University of Ottawa (Faculty of Law)

The University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, founded in 1953, is Canada’s largest law school, uniquely structured into Common Law and Civil Law sections. Its bilingual environment supports both English and French study, reflecting Canada’s dual legal traditions. Located on unceded Algonquin territory in downtown Ottawa, it offers strong academic depth backed by a faculty of 76 scholars.

The school emphasizes analytical training and practical skills through moots, research papers, and extensive legal resources. The Brian Dickson Law Library enhances study with vast print collections, advanced databases, and significant weekly access, supporting rigorous, research‑driven learning.

Graduates benefit from strong employability across private practice, government, courts, NGOs, and international organizations. Proximity to national institutions supports access to clerkships and policy‑focused roles, while distinguished alumni—from judges to public leaders—reinforce the school’s professional reach and mentorship landscape.

Active journals, moots, and legal clinics help students build market‑ready experience. The school’s Community Legal Clinic strengthens client‑focused skills, and Ottawa’s legal ecosystem creates pathways into major firms and regulatory bodies. This network equips students with the versatility to thrive in diverse legal environments.

The Faculty stands out for its bilingual, bijural advantage, offering comprehensive pathways in both common and civil law. This dual perspective prepares students for practice across Canada and supports mobility in multilingual, multicultural environments. Its scale ensures varied expertise and abundant academic options.

Location in Canada’s capital grants unparalleled access to Parliament, courts, and federal agencies, enriching learning through internships, clinics, and policy exposure. Research strength, practical training requirements, and interdisciplinary opportunities combine to deliver a high‑impact legal education rooted in national and global relevance.

The Faculty drives legal thought through specialized research hubs, including centers dedicated to health law, public governance, and law‑technology intersections. Faculty experts contribute to national policy debates, and bilingual journals influence decisions at the country’s highest courts, reinforcing academic impact.

Advanced digital tools, databased resources, and technology‑law initiatives support innovation. Graduate programs further expand scholarly work, while sustainability efforts and Indigenous engagement initiatives reflect a commitment to socially responsible research. These strengths position the school as a leader in shaping Canada’s evolving legal landscape.

What makes the bilingual and bijural model unique? It provides integrated pathways in common and civil law, enabling practice in Ontario, Quebec, and broader francophone or bilingual contexts.

How does the school support practical learning? Moots, clinics, and Ottawa-based internships offer hands‑on experience grounded in real legal work.

What academic resources are available? A major law library, expert faculty, and extensive digital research tools help students succeed academically.

Applicants submit transcripts, resumes, statements, and references, with LSAT scores required for Common Law. Civil Law applicants demonstrate strong French proficiency. Deadlines typically fall between late fall and early winter, with earlier submissions improving evaluation timelines.

Tuition varies by residency, and financial aid includes scholarships and bursaries. Campus housing offers diverse residence styles, while international students receive support with study permits and integration. Orientation programs and campus services ensure a smooth transition into academic life and the Ottawa community.