoode Professional Development LL.M. programs for lawyers and other professionals. Part-time Professional LL.M. students typically complete the degree in two years, while full-time Professional LL.M. students typically complete it in one year.
3. Toronto Metropolitan University
The Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University is another JD-granting law school in Toronto. Its J.D. program is approved as a Canadian common law program, and the school emphasizes inclusion, innovation, entrepreneurship, and access to justice.
Lincoln Alexander Law is notable for its Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC), which is approved by the Law Society of Ontario. The IPC includes applied learning and a professional placement, and graduates are not required to complete articling or the Law Practice Program before entering the lawyer licensing process in Ontario.
Overall, Toronto law schools provide strong legal education and career development opportunities for domestic and international students. Learners can gain an edge by studying in a city with legal networking opportunities that widen their professional perspectives. Consider the schools above if you are interested in pursuing law in Toronto.
We hope this article on some of the best law schools in Toronto was helpful. Make sure also to check out our Study in Canada Page and the Available Courses for International Students!
