University of Calgary

The University of Calgary Law: A Top Choice for Aspiring Lawyers

The University of Calgary (UofC) Law School offers a compelling combination of affordability, strong career prospects, and a supportive community. Here’s a closer look at what makes UofC Law stand out:

1. Affordability & Scholarships:

UofC Law boasts competitive tuition fees compared to other western Canadian law schools, with the exception of UVic and possibly UBC. This financial advantage is bolstered by their generous scholarship program. Significant support from the Calgary legal community translates into full-ride and substantial entrance scholarships. For some students, financial aid can cover the entire cost of tuition for all three years.

2. Big Law Powerhouse:

For aspiring big law lawyers, UofC Law is a goldmine. It consistently places a large share of its graduates into Calgary’s big law market through the 2L recruitment. Calgary offers excellent salaries, competitive with other major markets, but with a significantly lower cost of living. This means you can actually afford a house as a young lawyer!

3. A Close-Knit Community:

With class sizes hovering around 130 students, UofC Law fosters a familiar and friendly environment. You’ll likely know most of your classmates. Combined with the strong alumni presence in Calgary’s legal community, it’s not uncommon to find former classmates working on opposite sides of the same deals.

4. Upperclassmen Mentorship:

UofC Law’s active student government leverages the strengths of upper year students. They act as paid tutors, teaching assistants, and leaders of clubs and extracurricular activities. This creates a wealth of opportunities for mentorship and networking. The connections formed with upperclassmen prove invaluable, both during law school and throughout legal careers.

5. Practical and Relevant Courses:

While the “experiential learning” trend might not be for everyone, UofC Law’s course offerings are undeniably relevant to real-world practice, even in areas outside of oil & gas. Courses like “Resource Law” may sound specific, but the underlying principles apply to many practice areas. Additionally, in-depth dives into Indigenous law and regulatory work can be extremely valuable for diverse legal careers.

6. Calgary: More Than Just Cowboys (and Stampede)

Calgary might not be everyone’s dream city, but it has its own charm. It offers easy access to the outdoors with plentiful parks and a very low population density. Many neighbourhoods are quiet, clean, and lovely places to live. The Rocky Mountains are just an hour away, with the foothills providing excellent biking and cross-country skiing opportunities. And the winters, while they exist, are not as harsh as you might think. The average December and January temperature is -7°C, which is comparable to much of southern Ontario.

7. A Beautiful Law Building:

The UofC Law building itself is a real perk. Lecture spaces are bright, airy, and modern, with most boasting large windows that contribute to a positive learning environment, especially during the winter months.

8. Strong Articling Placement:

UofC Law has a strong track record of placing students in articling positions. While the focus here is on big law, the school as a whole does well at placing students across various practice areas. The regional firms in Calgary offer competitive compensation and good career advancement opportunities.

9. Diverse and Interesting Classmates:

UofC Law’s holistic admissions process, though challenging, results in a wonderfully diverse student body. Classmates range from recent undergrads (K-JDs) to established small business owners pursuing law degrees for personal enrichment. Their undergraduate backgrounds span from STEM to philosophy, creating a rich learning environment. No matter your background or interests, you’re sure to find a welcoming community at UofC Law.

So, if you’re looking for an affordable, career-focused law school with a supportive community and beautiful surroundings, UofC Law deserves serious consideration.

Calgary Living: Beyond the Stampede

Calgary, Alberta’s largest city, offers a unique blend of urban amenities, outdoor adventures, and a lower cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities. Here’s a look at some key considerations for those contemplating a move to Calgary:

Sunshine City

Calgary gets roughly 2,400 hours of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest major cities in Canada. This translates to plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Even in winter, the dry climate and frequent Chinook winds can bring surprisingly warm spells.

Four Distinct Seasons

Calgary experiences all four seasons, each with its own charm. Summers are warm and dry, perfect for exploring the city’s parks, patios, and outdoor events. Fall brings vibrant foliage and crisp air, ideal for hiking and scenic drives. Winters can be cold with snowfall, but offer opportunities for winter sports and cozy nights by the fireplace. Spring brings a welcome thaw and bursts of colour as the city comes back to life.

Outdoor Adventure Awaits

Calgary’s proximity to the Canadian Rockies makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, and whitewater rafting are all within easy reach. The city itself boasts an extensive network of pathways and parks, perfect for year-round strolls, picnics, and exploring nature.

Cultural Mosaic

Calgary is a vibrant multicultural hub with a strong sense of community. A rich Indigenous heritage is interwoven into the city’s fabric, alongside a diverse population with roots from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in Calgary’s numerous cultural festivals, restaurants serving global cuisine, and international business connections.

Cowboy Culture

Calgary embraces its western heritage. The world-famous Calgary Stampede, held every July, is a ten-day celebration of rodeo events, chuckwagon races, live music, and exhibitions. Western apparel and cowboy boots are a common sight, even outside of the Stampede season.

Lower Cost of Living

Compared to Toronto or Vancouver, Calgary offers a lower cost of living. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly more affordable. This allows residents to enjoy a higher standard of living without breaking the bank.

Job Market

Calgary’s economy is primarily driven by the energy sector, but it’s also becoming a hub for technology, finance, and professional services. The job market can be cyclical, but overall, Calgary offers opportunities for a variety of professionals.

Winters Can Be Brrr…Chilly

While Calgary winters are brightened by frequent sunshine, temperatures can dip well below freezing. Be prepared to invest in warm clothing and adjust your transportation habits during snowfalls.

Big City Amenities, Small Town Feel

Calgary offers all the conveniences of a large city, including world-class museums, theatres, sporting events, and shopping options. Yet, it retains a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of community.