Peter A. Allard School of Law (UBC)

The Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia (UBC) prioritizes academic excellence, practical experience, and a supportive community. Of course, all law school websites say stuff like that because they are designed to be promotional. They highlight their strengths and gloss over weaknesses. It could be more useful to have you see a comparison between similar schools. I hope to also help you highlight factors like time commitment, workload, and alignment with career goals so that you can make an informed decision. For this example, I’ll do a side-by-side comparison of a few aspects of UBC with UVic.

Experiential Learning:

UBC offers opportunities to participate in competitive moot courts, externships where you work alongside practising lawyers, and clinics where you assist real clients under supervision.

UBC:

• Wider Variety: UBC boasts a broader range of experiential programs, including clinics, externships, and moots in various legal fields like business law, criminal law, human rights, and intellectual property. The Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP) allows even first-year students to gain hands-on legal experience.
• Strong Community Focus: Several UBC clinics address the needs of underserved communities, such as the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic and Rise Women’s Legal Centre (a partnership between Allard and West Coast LEAF).
• Moot Powerhouse: UBC has a strong reputation for mooting, with numerous competitive teams participating in national and international competitions. This can be a great way to develop advocacy skills and gain recognition.
• Potential Drawbacks: The sheer number of options at UBC could be overwhelming for some students. The competitive nature of mooting might not suit everyone.

UVic:

• Focus on Social Justice: UVic’s experiential learning programs often have a strong social justice focus, with clinics in areas like environmental law, disability law, and poverty law.
• Smaller Scale: UVic’s experiential programs might be smaller in scale compared to UBC, but this can offer a more personalized learning experience with closer supervision.
• Focus on Practical Skills: UVic programs seem to emphasize practical skills development through clinics and externships, with less emphasis on mooting competitions.
• Potential Drawbacks: The selection of programs at UVic might be narrower than at UBC, potentially limiting your options based on your specific interests.

Choosing the Right Fit:

Consider your priorities:

• Variety vs. Depth: Do you want exposure to a broad range of legal areas (UBC) or a deeper focus on social justice (UVic)?
• Competition vs. Collaboration: Are you drawn to the competitive environment of mooting (UBC) or prefer a more collaborative learning experience (UVic)?
• Community Focus: Is giving back to the community important to you? Both schools offer this, but UBC has a stronger focus on serving underserved populations.

Course content and focus

UBC advantages:

• Corporate law: Offers a strong corporate law program, ideal if you’re aiming for a Big Law career. UBC Law boasts a higher national ranking, if that matters to you (i.e. if you’re searching the job market outside of BC).
• Focus on Depth: UBC offers specialized programs in specific areas like Indigenous legal studies, business law, social justice, or environmental law. For example, UBC offers a Specialization in Aboriginal Law. And every first-year student takes a mandatory full-year course, Indigenous Peoples & Law.
• Variety of Courses: Each concentration boasts a wide range of courses, allowing you to tailor your specialization to your specific interests within the broader field.
• Practical Learning Integration: UBC integrates practical learning opportunities with each concentration. This could involve clinics, externships, moots, or research projects directly related to your chosen field. Some students say this means more opportunities for practical legal experience.

UBC drawbacks:

• Competitive Environment: The student body can be more competitive, potentially impacting your law school experience.
• Higher Cost of Living: Vancouver is significantly more expensive than Victoria, with higher rent and overall living costs.
• Focus on Big Law: The emphasis on corporate law might not align with your interests if you’re drawn to other areas of legal practice.

UVic advantages:

• Social Justice Focus: Strong programs in Indigenous law and environmental law, perfect if these areas interest you.
• Cooperative Education Program: UVic’s optional law co-op program provides valuable work experience.
• Smaller Class Sizes: A more collaborative and community-oriented learning environment.
• Lower Cost of Living: Victoria offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to Vancouver.
• Supportive Environment: Focus on student well-being can be a positive factor, especially during the demanding law school years.

UVic drawbacks:

• Limited Course Offerings: Fewer course options compared to UBC, which might restrict your academic exploration.
• Fewer Adjunct Faculty: You might encounter a smaller pool of adjunct professors compared to UBC.
• Limited Big Law Networking: Networking opportunities for Big Law might be less extensive compared to UBC.
• Victoria’s Pace: Victoria is a slower-paced city, which might not appeal to everyone.

Consider your learning style and career goals:

• Depth vs. Breadth: Do you crave a deep dive in a specific area (UBC concentrations) or prefer a broader legal foundation (UVic’s flexible approach)?
• Structure vs. Initiative: Do you thrive with a structured program (UBC concentrations) or prefer the freedom to design your own learning path (UVic)?
• Practical Experience: Research and compare the practical learning opportunities available at each school in your area of interest.

Location:

The University of British Columbia’s location in Vancouver adds another dimension to the Peter A. Allard School of Law experience. Urban living and natural beauty, but it’s important to consider if it aligns with your lifestyle preferences.

Pros:

• Breathtaking Scenery: Vancouver boasts stunning scenery with mountains, beaches, and the Pacific Ocean all within easy reach. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports.
• Cosmopolitan Atmosphere: Vancouver is a multicultural hub with a thriving arts scene, world-class restaurants, and a reputation for being environmentally conscious. If you enjoy a dynamic and progressive city environment, Vancouver won’t disappoint.
• Temperate Climate: Compared to other major Canadian cities, Vancouver enjoys mild winters and comfortable summers. This allows for year-round outdoor activities and a more relaxed pace of life.

Cons:

• Cost of Living: Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in Canada. Housing, food, and entertainment can be significantly more expensive than in other parts of the country. This could be a major factor for students managing finances.
• On-Campus Housing, a Long Shot: Demand for UBC’s on-campus housing has long outstripped supply. Expect long waitlists, and there’s no guarantee of getting a room, even after waiting.
• Off-Campus Options: If you’re housing off-campus, consider Fairview for a good balance of affordability and central location, or other areas along the 99 B-Line for easy access to campus.
• Limited Public Transit: While Vancouver has a public transit system, it may not be as extensive or efficient as those in Toronto or Montreal. Owning a car can be advantageous for getting around the city and exploring the surrounding areas.
• Job Market: While Vancouver’s economy is strong, the job market can be competitive, especially for recent graduates. This is a consideration if you have a specific legal career path in mind.

If Allard is on your list, your LSAT score will carry a lot of weight in the decision. If you want help getting there, here’s how I work with students.