Law is unarguably one of the most important professional courses in the world, especially in Canada. However, your prowess as a lawyer would depend heavily on your school. If you are in Canada or looking to relocate for a law degree, you should look for the best law schools in Canada.
Law schools are institutions of higher learning dedicated to the study of law as a legal discipline. The responsibility for legal training in Canada is shared between the nation’s law schools and the law societies of the various provinces.
Provincial law societies ensure that legal services are provided to the public by qualified lawyers.
Let us look at some of the top-notch schools in Canada that offer law courses.
Table of contents
- Top 21 Law Schools In Canada
- #1. University Of Toronto (UOFT)
- #2. Mcgill University – Faculty Of Law
- #3. Osgoode Professional Development- Osgoode Hall Law School Of York University
- #4. Peter A. Allard School Of Law At University Of British Columbia (UBC)
- #5. University Of Ottawa- Faculty Of Law
- #6. Queen’s University- Faculty Of Law
- #7. The University Of Alberta – Faculty Of Law
- #8. University Of Calgary: Faculty Of Law
- #9. Dalhousie University- Schulich School Of Law
- #10. Universite De Montreal- Faculte De Droit
- #11. Western University Ontario (UWO)- Faculty Of Law
- #12. University Of Victoria (UVIC): Faculty Of Law
- #13. The University Of Manitoba- Robinson Hall Faculty Of Law
- #14. Universite Laval- Faculte De Droit
- #15. University Of Saskatchewan- College Of Law
- #16. University Of Windsor – Windsor Law
- #17. Universite de Sherbrooke- Faculte De Droit
- #18. University Of Ottawa- Department Of Criminology
- #19. Universite Du Quebec A Montreal (UQAM): Département Des Sciences Juridiques
- #20. Ecole Des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (Hec Montreal)
- #21. Thompson Rivers University
- How Do I Become A Lawyer In Canada?
- What Jobs Can I Do As A Law Graduate In Canada?
- What Is The Job Outlook And Salary Of A Lawyer?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Top 21 Law Schools In Canada
Let us dive right into the top law schools in Canada.
#1. University Of Toronto (UOFT)
Number Of Programs – 10 Acceptance Rate – 43%
QS Law Ranking – #20
The Faculty of Law at U of T is built on a strong historical foundation of leadership, innovation, and a bold willingness to take risks. Established in 1887, it is one of the oldest professional faculties at the University of Toronto. However, it wasn’t until 1949 that the blueprint for the modern law school was drafted.
The law faculty now offers a Master of Laws (LL.M) program with concentrations in Business Law, Criminal Law, and Legal Theory.
It also offers a Global Professional Master of Law (GPLL.M) for twelve months. Also, one can undertake a three-year thesis degree in a program for Doctor of Judicial Science.
#2. Mcgill University – Faculty Of Law
Number Of Programs – 4 Acceptance Rate – 46.3%
QS Law Ranking – #28
Although informal law lectures were held at McGill College as early as 1829, the oldest law faculty in Canada wasn’t officially created until 1848. It was a response to a petition from 23 young men studying independently for the Quebec Bar and wanting their work rewarded with a formal legal degree.
This law faculty now offers a Master of law- General Law, Masters of Law – Air and Space Law, Master of Law – Bioethics. Its Master’s program runs for twelve months.
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#3. Osgoode Professional Development- Osgoode Hall Law School Of York University
Number Of Programs – 15 Acceptance Rate – 89%
Qs Law Ranking – #101-150
For over 125 years, Osgoode’s mission has been the pursuit of academic and professional excellence and justice through law. They have led some of the most important innovations in Canadian legal education.
As Canada’s largest and most diverse law school, Osgoode offers the broadest programs for international lawyers. The faculty offers full-time and part-time Master’s programs in Canadian Common law, International Business Law, and Tax Law.
#4. Peter A. Allard School Of Law At University Of British Columbia (UBC)
Number Of Programs – #4 Acceptance Rate- 52.4%
Qs Ranking – #40
The Peter A. Allard School of Law is surely one of the leading law schools in Canada and has a reputation worldwide for innovative research, inspiring teachers, and outstanding graduates.
The law school now offers full-time and part-time programs in General LL.M, common law, and Taxation Law. The full-time program runs for twelve months, and the part-time program runs for twenty-four months.
#5. University Of Ottawa- Faculty Of Law
Number Of Programs- 2 Acceptance Rate – 42%
Qs Law Ranking- #151 -200
The University of Ottawa Faculty of Law is the law school at the University of Ottawa, located in Ottawa, Ontario, the nation’s capital. Established in 1953, the Faculty is divided into Civil Law and Common Law sections; the two formally recognized legal traditions in Canada.
The faculty offers twelve months full-time course and twenty-four months part-time course in General LL.M with concentrations in Legislative Studies, International Humanitarian and Securities law, Global Sustainability and Environmental Law, Law and Social Justice, Law and Technology, Notarial law (French only), International Trade and Investment Law, Women’s Studies, Health Law, Policy and Ethics.
Also, the faculty offers a forty-eight months Ph.D. course in English and French.
#6. Queen’s University- Faculty Of Law
Number of Programs – 3 Acceptance Rate – 42%
Qs Law Ranking – #151-200
Established in 1957, Queen’s Faculty of Law has led Canadian legal education since its inception. Although there were two initial attempts to create a law faculty at Queen’s – unsanctioned by the Law Society and ultimately unsuccessful, the first Dean, J.A. Corry, established Queen’s Law with 25 students in September of 1957.
The school offers a full-time Master of Law program (LL.M) in Political and Legal thoughts, which rums for twelve months. Its research Ph.D. program runs for thirty-six months and is taught in English Language.
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#7. The University Of Alberta – Faculty Of Law
Number Of Programs – 1 Acceptance Rate – 58%
Qs Law Ranking – #151-200
The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law in Western Canada is the most prestigious law school. Also, it is one of Canada’s leading institutions of legal education and research. For over 100 years, the Faculty has been at the forefront of legal scholarship in Canada, nurturing generations of leaders.
The faculty offers a full-time and part-time course-based program in Master of Laws (LL.M) for twelve months and 24 months, respectively.
#8. University Of Calgary: Faculty Of Law
Number Of Programs – 2 Acceptance Rate – 10 -20%
Qs Law Ranking – #251-300
Founded in 1976, UCalgary Law has developed a reputation for innovation and teaching excellence, particularly in legal skills training and integrating professional and academic goals.
The school offers a full-time and part-time program in Master of Law (LL.M) and LL.M in Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law. The full-time program runs for twelve months, and the part-time program for twenty-four months.
#9. Dalhousie University- Schulich School Of Law
Number of Programs – 1 Acceptance Rate – 43%
Qs Law Ranking – #251-300
The Schulich School of Law plays an extraordinary role in Canadian legal education. What began as a “daring experiment” in two rented rooms in 1883 is now a national law school.
The Schulich school of law now offers a full-time and part-time program in the General Master of Law (LL.M). Both programs are taught in the English Language. The full time runs for twelve months, and part-time for twenty-four months.
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#10. Universite De Montreal- Faculte De Droit
Number Of Program – 5 Acceptance Rate – 40-50%
Qs Law Ranking – #101-150
The Faculty of Law at Université de Montréal was officially founded in 1892. It has consistently ranked first in the Canadian civil law school rankings in Maclean’s until 2017.
The school offers full-time programs that run for twelve months. The programs include the Master of Laws (LL.M), Master of Laws in Comparative Private Law (LL.M), and Master of Laws in Notarial Law, all taught in French. Another full-time program, Business law in a Global Context (LL.M), is taught in English.
#11. Western University Ontario (UWO)- Faculty Of Law
Number Of Programs – 2 Acceptance Rate – 31%
Qs Law Ranking – #151-200
As Ontario’s second-smallest law school, Western Law is known for its collegial atmosphere and inclusive student experience.
The school offers full-time and part-time programs in Master of Law (LL.M) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL). Both programs are taught in the English Language. The full-time program runs for twelve months, and the part-time program for twenty-four months.
#12. University Of Victoria (UVIC): Faculty Of Law
Number Of Programs – 1 Acceptance Rate – 64%
Qs Law Ranking – #251-300
UVic Law is one of Canada’s leading law schools. This is due to the strength of the academic programs, approach to experiential learning, and our commitment to community engagement and social justice.
The school offers a full-time program in the General Master of Law (LL.M). The program is in the English Language. The full-time program runs for twelve months.
#13. The University Of Manitoba- Robinson Hall Faculty Of Law
Number Of Programs – 1 Acceptance Rate – 52%
Qs Law Ranking- #301-400
A Robson Hall education is a passport to accomplish groundbreaking legal work worldwide. For over 100 years, Robson Hall Faculty of Law has been renowned for its dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to the study of law.
The faculty offers a full-time program in the General Master of Law (LL.M). The program is in the English Language. The full-time program runs for twelve months.
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#14. Universite Laval- Faculte De Droit
Number Of Programs- 6 Acceptance Rate – 59%
Qs Law Ranking – #251 -300
Founded in 1852, the Faculty of Law at Laval University is the oldest French-language law school on the American continent. In addition to giving quality university training to future jurists, it is also a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in research.
The school offers a full-time and part-time program in Master of Law (LL.M) in Business Law, Environmental Law, Sustainable Development and Food Security, Fundamental Rights, International, and Transnational. The faculty also offers a research-based program in Master of Laws. However, all programs are taught in English and French Language.
#15. University Of Saskatchewan- College Of Law
Number Of Programs – 1 Acceptance Rate – 72.3%
Qs Law Ranking – #301-400
The College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan is the university’s law school. Located in Saskatoon in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, the College of Law was established in 1912. It is the oldest law school in Western Canada, a distinction it shares with the University of Alberta.
The College offers a full-time Research-based program in Master of Laws (LL.M). The program is in English Language and runs for sixteen months.
#16. University Of Windsor – Windsor Law
Number Of Programs – 1 Acceptance Rate -60-70%
Qs Law Ranking – #301-400
The roots of Windsor Law stretch back over 150 years to the founding of Assumption College in 1857. Starting in 1919, this Jesuit institution began a close affiliation with the University of Western Ontario, eventually becoming an independent university in 1953.
The University offers a full-time program in Master of Laws (LL.M). The program is in English Language and runs for twelve months.
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#17. Universite de Sherbrooke- Faculte De Droit
Number Of Programs -5 Acceptance Rate- 55%
Qs Law Ranking -#301-400
The University of Sherbrooke was created on May 4, 1954. It emerged from the Séminaire Saint-Charles-Borromée in Sherbrooke, from which it separated physically and administratively in 1960.
The school offers full-time and part-time Programs in a Master’s Degree in Law, Law and Health Policy, Prevention, and Dispute Resolution. It offers solely full-time programs in the Master’s Degree in Notarial Law, Criminal, and Penal Law.
Its full-time programs run for twelve months except for Notarial Law which runs for 36 months. All programs are taught in English and French Language.
#18. University Of Ottawa- Department Of Criminology
Number Of Programs – 1 Acceptance Rate – 42%
Qs Law Ranking – #151-200
Criminology involves the scientific analysis of crime, the criminalization process, and social control. Criminology is also an applied discipline in which students explore various forms of intervention to help resolve problems and conflicts.
The school offers a full-time program in Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology. The program is in English and French Languages for twelve months.
#19. Universite Du Quebec A Montreal (UQAM): Département Des Sciences Juridiques
Number Of Programs – 1 Acceptance Rate – 40 – 50%
Qs Law Ranking – #101-150
The school offers a full-time and part-time program in Master of Law (LL.M). Both programs are in French. The full-time program runs for twenty-four months, and the part-time program for forty-eight months.
#20. Ecole Des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (Hec Montreal)
Number Of Programs – 1 Acceptance Rate – 6%
Qs Law Ranking – #101-150
HEC Montréal is a French-language university institution offering internationally renowned management education and research. The School has been training future managers who contribute to our society’s growth and prosperity since 1907.
The faculty offers full-time, and part-time programs in Master of Law (LL.M) in Taxation taught in French. The full-time program runs for twelve months, and the part-time program for twenty-four months.
#21. Thompson Rivers University
Number Of Programs -1 Acceptance Rate – 81%
Qs Law Ranking – #301 -400
Since 1970, TRU has taken pride in providing an excellent education for students. Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law is the school of law of Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.
The Program offers students a well-established curriculum taught by an outstanding group of legal academics with the benefit of state-of-the-art facilities.
It offers a three-year Juris Doctor degree accredited by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.
How Do I Become A Lawyer In Canada?
A law degree in Canada usually takes four years to obtain in a university program. You must first obtain a Bachelor of Law degree from a recognized law school.
Applicants must write the competitive LSAT’s to prove your level of understanding of Canadian law. If you excel in this exam, then the case of choosing the best law schools should be the next priority.
McGill University, The University of Montreal, the University of Manitoba, the University of British Columbia, and Queen’s University, all of which have special law schools – The Faculty of Law, are good options to consider in this quest.
Once enrolled, you will be required to complete the four years program in any of these universities. Upon completing this program, you must sit for the bar exam.
This is a very difficult law test administered by the Canadian Bar Association. It also requires background checks. Students must pass this test to have a license to practice in the country.
For international students who wish to enroll in any of these schools but doubt the possibility, the good news is it’s possible, as several program options are available.
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What Jobs Can I Do As A Law Graduate In Canada?
Here a some jobs you can do with a law degree in Canada
- Advice Worker
- Chartered Accountant
- Civil Service Administrator
- Data Analyst/ Data Scientist
- Forensic Computer Analyst
- Patent Attorney
- Stockbroker or as a Trading Standards Officer.
However, if after completion of your law degree, you decide not to continue as a practicing lawyer, there are six major sectors you can explore:
- Banking and Finance
- Conflict Resolution
- Education and Academic Administration
- Government and Politics
- Human Resources
- Legal Writing, Editing, and Publishing
What Is The Job Outlook And Salary Of A Lawyer?
Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. Although most lawyers work in private and corporate legal offices, some work for federal, local, and state governments. Most of these lawyers work full time and many work more than 40 hours a week.
According to the U.S Bureau Of Labor And Statistics, the median annual wage for lawyers is $122,960. The employment of lawyers would likely grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
FAQs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average annual salary for a lawyer in 2024 to be $139,880.
A law degree in Canada usually takes about four years to obtain in a university program. You must first obtain a Bachelor of Law degree from a recognized law school.
Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for admission to law school.
Pass the Law School Admission Test.
Identify Law Schools and Complete Applications.
Earn a Juris Doctor Degree.
Pass the Bar Examination.
Advance Your Career.
Conclusion
With the good schools and law programs listed in this piece, Canada is unarguably a wise choice to obtain a law degree. Get the prerequisites, choose from these law schools in Canada, and start a new chapter of your life.
Good luck!
References
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