University of Calgary Faculty of Law
The information on this page was provided by the law school.
Official Guide to Canadian JD Programs
The Calgary Curriculum places University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law at the forefront of innovation in North American legal education. Our curriculum is rigorous, it is relevant, and more realistically connects how we teach with how you learn. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need for future professional success.
The JD Program
Our Juris Doctor (JD) program will prepare you for a variety of roles within the legal system, lays the groundwork for the development of competent, talented, creative and sensitive professionals, and will ensure that you are ready for the rapidly changing legal marketplace.
The program satisfies the requirements of the Law Societies of common law Canada for admission to the practice of law.
International Energy Lawyers program
The International Energy Lawyers Program (IELP) is a joint JD program with the University of Houston Law Center that allows you to earn both Canadian and American law degrees in four years, and can apply for admission to the bars in both Canada and the US. You will develop highly-marketable skills for the energy and resources industry across North America, and employment opportunities are high because the program is structure to facilitate internships and networking opportunities in the energy industry.
Combined JD/MBA
The combined JD/MBA program, offered in partnership by the Faculty of Law and the Haskayne School of Business, is designed to develop skilled, knowledgeable leaders ready to stand out in the highly competitive global market.
This four-year program combines legal and management studies, and prepares graduates for positions in fields such as corporate law, commercial litigation, international law, management consulting, government service and politics, taxation, finance and accounting, and environmental management.
JD/MBA students typically complete their first year of studies at the Faculty of Law, the second year at the Haskayne School of Business, and the third and fourth years combining their studies.
Through the JD/MBA, you will cover a wide range of topics. The core courses in law will explore such topics as constitutional law, contracts, property law, dispute resolution, administrative law, business associations and ethical lawyering. The business courses will develop and fine-tune your knowledge and practical skills in the areas of finance and accounting, people and organizations, supply chain and business analysis, and leadership development.
Combined JD/MPP
Offered with The School of Public Policy, the JD/MPP (Master of Public Policy) combines the study of law and public policy across a wide variety of areas, including resources and the environment, economic and social issues, international policy, as well as taxation, regulation and public finance.
Over 3.5 years, you will develop your legal skills and your ability to understand, analyze, develop and implement public policy, and you will be ready to take on senior leadership roles in public or private sectors where coordinated legal and policy expertise is required to achieve success.
You must apply and be admitted to both the Faculty of Law and The School of Public Policy.
Please note: If you have previously completed an MPP, you are not eligible for the joint program.
Certification in Common Law In French
UCalgary Law is pleased to offer the Certification in common law in French — Certification de common law en français (CCLF) — through a partnership with the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. We are one of only two law schools in Canada to offer this unique opportunity to our students.
Through the CCLF program, select UCalgary Law students with French-language ability will gain valuable skills in French legal writing and advocacy, as well as a deep understanding of the important issues surrounding language rights in Canada. Students who earn the CCLF will help to increase access to justice for French-speaking clients in Alberta, and across Canada, a group that is commonly underserved in the legal system due to language barriers.
Experiential Learning
Explore the many clinical courses that allow you to put your knowledge to work in real-world situations, from business and environmental law, to tax law and pro bono work.
Mooting & Debating
You can participate in both non-credit and credit moots during your time at UCalgary Law.
International & Civil Law Study
Third-year students have the opportunity to take an approved program of legal studies at an international law school or a civil law school within Canada. The upper-year international requirement can be completed by an international exchange for one academic term if approved by the Associate Dean. The most logical term for exchange is the fall term of third year, when no mandatory courses are scheduled.
Judicial Clerkships
UCalgary Law students have secured judicial clerkships with all levels of courts from those at the provincial level, federally and at the Supreme Court of Canada. Through a judicial clerkship you will gain an inside view of the judicial system, work directly with judges and further develop your research, legal writing and ability to analyze legal problems. A judicial clerkship is prized by many in the legal community and will add lasting value to your professional profile.
Student Life
Living on Campus
Living on campus is affordable and convenient. Crowsnest Hall is available for upper year undergraduate, law, graduate students, mature students (27+ years old), students that have already completed an undergrad, and those that are UCalgary affiliated. Crowsnest Hall houses 394 residents in studio, one, and two bedroom apartments with private bathrooms and full kitchens that include refrigerator, microwave, stove, oven, kitchen table and chairs. Features of the building include a community lounge overlooking an open green space, additional community kitchen, study rooms and academic project room on the main floor.
Living off Campus
There are some great neighborhoods around the university where many law students choose to live.
Clubs & Sports
Law school is more than lectures and late nights. It is also about connecting with new friends, engaging your interests, and building a unique three-year experience. As a student in the Faculty of Law, you will have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities that achieve these ends. Several student clubs host networking events and offer programs that will connect you to legal industry. Others provide a chance to learn about a particular area of the law, like environmental law, for example. Some, like rugby or hockey, offer a chance to stay active in a social setting. Each provides a chance to tailor your experience.
Diversity & Inclusion
Our student clubs and university-wide resources provide a welcoming and supportive experience for our community, and our close ties with the legal community – including the Legal Leaders for Diversity and the Association of Women Lawyers, to name a few – allows you to be involved and welcomed to the profession from your first day at UCalgary Law.
Indigenous Initiatives at UCalgary Law
Walking Parallel Paths Together In a Good Way
In 2017, we convened our first standing committee on Indigenous strategy. Our mandate includes not only developing responses to the ii' taa' poh' to' p strategy and the TRC Calls to Action, but, more broadly, the support of our current Indigenous law students and the recruitment of future Indigenous law students.
We have made good progress to date. In our first-year curriculum:
- All students participated in the Kairos blanket exercise during their Foundations of Law and Justice course;
- Students visited the Blackfoot Crossing historical site - the site of the signing of Treaty 7 - for a day of treaty education;
- Students participated in the Canadian Bar Associations' "The Path" programming on Indigenous legal issues.
We have also expanded our second- and third-year program offerings, including five new courses:
- Indigenous Peoples and the Law
- Indigenous Legal Theory
Future Black Law Students
The Black Student Equitable Admission Process or BSEAP is an optional opportunity for applicants who self-identify as being of Black African descent, or multi-racial students identifying with their Black ancestry that provides space and visibility for Black applicants to speak about their lived experience and the barriers they have overcome. It is intended to address the under representation of Black students within our law school and the larger legal community and lessen the systemic barriers that exist that lead to the under-representation of Black law students and, consequently, Black lawyers.
Active Living
The University of Calgary is committed to providing access to quality fitness and sports facilities to students and the community. An all-access membership is included in student enrolment fees, so students are already members! The University of Calgary Active Living department is one of the largest and most diverse recreation providers based on a North American campus. Each year more than a million students, staff and community members check-in to our various facilities: North America's largest Outdoor Centre with climbing and bouldering walls, a gymnastics centre, an Olympic-sized pool, a fitness centre with 200m track, Canada’s largest university racquet centre, five gymnasiums and the Olympic Oval.
Getting Around Calgary
Learn how to get around the City with Calgary Transit using your UPass. The UPass allows full-time students to have unlimited access to Calgary Transit Services. all eligible students can access their UPass directly on their mobile devices through the MYfARE APP.
Campus Events
Take in events happening across campus, from lectures to drama performances.
Around Town
Take a study break and check out the latest restaurant or newest band playing in the city.
Career Placement and Bar Passage
Tuition and Aid
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition |
$15,916.00
|
| Fees |
$1,613.00
|
| Expected Cost of Attendance |
$17,529.00
|
Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards
The deadline to apply for scholarships, bursaries and awards has been extended to June 1, unless otherwise stated.
You are encouraged to apply for scholarships, awards and bursaries online. You can fill out one application form to be considered for all of the scholarships, awards and bursaries listed on the registrar site. If no application information is listed, the award is granted automatically by the Academic Status Committee based on the stated criteria.
We strongly encourage all students who have received an offer or are on the waitlist to apply for scholarships and bursaries on the My Financials page of your Student Centre. The deadline to apply is May 1.
Differential Tuition Bursaries (DTB) have a separate assessment process. The Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) Office usually notifies successful DTB candidates by email in late August.
Applicants to the JD program are automatically considered for the UCalgary Law Entrance Awards of Excellence, which are awarded no later than March 31.
If you have questions regarding the awards application or process, please contact the Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) office directly at ucawards@ucalgary.ca.
Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers
When we assess your application, we will be looking for evidence that you are likely ready to succeed academically in law school and positively contribute to your community. To do this, we use a very comprehensive assessment process.
All aspects of the application will be taken into consideration, and there is no specific weighting assigned to any of the factors. Your work experience, extra-curricular activities, and community involvement are considered very important.
UCalgary Law encourages applications from persons who have been in the work force after university, or who have come to university after their work experience.
We also have additional admission processes for students that self identify as Indigenous and Black. Check out our Black Future Law Student and Indigenous Initiatives information under Student Life below!