The best law schools in Canada are your ticket to a top-notch legal career. Whether you’re dreaming of defending human rights, shaping environmental policy, or mastering corporate law, Canadian law schools offer unique strengths to match your passion. But which school is right for you? From law school acceptance rates to admissions stats to specialized programs, we've got the info you need to make a smart choice. Let’s “get to the verdict” on Canada’s top law schools and find your perfect fit!
Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results.
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What is the Best Law School in Canada?
When it comes to choosing the best law school in Canada, the answer really comes down to what "best" means for you. The best law school is the one where you’ll find the program, community, and resources to help you reach your career goals.
Sure, schools like the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Queen’s Law School at Queen’s University, Osgoode Hall, and UBC’s Allard School of Law are prestigious, selective, and recognized around the world. But that doesn’t necessarily make them the right choice for everyone.
Don’t limit yourself by only applying to the easiest law schools to get into. If you’re drawn to marine and environmental law, Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law might be the perfect fit. Or, if you’re passionate about Indigenous rights, the University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Law Center offers an incredible focus on supporting Indigenous communities. Whether you’re interested in a dual degree like a JD-MBA or want to specialize in a specific field, make sure to explore each school’s unique strengths.
Canadian Law School Admissions Statistics
Acceptance Rate: 14.1%
Average GPA: 83%
Average LSAT: 162
Acceptance rate is 7.8%
Average GPA: N/A
Average LSAT: N/A
According to their website, the Lakehead Bora Laskin Faculty of Law “takes a holistic approach to admissions. This means that there are not specific weights put on individual components of the application, nor are there minimum GPA or LSAT scores.”
Acceptance Rate: 15.9%
Average GPA: 3.8
Average LSAT: 164
Acceptance Rate: 7.4%
Average GPA: 3.7
Average LSAT: 161
TMU Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Average GPA: No minimum required
Average LSAT: No minimum required
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Average GPA: N/A
Average LSAT: N/A
The school states, “there is no minimum GPA or LSAT required to apply, however, this is a competitive program, so the stronger your grades and LSAT score are, the more likely you are to be accepted. The GPA has a weight of 60% and is calculated using your 20 most recent undergrad academic courses, (converted to TRU’s 4.33 grade scheme, if applicable). The LSAT has a weight of 40%.”
Acceptance Rate: 15%
Average GPA: 3.86
Average LSAT: 164
University of British Columbia
Acceptance Rate: 13.3%
Average GPA: 84%
Average LSAT: 166
Acceptance Rate: 13%
Average GPA: 3.7
Average LSAT: 164
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Average GPA: 3.97
Average LSAT: 161
Acceptance Rate: 13%
Average GPA: 3.8 on 4.3 scale
Average LSAT: 159
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Minimum GPA: 80%
Minimum LSAT: 158
Acceptance Rate: 11.25%
Average GPA: 83%
Average LSAT: 158
Acceptance Rate: 8.89%
Average GPA: 3.91
Average LSAT: 167
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Average GPA: 3.84
Average LSAT: 89th percentile
Acceptance Rate: 8.25%
Average GPA: N/A
Average LSAT: N/A
The University of Windsor Faculty of Law states, “We do not have a specific LSAT or recommended GPA due to the holistic nature of our admissions process. We believe applicants can demonstrate that they are more than quantitative scores.”
Acceptance Rate: 7.6%
Average GPA: 3.7
Average LSAT: 162
Acceptance Rate: 10.12%
Average GPA: 3.7
Average LSAT: 85th percentile
Tips to help you ace policy questions at your law school interview!
Best Law Schools in Canada for Corporate Law
University of Toronto Faculty of Law
The University of Toronto’s program combines rigorous theoretical training with practical application, supported by an extensive alumni network that spans some of the largest law firms and corporations in Canada and abroad.
York University Osgoode Hall
Osgoode Hall, known for its experiential learning model, offers students hands-on opportunities through specialized clinics, internships, and practicums. Osgoode’s large student body and its diverse corporate law courses make it a popular choice for those interested in fields like commercial litigation, banking law, and intellectual property.
Graduates from these programs are equipped to pursue careers as corporate lawyers, in-house counsel, or legal advisors within major corporations, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, or securities law.
Best Law Schools in Canada for Environmental Law
University of British Columbia Allard School of Law
UBC’s Allard School of Law integrates environmental law into research and provides a robust curriculum that emphasizes practical skills, such as environmental impact assessments and regulatory compliance.
Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law
Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law offers a unique perspective on environmental law, thanks to its proximity to the coast and its integration with maritime law. The school’s curriculum combines environmental justice with a coastal and marine law focus, allowing students to study subjects like ocean policy, marine biodiversity, and international environmental law.
Best Law Schools in Canada for International Law and Human Rights
McGill University Faculty of Law
McGill’s Faculty of Law provides a bilingual program in English and French, making it a top choice for students with a global career in mind. The curriculum emphasizes comparative law and includes courses on international treaties, human rights frameworks, and global governance, preparing students for roles within international organizations, human rights NGOs, and foreign diplomatic services.
University of Toronto Faculty of Law
The University of Toronto also excels in international law, with courses and research initiatives that focus on global justice, conflict resolution, and international trade law. Students interested in shaping global policy or defending human rights may find the school’s resources in international law invaluable. Graduates often pursue careers in international NGOs, policy think tanks, and even the United Nations.
Best Law Schools in Canada for Indigenous Law Programs
University of British Columbia Allard School of Law
UBC’s Indigenous law program offers specialized courses, research opportunities, and practical training that delve into Indigenous legal traditions, rights, and governance. This program is ideal for students interested in promoting Indigenous rights, preserving cultural heritage, or working on legal issues that impact Indigenous communities.
University of Saskatchewan Faculty of Law
The University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Law Centre (ILC), the first of its kind in Canada, is dedicated to increasing access to legal education for Indigenous peoples while also fostering the development of Indigenous legal systems within Canadian law. The ILC provides training in Indigenous legal traditions, including customary law, treaty law, and Indigenous governance. Additionally, its programs emphasize advocacy and policy work, aiming to equip students to support Indigenous self-determination and advance social justice for Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Best Law Schools in Canada for Maritime Law
Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law
Thanks to its coastal location, Dalhousie University is home to one of Canada’s only dedicated maritime law programs. The Schulich School of Law offers students the chance to dive into specialized courses on marine policy, shipping law, and coastal resource management.
Graduates from Dalhousie’s maritime law program find opportunities in both the private and public sectors, in fields like marine conservation, environmental consulting, and international shipping regulation.
Best Law Schools in Canada for Health Law and Family Law
Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law
For students interested in the intersection of law and healthcare, Dalhousie University offers a specialized health law program, which includes hands-on training and exposure to healthcare policy, bioethics, and medical malpractice law. Graduates from this program can work as legal consultants within healthcare organizations, advisors on public health policy, or litigators focused on health-related cases.
University of Alberta Faculty of Law
The University of Alberta is ideal for students interested in family law, providing a well-rounded program with courses in family mediation, child custody, and divorce law, alongside practical training through family law clinics. Graduates with this focus may pursue careers as family law practitioners, mediators, or even policymakers within child welfare and family services departments.
Wondering what to include in your law school resume?
Best Law Schools in Canada for International Students
McGill University Faculty of Law
McGill’s bilingual curriculum in English and French makes it especially appealing for international students, offering a multicultural learning experience in a globally recognized institution. With its international reputation and diverse community, McGill supports students aiming for careers in international law, human rights, and comparative legal studies, providing a network that reaches far beyond Canada.
University of British Columbia Allard School of Law
The University of British Columbia welcomes international students with robust support systems, including dedicated advisors who guide them through adapting to Canadian law practice and life in Vancouver. UBC’s extensive network of alumni and networking events offer international students opportunities to connect with professionals in the field, making it easier to pursue legal careers in Canada or internationally.
University of Toronto Faculty of Law
As one of Canada’s most prestigious law schools, the University of Toronto is a prime destination for international students, offering a wide range of global legal perspectives and cross-border study opportunities. The school provides international students with orientation programs, academic support, and access to networking events, allowing them to transition smoothly into Canadian law practice and build connections for a future career in Canada or abroad.
Each of these schools prepares students for careers in their home countries or on the global stage in roles such as international trade advisors, immigration consultants, and human rights advocates. The strong alumni networks and global reach of these schools make them ideal for international students aiming for diverse and influential careers.
7 Tips on How to Get into the Best Law Schools in Canada
1. Apply to Law School Strategically
Apply where your GPA and LSAT scores are competitive or exceed the school’s standards. Admissions committees weigh these numbers heavily, so look at schools where your stats stand out. You can still get into law school with a low GPA, but you’ll need to make sure your LSAT score and other application components are really strong.
2. Follow Application Instructions Carefully
Law is all about details—so show your attention to detail by strictly following application guidelines. Double-check every requirement, from law school personal statement word counts to document types, to ensure you meet the exact specifications.
3. Create a Cohesive Application
Each part of your application should present a unified picture of who you are. Your law school resume, personal statement, and law school letters of recommendation should complement each other to tell a story about why you want to pursue law, why you’re a strong candidate, and how your skills and experience are a good fit for the values of each program you’re applying to.
4. Start Your Law School Application Early
Begin the law school application process well in advance. Gathering transcripts, following an LSAT study schedule, and getting references take time. Contact your recommenders at least two months before the deadline to ensure they have enough time to write a great letter. Check LSAT test dates and plan to take it in enough time that your preferred schools receive the test results in a timely manner.
5. Perfect Your Law School Personal Statement
Your law school personal statement is your opportunity to go beyond stats and share your story. Highlight key experiences and law school extracurriculars that led you to want to study law, using a few impactful events to build a compelling narrative. Take time to write, revise, and get feedback on this critical component.
6. Consider Writing Law School Optional Essays
If a school offers optional essays, take advantage! A well-written optional essay can add depth to your profile.
Use the law school optional essays to share unique experiences, such as challenges you've overcome that haven’t been covered elsewhere in your application. A law school diversity statement can also be used to highlight the perspective and background you bring to the program, whether through your cultural heritage, personal experiences, or ways you’ve navigated and contributed to diverse environments.
7. Prepare for Law School Interviews
If your chosen schools hold interviews, law school interview prep is key. Practice answering common law school interview questions and work on presenting yourself professionally. A little effort here can make a big difference in how confident and polished you come across, helping you leave a lasting, positive impression.
FAQs
1. WHAT ARE THE BEST LAW SCHOOLS IN CANADA?
Canada’s top law schools include the University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall at York University, McGill, and UBC. Each has unique strengths, but the best law school for you depends on your career goals and academic interests.
2. HOW MANY LAW SCHOOLS ARE THERE IN CANADA?
Canada has 18 law schools, offering a variety of programs and specializations. Two of these schools, McGill University and the University of Ottawa, offer programs in both English and French.
3. WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN APPLYING TO A CANADIAN LAW SCHOOL?
Look for schools where your GPA and LSAT scores are competitive. Also, research each school’s specializations and courses to find a program that aligns with your interests, such as corporate law, human rights, or environmental law.
4. DO I NEED TO TAKE THE LSAT TO APPLY TO CANADIAN LAW SCHOOLS?
Many Canadian law schools require the LSAT, but there are a few exceptions. For example, law schools in Québec do not require the LSAT. Be sure to check the admission requirements of the schools you want to apply to.
5. HOW LONG IS A LAW DEGREE IN CANADA?
A typical JD program in Canada takes three years of full-time study, including coursework, practical training, and often participation in legal clinics or externships.
6. WHAT TYPES OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE ARE AVAILABLE AT CANADIAN LAW SCHOOLS?
Canadian law schools offer practical experiences such as legal clinics, externships, and mock court competitions. These programs allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real legal settings, building valuable skills.
7. WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BECOMING LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN CANADA AFTER GRADUATION?
After completing law school, graduates must complete the Bar Admission Course, pass the bar exam, and fulfill an articling period (a supervised work placement) before becoming fully licensed to practice law in Canada.
8. DO CANADIAN LAW SCHOOLS OFFER JOINT DEGREE PROGRAMS?
Some Canadian law schools offer joint programs, such as a JD/MBA or JD/LLM, allowing students to earn complementary degrees and gain expertise in fields like business, international law, or public policy alongside their legal studies.
9. DO ALL LAW SCHOOLS IN CANADA REQUIRED AN ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW?
Not all Canadian law schools invite applicants to admissions interviews. To be sure, check the admissions information for each program you're applying to and confirm whether an interview is part of the application process.
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2 Comments
Azell
Can I apply to law school with a degree in health sciences
ReplySeaquest
Do the law schools determine GPA based on all four years or the last two years? Can you add that information into the chart?
Reply