Congratulations on deciding to pursue a law degree in Canada! It’s an exciting time, but also one filled with important decisions. Picking the right law school does matter, but many LSAT students who ask me are initially focused on national rankings and perceived prestige. 

I see a lot of potential law students through my LSAT Tutoring. I want to help you approach your law school search from a different angle. Unlike the US, where a top-ranked law school might guarantee national recognition, Canada’s legal market is much more regionalized.

Why Location Matters More Than National Prestige in Canada:

The legal world in Canada operates on a more local level. While a fancy degree might impress south of the border, in Canada, your career trajectory is more likely shaped by the city you choose to live and practice in. Bay Street in Toronto might be a haven for corporate law, while Vancouver thrives on a mix of BigLaw, tech law, and environmental law. There’s simply less national mobility for lawyers here.

This is where we come in. At [Your LSAT tutoring service name], we don’t just help you ace the LSAT – we help you find the perfect law school fit for your future legal career. By understanding your goals, interests, and desired lifestyle, we can guide you towards schools in cities that offer not only strong legal programs but also vibrant communities that resonate with you.

Location, Location, Location:

This is where your choice of city becomes important. Here’s how your city can impact your legal career:

• Job Market: Different cities have needs for different legal specialties. Research the legal landscape of your target city. Does it align with your career goals?
• Networking: Building connections is key to landing your dream job. Look through your own set of connections: do they lead you towards a desired city?
• Placement Rates: Don’t just focus on national rankings. Dig deeper and see how your target schools place graduates in your chosen city and practice area.
• Cost of Living: Big city law might sound glamorous, but can you afford the rent? What about in 5 or 10 years, if you want to buy a place? Factor in living expenses when making your decision.

Law School Matters, But Not for the Reasons You Think

Canadian law schools all provide a strong foundation for legal practice. The real differentiators lie in the unique experiences each school offers:

• Smaller schools might boast a more collaborative learning environment and closer relationships with professors.
• Schools with a focus on specific areas of law can provide a deeper understanding of your chosen field.
• Location-specific programs might offer externships and clinics that connect you with local legal communities.

Because for aspiring Canadian lawyers, it’s not just about the reputation or even the program itself. The location of your law school plays a big role in your experience, both during your studies and in your future career. That’s why I’m reviewing the major Canadian law schools with a common law focus, not through rankings, but through the cities they call home.

Factors to consider:

Ultimately, the best law school for you is the one that fits your career goals, learning style, and personal preferences. Consider the following factors:

Do you want to work in BigLaw, public interest, or a specific legal field? Research the placement rates of your target schools.
What kind of lifestyle are you looking for? Consider the cost of living, climate, and overall vibe of the city.
Do you have a network in a particular city? Existing connections can be a valuable asset during your job search.

By taking a city-by-city approach, you can gain a more holistic understanding of what each law school has to offer. Remember, there’s no single “best” school – it’s all about finding the perfect fit for you.

Example exercise: where would I go?

We established that the city where you go to law school is a big deal in Canada. So let’s walk through an example: where would I go now if I were starting again?  I’m biased! My list won’t be your list. I’m a 30-something adventure sports-loving guy who enjoys a good bike commute. I thrive in a more intimate learning environment where professors know me by name. But I do like joining extracurriculars — especially legal aid clinics that get me practical experience. I don’t really like the pace of a bustling metropolis. I don’t need law school housing because I like to be friends with people beyond the little bubble of law school. Cost of living isn’t a big limiting factor because I’m pretty thrifty and tend to live within my means. I’m an environmentalist so would probably be more comfortable in a school that aligns with those values. So those are my preferences. Figure out yours! Your priorities might be different, so use this as a guide, not gospel.

School Culture:

First things first, I narrowed my search to schools known for intimate learning environments. Dalhousie (Dal), Queen’s, University of New Brunswick (UNB), University of Manitoba (U of M), and University of Victoria (UVic) all seem like strong contenders. Smaller student-to-professor ratios are a major plus – I want to be able to ask questions and get personalized attention, not feel like a number in a lecture hall.

Speaking of passion projects, environmental law is my jam. Thankfully, Dalhousie, Osgoode Hall (Osgoode), University of British Columbia (UBC), and University of Toronto (UofT) all boast strong environmental law programs. I’ll be digging deeper to see which faculty members align with my interests, what courses are offered, and if there are student-run environmental law clinics I can get involved with.

Location Factors:

Big cities are cool, but the fast pace just isn’t my vibe. Cities like Halifax (Dal), Kingston (Queen’s), Fredericton (UNB), Winnipeg (U of M), and Victoria (UVic) seem like a much better fit. They offer a slower pace of life and a stronger sense of community, which is exactly what I’m looking for, especially within a smaller law school environment.

Living off-campus is important to me – I want to be part of the larger city, not just the law school bubble. Exploring neighborhoods with a student population but also a strong sense of community is key. Vibrant local markets, cafes, and community gardens? Sign me up! Bonus points if there are some green spaces nearby – Victoria and Halifax sound amazing in that respect, but Kingston’s proximity to the Thousand Islands National Park and Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Forest are definitely intriguing too.

Finding My Tribe:

Legal aid clinics are where it’s at! I’ll be researching the strength and accessibility of these clinics at my target schools, especially those with a focus on environmental law. Getting practical experience while fighting for a cause I believe in? Sounds like a perfect way to learn and give back.

While cost of living isn’t a major concern, it’s still good to be mindful of expenses outside of school. Cities like Halifax, Winnipeg, and Fredericton generally have lower costs of living compared to Toronto or Vancouver, which is definitely a plus.

Beyond the Classroom:

Speaking of causes, I want to be in a city with a strong environmental movement. Cities like Victoria and Halifax are known for their active environmental communities, and I’d love to connect with local organizations outside of school.

I also considered other factors:

Cost of Living:

• Most Expensive: Toronto (UofT, Osgoode), Vancouver (UBC), Montreal (McGill, Université de Montréal) – Big city life comes with a big price tag. Rent will eat a significant chunk of your budget.
• Mid-Range: Ottawa (uOttawa), Calgary (UCalgary), Edmonton (U of Alberta), Winnipeg (U of Manitoba) – These cities offer a decent standard of living without breaking the bank.
• Most Affordable: Halifax (Dalhousie), Saskatoon (U of S), Kingston (Queen’s), Windsor (Windsor) – Here, your student loan will stretch a bit further, allowing you to explore the city and maybe even save up for some gear.

Quality of Life (Adventure Seeker Edition):

• Top Picks: Vancouver (UBC, UVic) – Unbeatable access to mountains, ocean, and everything in between. Whistler Blackcomb anyone?
• Solid Options: Calgary (UCalgary), Montreal (McGill, Université de Montréal) – Calgary boasts the Canadian Rockies and a strong cycling scene. Montreal offers a European vibe with plenty of outdoor activities.
• Maybe Not Ideal: Toronto (UofT, Osgoode), Ottawa (uOttawa) – While both have green spaces, finding adventure might require a bit more effort (and a car for some activities).

Public Transportation:

• Top Tier: Toronto (UofT, Osgoode), Montreal (McGill, Université de Montréal) – Extensive subway systems will get you most places efficiently. Bonus points for being bike-friendly (Toronto) and walkable (Montreal).
• Good Options: Vancouver (UBC), Calgary (UCalgary), Ottawa (uOttawa) – Reliable public transit systems with growing bike infrastructure.
• Consider a Car: Halifax (Dalhousie), Edmonton (U of Alberta), Winnipeg (U of Manitoba) – Public transit exists, but a car might be helpful for exploring the surrounding areas and getting that adrenaline fix.

Lifestyle and Culture:

This is a whole other beast! Here’s a quick taste:

• Toronto (UofT, Osgoode): Bustling metropolis with a diverse food scene and world-class entertainment.
• Vancouver (UBC, UVic): Laid-back West Coast vibes with a strong focus on health and wellness.
• Montreal (McGill, Université de Montréal): European flair with a vibrant arts scene and a deep appreciation for good food.
• Other Cities: Each city offers its own unique charm, from the historic architecture of Kingston (Queen’s) to the prairie hospitality of Winnipeg (U of Manitoba).

Climate (Adventure Seeker Edition):

• Winter Warriors: Winnipeg (U of Manitoba), Edmonton (U of Alberta), Saskatoon (U of S) – Embrace the ice and snow with hockey games, skiing, and snowshoeing.
• Four Seasons: Most other cities experience all four seasons, with varying degrees of severity.
• Mild Winters: Vancouver (UBC, UVic), Victoria (UVic) – Enjoy outdoor activities year-round with minimal snow interruptions.

Networking Opportunities:

• Legal Hubs: Toronto (UofT, Osgoode), Montreal (McGill, Université de Montréal) – Home to major law firms and a dense concentration of legal professionals.
• Strong Regional Networks: Vancouver (UBC), Calgary (UCalgary), Ottawa (uOttawa) – Excellent opportunities to connect with professionals in your desired legal field within these cities.
• Smaller Cities: While networking might be more targeted, the quality of connections can still be strong.

Diversity and Inclusion:

• Most Diverse: Toronto (UofT, Osgoode), Vancouver (UBC), Montreal (McGill, Université de Montréal) – Large, multicultural cities with a strong focus on inclusion.
• Inclusive Communities: Most Canadian cities strive for inclusivity, but smaller centers might have a less visible diversity.

This is just the beginning! Using this information, I can shortlist schools that offer a balance between academic excellence, a strong environmental law program, and a close-knit community that aligns with my values. Remember, the best law school for me is the one where I feel I can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Want to learn more about the LSAT and maximize your score? Contact me today for tutoring to help you get into the law school of your choice.