U Ottawa Law

Why uOttawa Law?

The University of Ottawa Faculty of Law is a big, supportive law school with a lot going for it. Here’s why uOttawa Law could be a great fit:

1. Renowned Faculty: uOttawa boasts exceptional professors who are not only legal scholars but also passionate educators. Renowned for their expertise and genuine interest in student success, they’ll guide you through law school with insightful lectures and “wicked cool” stories from their legal practices.

2. Diverse Curriculum: Explore a vast array of legal subjects at uOttawa, a larger law school with impressive academic breadth. From Constitutional Litigation to the fascinating intersection of law and happiness, there’s a wide range of electives to choose from. Upper-year courses offer even more specialization, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals.

3. Deep Dives: Go beyond the basics and get into specialized areas of law that matter to you. uOttawa offers a range of focus areas and is especially strong in health law. Interested in environmental law? You’ll find one of the strongest concentrations of environmental law professors here as well.

4. Prioritizing Your Well-Being: uOttawa Law recognizes the importance of mental health. Students have access to mental health services, and the law school provides a wealth of on-campus resources to support your well-being throughout law school.

5. Collaborative Spirit: While law school is inherently competitive, uOttawa fosters a collaborative atmosphere. You’ll find peers who are willing to share notes, study together, and support each other through the challenges. This collegial spirit fosters a sense of camaraderie, ensuring you’re not alone in navigating the demands of law school.

6. Personalized Experience: uOttawa’s small group classes in first year provide a close-knit experience within a larger law school. You’ll benefit from personalized attention, forge lasting connections with classmates, and build a strong support network.

7. Pathway to Government: Aspiring to work in the federal government? uOttawa Law’s location offers great access. Its proximity to Parliament and other government buildings means internship and career opportunities right in the heart of Canadian government.

8. Global Reach: Pursue the Canadian-American Dual JD with American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington, DC, paying Canadian tuition for the entire four-year program. It prepares you for cross-border legal practice, should you choose that path.

9. City Life: Balance your legal studies with a social life. The University’s downtown location puts you within walking distance of the ByWard Market, renowned museums, trendy restaurants, and diverse entertainment options. And for winter enthusiasts, Ottawa has lots of ways to enjoy the snowy season.

10. Get Involved from Day One: Don’t wait until later years to make your mark. uOttawa Law offers numerous opportunities for first-year students to get involved. Participate in Law Review, join student clubs, gain valuable experience through Technoships and Santéships, or compete in the Nelligan 1L Moot. With a variety of options and a good number of positions available, you’ll find ways to contribute and gain practical experience from the very beginning.

Ottawa

The University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (uOttawa Law) is in Canada’s capital, which comes with some real advantages and a calmer pace of life than Toronto. Here’s what living there is like:

• Heart of the Government: Ottawa is the political heart of Canada. Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court of Canada, and numerous federal government agencies are all within reach of uOttawa Law. There are lots of internship opportunities, letting you gain experience working alongside policymakers and government lawyers. Being this close gives you easy access to legal proceedings and government institutions.
• Bilingual City: Ottawa is a bilingual city, where both English and French are spoken widely. uOttawa Law reflects this with its strong bilingual common law program. Learning French, Canada’s other official language, will give you a significant edge in the job market across the country.
• Cultural Hub: Beyond its political clout, Ottawa has a good cultural scene. Museums like the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian War Museum are worth the visit. The National Arts Centre hosts orchestras, theatre companies, and dance troupes. And there are festivals throughout the year, from Winterlude’s ice sculptures to Bluesfest.
• Green Escapes: Ottawa offers a surprising amount of green space, perfect for unwinding after a long day of studying law. Gatineau Park, just across the Ottawa River in Quebec, provides extensive hiking and biking trails, beautiful scenery, and cross-country skiing in winter. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes a skating rink in winter, right in the middle of the city.
• Manageable Pace: While Ottawa offers all the excitement of a capital city, it provides a more balanced pace of life compared to Toronto. Housing costs are generally more affordable, and the city is more walkable and bike-friendly. This allows you to focus on your studies while still enjoying the cultural offerings and social scene without the overwhelming energy of a larger metropolis.

If uOttawa Law 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.