Applying To Canadian Law Schools: A Comprehensive Guide

Applying to Canadian law schools can be a complex process, with different requirements and deadlines depending on the province and university. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply to Canadian law schools:

1. Complete your high school educationhigh school diploma before applying to undergraduate programs.

2. Earn an undergraduate degree: You cannot enter Canadian law schools directly from high school. You must complete an undergraduate degree in any field from a recognized university. While there is no mandatory major, some common choices include Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.

3. Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT): This standardized test is required for most Canadian law schools and is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It consists of multiple-choice questions and an essay, assessing your reading comprehension and analytical skills.

4. Research and select law schools: There are 18 English-language common law schools in Canada, with varying specializations, locations, and admission criteria. Consider factors such as the size of the school, areas of law they specialize in, and the composition of the student body.

5. Complete the law school application: Applications for Ontario law schools are coordinated by the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS). Each law school has specific requirements, but generally, you will need to submit academic transcripts, LSAT scores, and a personal statement. Some schools also request reference letters. The deadline for Ontario law schools is typically the first week of November for admission the following year.

6. Earn your law degree: In Canada, the first-level law degree is the Juris Doctor (JD), which typically takes three years to complete. During your studies, you will take introductory law courses, gain specialized training in legal research and writing, and have opportunities for extracurricular activities and legal internships.

7. Become licensed to practice law: Completing a law degree alone is not sufficient to practice law in Canada. You must also pass the provincial bar exams and complete an articuling period or an alternative legal training program, depending on the province.

Application requirements

The application requirements for Canadian law schools vary, but there are some common elements. Here is a list of the general requirements:

• A completed online application form: All law school applications in Ontario are coordinated by the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS). The OLSAS application is completed online, and applications are processed and forwarded to each chosen law school for an admission decision. The deadline for applying to law schools in Ontario is usually the first week of November of the year before you want to enter law school.
• Academic transcripts: Most law schools require applicants to submit official transcripts of all post-secondary education. This includes a minimum of two to four years of undergraduate studies, with a preference for a completed bachelor's degree.
• LSAT score: The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for most Canadian law schools, and it is a key first step in the application process. It is a standardized test that evaluates reading comprehension and analytical and logical thinking abilities. The LSAT is offered multiple times a year, and the deadline for submitting scores varies by school.
• Personal statement: Many law schools require a personal statement or statement of purpose as part of the application. This allows the admissions committee to assess the applicant's motivations, achievements, and interest in the particular law school.
• Letters of recommendation: Some law schools may request one or two letters of recommendation, preferably including at least one academic reference.
• Resume or CV: A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) detailing work experience, extracurricular activities, and academic awards may be required by certain law schools.
• Other requirements: Some law schools may have additional requirements, such as interviews, supplementary essays, or specific program prerequisites. It is important to review the admissions pages of the desired law schools for a comprehensive list of requirements.

It is important to note that each law school has its own specific requirements and deadlines, so it is essential to carefully review the application guidelines provided by the individual schools.

Application deadlines

For law schools outside of Ontario, deadlines vary. For instance, the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Manitoba have a deadline of December 1, while Dalhousie University has a deadline of February 28, and the University of Victoria has a deadline of January 15.

It's important to note that these deadlines are strictly enforced, and candidates should be prepared to invest significant time in gathering and submitting all the required materials, which may include online applications, transcripts, personal statements, LSAT scores, and reference letters. Additionally, some schools have different deadlines for the initial application and supplemental documents, as well as for scholarship consideration. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully review the requirements and deadlines for each school you are applying to.

LSAT scores

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardised test that is required for all first-year applications to law school in Canada. It is created and administered by the LSAC, an independent non-profit organisation based in the US. The test is held online and can be taken in any country with reliable internet service.

The LSAT consists of two portions: multiple-choice questions designed to test reading comprehension and your ability to think logically and analytically, and a brief essay. The LSAT does not test your knowledge of law or any other specific subject area.

The LSAT is offered multiple times annually, up to eight times a test cycle in the months of June, August/September, October, November, January, February, March, and April. It is recommended that you check with your desired law school to see how they treat multiple attempts at the test. Some schools will take the highest score, while others will take an average.

The LSAT is a key first step in the application process and is a requirement for all first-year applications. However, it is not the only factor that will be considered when applying to law school in Canada.

When applying to law school, your LSAT score will be considered alongside your Grade Point Average (GPA). The LSAT and GPA are usually weighed equally, with the highest LSAT score being used for admissions purposes.

Some law schools in Canada will require your LSAT score to be above the 70th percentile (157) for your application to be considered. For example, the University of Ottawa requires a score above the 70th percentile, while the University of New Brunswick rarely admits students with a score below 150.

Most law schools will only accept LSAT scores from within the last five years, and some will not accept scores from before June 2017.

LSAT Preparation

There are a variety of LSAT preparation courses and free resources available to help you prepare for the test. The Law School Admission Council provides a free official online preparation program. There are also private agencies that offer preparation classes and practice tests for a fee, such as Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Oxford Seminars.

Additionally, the University of Toronto offers a free LSAT prep course during the summer for high-potential undergraduate students, including those with limited financial resources.

Personal statements

The personal statement is a crucial component of your law school application. It is your opportunity to showcase your personality, reflect on your experiences, and demonstrate how you will be a valuable addition to the school's incoming class. Here are some tips and guidelines for crafting a strong personal statement:

• Length and Formatting: Most law schools will specify the required length for the personal statement, typically around 500 to 2000 words or 2 double-spaced pages. It's important to adhere to the specified length and formatting guidelines provided by the schools you are applying to.
• Authenticity and Sincerity: Be authentic and sincere in your personal statement. Share your unique story, experiences, and aspirations. Avoid using clichés or trying to write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.
• Showcase Your Personality: The personal statement is your chance to stand out and showcase your individuality. Share your interests, passions, and experiences that have shaped your decision to pursue a career in law.
• Specific Examples: Illustrate your statements with specific examples whenever possible. This will make your essay more engaging and help the admissions committee understand your motivations better.
• Tie it to Your Academic and Professional Goals: Explain how your past experiences, interests, and goals align with your decision to pursue a legal education. Show how your academic and professional background has prepared you for the challenges and opportunities that come with studying law.
• Demonstrate Self-Awareness: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and how they have influenced your decision to pursue a legal career. Show that you have a clear understanding of your abilities and how they fit into the legal field.
• Research the School: Demonstrate your interest in the specific law school by mentioning particular aspects that attract you, such as faculty members, specialized programs, or student organizations. This shows that you have done your research and have a genuine interest in the school.
• Proofreading and Editing: Pay close attention to spelling, grammar, and word choice. Ask someone to proofread your essay and provide constructive feedback. Revise and edit your personal statement until it accurately represents your best work.
• Avoid Clichés and Artificial Language: Refrain from using legal jargon or overly complex language. Write in a clear, concise, and authentic tone that showcases your genuine interest in the law school and your suitability for the program.
• Be Mindful of Deadlines: Each law school has its own application deadlines, so make sure to submit your personal statement and other application materials on time.

Interviews

On-campus interviews (OCIs) are a notable exception to this rule. During OCIs, law firms visit law schools across the country to interview their chosen student-applicants for summer internships, which may lead to employment after graduation.

If you are invited to an OCI, it is important to prepare thoroughly. This includes researching the firm, preparing your résumé and cover letter, and knowing your application inside out. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with common interview questions and prepare some questions of your own to ask the interviewer.

• Dress to impress: business casual attire is a good option, but it is important to dress comfortably and conservatively.
• Be alert and engaged during the interview: make eye contact with the interviewers, smile, and nod to show that you are interested and invested in the conversation.
• Be honest and authentic: interviewers are often lawyers themselves, so they will be skilled at knowing if you are lying or being insincere.
• Send a thank-you email after the interview: this is a simple but effective way to show your interest in the firm and the opportunity.

Overall, while interviews are not typically part of the application process for Canadian law schools, OCIs can provide valuable opportunities for internships and future employment. It is important to take these interviews seriously and put your best foot forward.

Frequently asked questions