McGill University (Faculty of Law)

McGill University’s Faculty of Law, founded in 1848, is Canada’s oldest law school and a leader in integrating civil and common law traditions. Its transsystemic model encourages comparative thinking, multilingual engagement, and a global mindset. Located on the slopes of Mount Royal in downtown Montreal, the Faculty offers a dynamic setting enriched by the city’s cultural diversity and bilingual character.

The Faculty features 44 full-time professors, extensive research strengths, and the Nahum Gelber Law Library, which provides broad collections and 24‑hour study access. This academic environment supports rigorous inquiry, critical reflection, and a humanistic approach to legal education.

McGill Law graduates build influential careers around the world, working in global law firms, government, corporate leadership, academia, and international organizations. Their versatility stems from training in two legal traditions, enabling them to excel in transnational and comparative contexts. Alumni hold roles in cities like Montreal, New York, London, and Hong Kong.

The Faculty’s Career Development Office offers extensive support through guides, events, and tailored resources for private practice, public interest, and global pathways. A distinguished alumni network enhances mentorship and opportunities, helping graduates navigate diverse sectors and leadership trajectories with confidence.

Students choose McGill Law for its dual-degree transsystemic model, which offers unparalleled flexibility for careers across Canada and abroad. The program fosters strong analytical skills by encouraging comparison among legal traditions and integrating Indigenous perspectives, experiential learning, and international study opportunities.

Reputation is another major draw. The Faculty is recognized globally for academic excellence, the influence of the McGill Law Journal, and its distinguished alumni. Combined with state‑of‑the‑art facilities, a supportive community, and world-class faculty, McGill delivers a forward-looking education grounded in intellectual rigor and global awareness.

McGill Law drives legal research through institutes dedicated to air and space law, human rights, comparative law, and private law. Faculty members lead pioneering scholarship that bridges disciplines and jurisdictions, contributing to policy development, international justice, and emerging fields like biotechnology and labour globalization.

The Faculty’s impact extends to influential publications, including the Canadian Guide to Uniform Legal Citation, widely used across Canada. New initiatives reinforce commitments to Indigenous legal traditions, sustainability, and digital transformation, ensuring that McGill remains a hub for inventive thinking and socially engaged legal inquiry.

What makes the BCL/JD unique? It grants both civil and common law degrees, enabling graduates to qualify for bars across Canada and selected U.S. states while learning through a comparative, transsystemic approach.

Is the program taught in English or French? Courses are primarily in English, with bilingual options available. Montreal’s environment supports French learning and reflects the province’s civil law context.

What support exists for international careers? The Career Development Office provides global career guides, job postings, and events, and the dual-degree structure prepares students for international mobility and cross-border legal work.

Admission to the BCL/JD opens each September for the following year, with deadlines in early November for most applicants. Candidates must hold 60 university credits or a Quebec CEGEP diploma, provide transcripts and personal statements, and submit proof of English proficiency when required. The LSAT is optional but recommended.

Applications are reviewed from December to June. Students can access scholarships, residence options, and orientation programming through McGill’s central services. The downtown campus offers convenient public transit access and a vibrant setting that supports both academic focus and cultural engagement.