Thinking of applying to law school in Canada? This guide breaks down the top law schools in Canada in 2025, including the University of Toronto, McGill, UBC, and more. Learn about rankings, tuition, specialties, and expert tips to help you choose the right school. Check out our other guides, such as how to get into law school, and to see how ready you are for the LSAT test.
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Introduction
Choosing the right law school in Canada is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your journey to becoming a lawyer. With options across ten provinces and programs in both English and French, Canada offers something for every aspiring legal professional. This blog will guide you through the top-ranked Canadian law schools, help you understand what makes each one unique, and give you the tools to decide which school is right for you.
Top Law Schools in Canada (2025 Rankings)
Here are the top Canadian law schools based on 2025 academic rankings:
University of Toronto Faculty of Law (U of T)
- National Rank: #1
- Global Rank: #16 (QS), #22 (THE)
- Known for: Elite Bay Street placements, high research output, clinical programs
McGill University Faculty of Law
- National Rank: #2
- Unique for: Bilingual and bi-jural (civil + common law) curriculum
- Great for: Students who want international careers or to practice in Quebec
University of British Columbia (UBC) Peter A. Allard School of Law
- National Rank: #3
- Known for: Environmental law, Indigenous law, student support
Osgoode Hall Law School (York University)
- National Rank: #4
- Diverse and comprehensive JD programs with strong legal research initiatives
University of Ottawa Faculty of Law
- National Rank: #5
- Best known for: Technology law, bilingual JD programs, proximity to government
Other strong contenders: Queen’s University, Dalhousie (Schulich), University of Alberta, University of Victoria, and University of Calgary.
Full List of Law Schools in Canada by Region
Ontario:
- University of Toronto
- Osgoode Hall (York)
- Western University
- Queen’s University
- University of Ottawa
- Lakehead University
- Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson)
Quebec:
- McGill University
- Université de Montréal
- Université Laval
- Université de Sherbrooke
- Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
- Université de Moncton (civil law)
British Columbia:
- UBC
- University of Victoria
- Thompson Rivers University
Prairies & Western:
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Manitoba
Atlantic Canada:
- Dalhousie University (Schulich)
- University of New Brunswick
Choosing the Right Law School in Canada
When choosing a school, consider:
- Legal System: Quebec offers civil law; elsewhere is mostly common law.
- Language of Instruction: Want to study in English, French, or both?
- Program Focus: Look for specialties (e.g., UBC for environmental law).
- Location: Think about networking, job access, and cost of living.
- Tuition and Financial Aid: Compare costs and bursary programs.
To compare more factors, see our blog: law school requirements in Canada
Tips to Boost Your Law School Application
- Ace the LSAT with the right prep strategy. (LSAT prep blog)
- Write a compelling personal statement. (Law school personal statement examples)
- Highlight relevant experience, like volunteering, research, or internships.
- Apply early and triple-check your application.
FAQs About Law Schools in Canada
1. How many law schools are there in Canada?
There are about 24 law schools across Canada, including both common and civil law programs.
2. Do all schools require the LSAT?
Most common law schools do, but some civil law schools in Quebec may not.
3. What are the most affordable law schools in Canada?
Universities in Quebec and Atlantic Canada typically have lower tuition.
4. Can I practice in both Canada and the US?
You may need to pass the bar in both countries. Some schools offer US-friendly programs (e.g., dual JD).
5. What GPA do I need?
Most top schools expect a GPA of 3.7+ but some are more holistic in admissions.
6. What law school has the best employment rate?
University of Toronto, McGill, and Osgoode consistently report >90% post-grad employment.
7. Are there law schools for mature or non-traditional students?
Yes. Lakehead and Thompson Rivers are known for accepting mature students.
8. How long is law school in Canada?
Typically, 3 years for a JD program; some dual degrees take longer.
To Your Success,
Your friends at BeMo
BeMo Academic Consulting
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