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JD Program

The Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia is one of Canada’s leading Law schools. We offer an inspiring environment that combines rigorous professional

legal training with a comprehensive awareness of the role of law in society. We are committed to being one of the world’s great centres for legal education and research.

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Welcome from the Dean

The Allard School of Law was founded in 1945 with the ambition of educating veterans returning from the Second World War. Those early years forged the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the law school, and in the 70 years since its doors opened the law school’s graduates have gone on to become leaders in the legal profession, in business, in government, and in civil society – in the province, the nation, and around the world.

The founding of our law school coincided with a revolution in international human rights law and the emergence of international criminal law, two of the areas that are now vital to the pursuit of justice the world over, and we continue to have a strong global focus in research and programming at the Allard School of Law. As well, located on the traditional, ancestral, un-ceded territory of the Musqueam people, the law school is proud to be a leader in Indigenous legal education in North America. Indigenous traditions are a vital area of legal innovation for Canada in the twenty-first century, and we strive to prepare our students to be part of this future.

In 2015, the law school at UBC was named the Peter A. Allard School of Law in recognition of the transformative gift of one of our alumni. This gift will enhance a rich and broad program of legal education, delivered by a dedicated group of teachers and scholars who are recognized nationally and internationally for the insight and impact of their work.

It is a pleasure to introduce you to the Allard School of Law community. Legal education is, for many of us, a life-changing experience. As you contemplate this adventure, I stand along with all of the Allard School of Law faculty, staff, alumni, and upper year students, ready to support your learning and your ambitions for the future.

I look forward to the opportunity to meet you in person.

Sincerely,

Catherine Dauvergne, Dean & Professor

It is a great privilege to serve as the eighth Dean of the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. Situated on UBC’s magnificent Point Grey Campus and now housed in the beautiful, state-of-the-art Allard Hall, we are a community comprised of faculty at the forefront of the intellectual development of the law; students whose ability and passion drive them to extraordinary achievements; and alumni who continually demonstrate the values of justice and service that are the foundation of the legal profession.

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We are proud of our outstanding JD program. Our students receive a first-rate legal education that balances traditional areas of practice with emerging fields of specialization. First year consists of a common curriculum with classes in Canadian Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Property Law, Torts, Legal Research and Writing, Public Law and Transnational Law. Most classes are taught in groups of approximately 45, providing students with more opportunities to receive detailed feedback from their professors than is possible in larger classes. Diverse evaluation methods are used to accommodate a broad range of learning styles. We offer a wide range of courses and many opportunities for specialization, international exchange and experiential learning.

Learning 

Career Services OfficeOur Career Services Office is dedicated to providing support to students in their individual career-related goals. Their services include one-on-one counselling, professional development workshops, recruitment and networking events, a resource library and an online careers portal. Learn more by visiting: allard.ubc.ca/career-services.

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Pictured above, right: The Richards Buell Sutton Reading Room is located on the second floor of the UBC Law library.

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Environmental & Natural Resources LawOur internationally recognized program draws on the talents of a highly distinguished and dedicated team of faculty. We offer a broad array of core and specialty courses, and the opportunity to obtain a specialization in Environmental and Natural Resources Law.

Business LawThe Allard School of Law is home to the Centre for Business Law, which provides a robust, interdisciplinary and empirical research environment for research and scholarship in business law and finance policy, focused on both domestic and international comparative law. Our faculty are leading scholars in many areas of business law. Students have the option of graduating with a Business Law Concentration.

Aboriginal LawThe Allard School of Law is a leader in Aboriginal legal education in North America. The Indigenous Legal Studies Program offers a broad range of courses covering Aboriginal law and Indigenous legal issues, taught by distinguished faculty. Students can gain valuable experience through the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic which serves urban Indigenous clients in Vancouver’s downtown eastside, build oral advocacy skills through participation in the national Aboriginal moot, or become involved with the vibrant UBC Indigenous Law Students’ Association. We also offer a Specialization in Aboriginal Law, a course of study open to all JD students that thoroughly prepares them for practice in this area.

Feminist Legal StudiesThrough a dynamic curriculum that engages in leading socio-legal feminist research, a regular lecture series, a monthly publication and a student-run club, this program provides opportunities for students, scholars and the wider feminist legal community to come together, build networks, collaborate on research and exchange ideas.

Law & Social Justice Students have the opportunity to take a variety of courses relating to the use of law to achieve social justice, or pursue a Specialization in Law and Social Justice. Courses included in this field examine the role of law in constructing and maintaining social, economic and political inequalities.

International OpportunitiesThrough partnerships with the University of Hong Kong and the University of Hawai’i, students at the Allard School of Law have the opportunity to start their education here and then complete them in these schools, allowing them to pursue professional qualifications in both jurisdictions. Another partnership with Melbourne Law School allows eligible JD students to enroll in the LLM program in Melbourne in lieu of their final semester of JD study.

Dual JD / MBAThe four-year JD/ MBA program allows students to graduate with a JD from the Allard School of Law and an MBA from the Sauder School of Business.

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Janine Benedet, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs

“The word that best describes the JD classrooms at the Allard School of Law is ‘dynamic.’ Our JD students bring tremendous energy to learning, at a time when our laws and the societies they serve are changing rapidly. Our students want to know not only what the law ‘is’ but why it is that way and what it might become. It’s both a challenge and a real pleasure to collaborate with them in that process.”

Assistant Professor Graham Reynolds

“I consider myself fortunate to be a faculty member of a law school that is so deeply committed to teaching. It’s exciting to work with and learn from colleagues whose teaching I find innovative and inspiring. It’s a pleasure, as well, to have the opportunity to engage with so many outstanding students, both inside and outside of the classroom. As someone who is passionate about law teaching, I couldn’t ask for a better environment in which to work.”

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The Allard School of Law is committed to recruiting outstanding teachers and scholars who are leaders in their fields of research. With over 45 full-time professors, we are home to a remarkably dynamic, accomplished and diverse group of faculty who produce innovative and influential legal research. Many are globally recognized for their groundbreaking work in numerous areas of law, from human rights and sustainability to Aboriginal and family law. They are also dedicated teachers, committed to equipping our students with the skills that will enable them to become productive and socially responsible lawyers and citizens. In addition to our full-time faculty, each year we invite industry-experienced practitioners to teach in their areas of expertise. These passionate and inspiring adjunct professors offer students a valuable connection to the profession.

Inspiration

“The professors at the Allard School of Law have led truly impactful careers, and at the highest levels. Soon after I joined law school I realized that this was true of every professor I came into contact with. I’ve been able to see the effects of their work on our legal system, which has made me feel incredibly privileged to be learning from these individuals. Seeing their passion for their work has influenced me in many ways, and has helped me find interests of my own that I had not known existed. ”

Andrew Smukowich / JD student

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Law school is much more than classes and seminars. It offers incredible opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom through student-run publications, student government, community advocacy and outreach and numerous social and academic events and activities held throughout the year. There is a strong sense of community here and the Allard School of Law is committed to creating a supportive and respectful environment for its students. Our orientation program is designed to ensure that first-year students enjoy their introduction to the study of law and to all that UBC has to offer. Additionally, small class sizes allow students to get to know their fellow classmates better, receive the support they need to succeed and ensure their law school experience is an enjoyable one.

Community

“The thing I love the most about the Allard School of Law is that students here get what they give. The staff and faculty will go miles out of their way to support you, whether you need exam advice or help securing the job you’ve always wanted. And giving back to your Faculty, your fellow students, and your professors is a deeply rewarding experience. They say that a good mentor is hard to find, but I have found so many here. Our clinical programs, like the Innocence Project, offer a chance to work alongside experienced lawyers, gain practical skills, and improve access to justice. These lessons will truly last a lifetime.”

Naomi Moses / JD student

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Pictured above, right: Meet the 2015 – 2016 Student Ambassadors.

Competitive Mooting The Allard School of Law has an exceptionally strong competitive mooting program, with numerous teams participating in competitions at the regional, national and international levels. These competitions cover a broad range of legal topics. The local bench and bar actively contribute to the mooting experience by acting as advisors, coaches and judges for our teams. With this strong support, our students have enjoyed great success in competitive moot competitions.

In the CommunityThere are many opportunities for students to get involved in the community and apply their learning from law school. The Law Students’ Legal Advice Program is a student-run organization providing free legal advice to those who would not otherwise be able to afford it. It is the largest provider of free legal services in BC and advises 5,000 clients each year at clinics located throughout the Lower Mainland. Other clinical experiences can be obtained through Pro Bono Students Canada, the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic and the Innocence Project. The Judicial Externship Program provides students with the opportunity to serve as interns to the judges of the BC Provincial Court.

Student GovernmentThe Allard Law Students’ Society is the elected government for the JD student body and represents students’ interests, both socially and academically. The group hosts numerous social events throughout the year and members sit on various

Faculty committees to represent the student body on issues such as curriculum, admissions and examinations. Learn more at allardlss.com.

Academic PublicationsThe UBC Law Review and The Canadian Journal of Family Law are journals produced by the Allard School of Law to which students can contribute. Contributing to these publications is both a rewarding experience and an opportunity to meet leading scholars and work with members of the judiciary and legal community.

Student Clubs & Organizations There are many opportunities to get involved in student clubs and organizations. Whether it is the Asia Pacific Law Club, Law Revue, Environmental Law Club or Women’s Caucus, students are sure to find a club or organization that matches their interests.

Student AmbassadorsThe Student Ambassador Program assists prospective and admitted students in making an informed decision about applying to or accepting an offer from Allard School of Law. The student ambassadors are second and third year students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and provide information and impressions about the law school experience, life at the law school or living in Vancouver. Find out more at: allard.ubc.ca/ambassadors or contact an ambassador at ambassadors@allard.ubc.ca.

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Degree Offerings & Part-Time Program

Each year the Allard School of Law admits approximately 185 students to first-year law, for a total population of approximately 550 students in the JD program.

JD ProgramIn order to graduate, students must complete 92 credits consisting of a variety of compulsory and elective courses, seminars, workshops and directed research projects. The JD is a three-year degree program with a compulsory first-year curriculum (32 credits) and broad course selection available in second and third years (60 credits over two years).

Indigenous Legal Studies ProgramThe Allard School of Law has a strong Aboriginal law curriculum that attracts a high number of Aboriginal law students each year. Applicants with Aboriginal ancestry and demonstrable Aboriginal community connections may apply as discretionary applicants in the Indigenous category. For more information, please contact the Associate Director of the Indigenous Legal Studies Program at ilsp@allard.ubc.ca or 604.822.2177. JD/ MBA ProgramThis four-year program is administered jointly by the Sauder School of Business and the Allard School of Law. The program prepares students for the practice of law and / or a career in business administration. Interested applicants are required to apply directly to both Faculties, indicating their desire to be considered for the combined JD/ MBA Program.

International OpportunitiesThe Allard School of Law has Joint Legal Education programs with the University of Hong Kong and the University of Hawai’i. Students may apply to these programs in their second year at UBC. Upon completion, students are able to pursue professional qualifications in Canada and Hong Kong or Canada and the United States. The Allard School of Law also has an agreement with Melbourne Law School that will allow eligible JD students at either law school to enroll in an LLM program at the partner institution in lieu of their final term or semester of JD study. Participating students will receive JD and LLM degrees in three and a half years of full-time study.

Part-Time JD programThere are opportunities to attend law school on a part-time basis for students who have family responsibilities or other barriers preventing them from full-time studies. Learn more at: allard.ubc.ca/jdadmissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline? The application deadline for first year is December 1st. The deadline for those applying in the upper level categories is April 30th.

How much is the application fee? The application fee is $86.50 and is non-refundable. It can be paid either by cheque or credit card (credit card if you are applying online and cheque if you are sending in a paper application).

How much does it cost to attend law school? Tuition for domestic students starting first year in 2015 / 2016 is $364.91 per credit ($11,677.12 for first year and $10,947.30 for each of second and third year – note that the amount for upper years can vary depending on how many credits are taken in each year). For international students, it is $792.47 per credit. Student fees are approximately $880 per year. Tuition and fees are subject to change. For current tuition information, visit: allard.ubc.ca/tuition.

What is the minimum CGPA I require to apply to Allard School of Law? What about the LSAT? There is no specific minimum LSAT score or CGPA for students applying to the law school. Over the years, successful applicants within the Regular Category had an average GPA of 83% – approximately 3.85 – with an LSAT score of 166. The CGPA and LSAT are given equal weight and the personal statement is also factored into the admissions decisions. CGPAs have ranged from 73% to 93% and LSAT scores can range from 156 to 179.

Do I have to have a four-year undergraduate degree prior to applying to law school?To be considered for admission, applicants must have successfully completed three years (minimum 90 credits) of an approved course of studies leading to an undergraduate degree at an approved university no later than the end of April in the year of entry. Please note, when applying with three years, a full year (30 credits) of upper-level courses must also be completed by the end of the spring semester.

What are other categories that I can apply under?There are other degree-granting admissions categories, one of which is the Discretionary Category. Because of special circumstances, an applicant may not satisfy the regular admissions requirements but may have other relevant achievements and experience. The Admissions Committee has the discretion to respond to this type of situation by taking into account factors such as disability or special needs, financial disadvantage, age, membership in a historically

disadvantaged group and any other factors that the applicant wishes the Admissions Committee to consider. Learn more about this and other admissions categories at: allard.ubc.ca/jdadmissions.

Can I transfer from another law school?Applicants who have started their JD at another Canadian law school may apply to transfer to the Allard School of Law after completing their first year. If the first year curriculum differs from that offered at the Allard School of Law, an applicant may be required to complete one or more first year class(es) in conjunction with their upper level classes. Applicants who are currently attending law school elsewhere may apply to attend for one year or one term for credit back to their home law school within the Letter of Permission category. Foreign-trained lawyers have the option of taking the Master of Laws Common Law Program (LLM CL), a full-time, year-long, course-based master’s program that provides foundational training in Canadian common law for foreign or non-common law trained lawyers. Please see the graduate program admissions guide for more information on the LLM CL or visit allard.ubc.ca/admissions/graduate-degree-programs.

What about awards, bursaries and financial aid? Each year we distribute more than $800,000 to incoming and current students in recognition of their achievements as well as to those who demonstrate financial need. All accepted applicants are automatically considered for entrance scholarships based on academic merit. If you require further information about government student loans or grant programs, or if you have general questions, please contact an Enrolment Services Professional at es.lawsupport@ubc.ca.

For more information on admissions, please visit: allard.ubc.ca/jdadmissions. International students, please visit: connectionsforlife.ubc.ca. For all other inquiries, please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@allard.ubc.ca or 604.822.6303.

Admissions Information

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Living in Vancouver

Consistently rated one of the best places in the world to live, Vancouver offers wonderful balance between bustling city life and the great outdoors. Bordered by mountains and beaches, Vancouver is a city of energy and new ideas.

Our stunning Vancouver campus is situated in a park-like setting of over 1,000 hectares across a forested peninsula overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Coast Mountains. The university is easily accessible by public transit. To learn more about housing options at and around UBC, visit: housing.ubc.ca .

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Allard Hall1822 East MallVancouver, BC Canada v6t 1z1

allard.ubc.ca