University of Alberta Law School

The University of Alberta Faculty of Law (U of A Law) offers a mix of academic rigour, extracurricular opportunities, and city life. Let’s take a closer look to see if U of A Law aligns with your priorities.

Learning:

• Course offerings and specialization: While the U of A doesn’t have a strict specialization, it offers a broad range of courses. You can find the current course descriptions and timetable on the Faculty’s academic resources page, and explore the faculty listing to learn about professor expertise. Generally, the school has a strong focus on:
  • Criminal Law: The criminal justice program is particularly strong, allowing you to get courtroom experience quickly and take on a significant caseload. Student Legal Services gives students lots of hands-on experience. The combination of excellent criminal law professors and that student clinic makes for a good environment for aspiring criminal lawyers. There are also frequent virtual events where experienced criminal justice practitioners share their insights and guidance.
  • Family Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Natural Resources Law
  • Indigenous Law
• Library: While it may not be the most Instagrammable, the U of A Law library is one of the biggest in Canada, offering a massive collection of legal resources in a well-organized space.
• Class size & interaction: U of A Law boasts a student body of roughly 525, resulting in smaller class sizes compared to some larger universities. This can facilitate more professor-student interaction, potentially leading to professors knowing students by name. However, smaller class sizes may also limit course availability. With big names like Sankoff and Bottos teaching criminal law, you’re in good hands.
• Extracurriculars: The Faculty offers a variety of clubs catering to diverse interests, from environmental law associations to student legal publications. This allows students to explore their passions outside the classroom. However, the range of extracurricular options may be narrower than at larger institutions.
• Experiential learning:
  • Mock trials and appeals (moots): Students argue cases, gaining courtroom experience and feedback from legal professionals.
  • Real-world projects: Students can volunteer with Student Legal Services or the Alberta Law Reform Institute, applying their knowledge to real-life situations.
  • Internships: Placements with organizations like the Alberta Utilities Commission allow students to assist with legal work under supervision.
  • Externships: These extended placements immerse students in specific legal areas, like Aboriginal justice.
  • Interactive coursework: Many classes incorporate simulations and role-playing exercises, giving students a taste of legal practice.
  • Student clinics (through the Student Legal Services (SLS) program):
    • How to Apply: Apply in Fall for most SLS projects, with near-guaranteed spots. Larger projects (Criminal and Civil/Family) might require upper-year status for your own case files. Smaller projects (Human Rights, Legal Education, Wills) are open to 1Ls. Apply separately for non-SLS clinics (course credit offered). These are competitive.
    • SLS clinic examples: Criminal, Civil/Family, Human Rights, Legal Education, Wills.
    • Non-SLS clinic examples: Business Law, Innocence Canada, Mental Health Court, Utilities Commission, JAG.

Community:

• Urban vs. rural: Located in Edmonton, Alberta, U of A Law sits within an urban centre with a population of over one million. This gives students access to a busy cultural scene, big-league sporting events, and the Rocky Mountains for outdoor enthusiasts. But they’re not exactly next door: Jasper is about a four-hour drive, and my favourite hike in the area, Wilcox Pass off the Icefields Parkway, is about a 4.5-hour drive away. Closer to home, you’ve got Elk Island National Park a half-hour outside the city for some cross-country skiing, or the river valley for great bike paths. It stays sunny all year round, even in the cold winters.
• On-campus vs. off-campus living: U of A provides various on-campus housing options, allowing for a more traditional university experience. However, students seeking a more independent lifestyle or desiring deeper integration into the Edmonton community can explore numerous off-campus housing options. The law school is close to several popular student neighbourhoods, including Downtown/Oliver, Strathcona, and Garneau. These areas offer easy commutes by foot, bus, or LRT. If you choose to live further out, be sure to research the area’s safety beforehand.
• Social scene: The Law Students’ Association organizes social events, fostering a sense of community among students. Additionally, student clubs and opportunities like moot courts provide avenues to connect with like-minded peers. If you stay in the summer, Edmonton is known for its festival culture: Heritage Days, Folk Fest, and the Fringe are just a few of them. The city has plenty of artistic talent, and its festivals give you lots to do without leaving town. Whyte Avenue, a bustling strip with restaurants and bars, is a short walk away.

Values:

• Causes & community: Edmonton itself is a diverse and multicultural city. The Faculty encourages engagement with social justice issues through initiatives like Student Legal Services and the Aboriginal Law Students’ Association. However, the extent to which these initiatives align with your specific social justice interests is an important consideration.
• Network & family: The University’s alumni network is extensive, with graduates across Canada and internationally. This can be valuable for students seeking professional connections or mentorship. However, the strength of the network in your desired geographic area or legal specialization is an important factor to consider.
• Money: If you’re an out-of-province student applying for government loans, you’ll apply through your home province’s student loan organization. The University of Alberta offers scholarships and bursaries to help ease the financial burden. There’s a partial class ranking system. The top 10% of students make the Dean’s List, which is publicly available. Additionally, students with a GPA above a certain threshold (around the top 15-20%) get a transcript notation, but this list isn’t public. The top 3 students overall receive medals and scholarships.

Location, Location, Location

The University of Alberta Faculty of Law’s location in Edmonton, Alberta, is a key factor to consider when making your decision. Here’s a breakdown of Edmonton’s urban environment to help you assess if it aligns with your needs. This LSAT Tutor doesn’t live in Edmonton, but he used to! I still have a few insider tips.

Pros:

• Lower Cost of Living: Compared to major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Edmonton is surprisingly affordable for a large city. This can be a major advantage for students managing expenses on loans or part-time work. The average student can comfortably afford a one-bedroom apartment, and finding a place to live is relatively easy. Grocery stores near campus might be pricier, but overall, it’s cheaper than many other options. And coming from outside Alberta? Even better: there’s no provincial sales tax!
• Arts & Culture Scene: Edmonton has a lively arts scene with numerous festivals, museums, and theatres. The city is a hub for music, particularly known for its strong folk scene. West Edmonton Mall (WEM) is a behemoth, housing an entire indoor water park, ice rink, mini-golf courses, a shooting range, a theatre, a gym, an aquarium, an indoor go-kart track, and pretty much any store you could imagine. If that’s what you’re into.
• Natural Beauty & Outdoor Activities: Edmonton is well-situated for nature enthusiasts. The North Saskatchewan River valley runs right through the city and is one of the largest urban parklands in North America. The Canadian Rockies are within weekend-trip range (Jasper is about four hours away by car). That puts hiking, skiing, camping, and other outdoor adventures within reach.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Edmonton has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and is a growing tech hub. This can be an attractive quality for students interested in pursuing legal careers in areas like intellectual property or business law.

Cons:

• Cold Winters: Edmonton is known for its long, cold winters. If you dislike harsh winters, this could be a significant drawback. Be prepared for temperatures dipping well below freezing and plenty of snowfall.
• Transit System: Edmonton has a public transit system with buses and LRT, and as a student you can ride it with the U-Pass included in your student fees. Still, it might not be as extensive or efficient as those in larger cities like Montreal or Toronto. Owning a car may be more convenient for getting around, adding to transportation costs.
• Limited Nightlife: Compared to Montreal or Vancouver, Edmonton’s nightlife scene might be considered less energetic. While there are bars, clubs, and entertainment options, the selection may be narrower.
• Job Market: While the job market is improving, Edmonton’s economy may not be as diversified as other major Canadian cities. This could be a factor to consider if you’re particularly interested in specific legal specializations.

Remember: This is one perspective. Be sure to research further and connect with the school directly for the most up-to-date information.

If U of A 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.