If you’re thinking about law school, keep the following in mind:
Requirements:
□ Completion of an undergraduate degree OR enrolment in the second year (or higher) of an undergraduate program.
□ A strong overall undergraduate GPA. Generally the average is an A-, however this varies by institution. Be sure to visit each faculty’s website to find the specific requirements.
□ A Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for almost all schools; a score in the top 70-80+ percentile is common in applicants.
□ A significant amount of volunteer and work experience is required, preferably within a law-orientated environment. The admissions committee will be looking at all experiences that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the faculty and profession.
□ A personal statement will be required; format will vary from school to school. It is important to know what each law school has to offer and reflect your suitability and experiences
The Application Process:
□ Students applying to Ontario Law Schools use the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) Ontario Law Schools (OLSAS) online application service.
□ Outside of Ontario admissions are done through each faculty individually – contact each school for their individual application package and deadline.
□ Follow the application procedure outlined and keep on top of any deadline dates.
□ Write a personal statement tailored to each institution you want to apply to.
Program Information:
□ The programs typically run for three or four academic years, full time. Part-time (also called extended-time) students may take up to eight years.
□ You may be trained in numerous areas of study, depending on what field you wish to specialize. Visit each institution’s website to see what programs and courses they offer to better decide which institution is right for you.
□ In order to become a fully licensed lawyer after completion of your LLB degree you will undertake four months of the bar admissions course followed by a 10-month articling position with a law firm. After these are completed you will be called to the bar.
Hints:
□ Your grades should be one of your top priorities! An A- average may allow you to be considered, but it doesn’t guarantee your acceptance.
□ Make sure you have as much work and volunteer experience as possible (without affecting your grades). Law schools are looking for well-rounded people that have experience in the society that they will later be defending.
□ Your personal statement is very important!
□ Make sure you know what is involved in the life of a lawyer and be prepared to demonstrate to the admission committee that you can handle it all.
*Note: Career Services can help with the review and/or editing of personal statements for law school applications. Once your personal statement is written, you may book your appointment with a career counsellor using mySuccess, accessible via Carleton Central.
Helpful Links:
- Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) http://www.ouac.on.ca/
- Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS) http://www.ouac.on.ca/olsas/index.html
- Law School Admission Council http://lsac.org/
- The Law Society of Upper Canada http://www.lsuc.on.ca/