University of Toronto Faculty of Law
The University of Toronto Faculty of Law stands as Canada's most prestigious and internationally recognized law school, consistently ranked first nationally and among the world's top 20 law schools globally. Founded in 1887, the faculty has shaped Canadian legal education and produced generations of leaders including Supreme Court justices, prime ministers, provincial premiers, and influential practitioners across every area of law. The faculty offers the Juris Doctor (JD) program, which combines rigorous doctrinal training with extensive opportunities for practical experience and specialized study. Students benefit from an exceptionally low student-to-faculty ratio and access to professors who are leading authorities in their fields. The international scope of the faculty is reflected in its diverse student body, global exchange opportunities, and curriculum addressing transnational legal issues. Located in the heart of Toronto's legal district, students have direct access to Canada's largest legal market, major courts, and countless internship and employment opportunities. The faculty's commitment to public interest law is demonstrated through robust clinical programs and pro bono requirements. Combined degree programs with other U of T faculties enable interdisciplinary study across business, public policy, and other fields. Graduates join an influential alumni network spanning every sector of the legal profession, government, and business leadership across Canada and internationally.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Type
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Law student life at U of T centers on Flavelle House and Jackman Law Building, the connected structures that house the faculty. Students gather in common rooms between classes, form study groups in library spaces, and build the relationships that will sustain careers decades hence. Toronto's attractions extend student life beyond campus boundaries. The city offers cultural institutions from the Royal Ontario Museum to the Art Gallery of Ontario, professional sports teams, restaurants representing every global cuisine, and neighborhoods each with distinct character. International students find communities from their home countries and exposure to cultures they had never encountered. Student organizations address every imaginable interest. Specialty law associations connect students with practice areas from environmental to entertainment law. Identity-based groups provide community for students from underrepresented backgrounds. The law review and other journals offer scholarly publishing experience. The competitive atmosphere that characterizes many elite law schools exists at U of T, but the relatively small class size allows genuine community as well. Students who struggle with the workload find peers willing to help rather than merely competitors seeking advantage. Moot court programs provide advocacy experience through simulated appellate arguments. The school fields teams in international competitions and regularly performs at the highest levels.
Location & Surroundings
Toronto functions as Canada's financial and legal capital, concentrating the largest law firms, major banks, and corporate headquarters in a walkable downtown core. The Faculty of Law sits at the university's downtown campus, steps from the courts and offices where students will eventually practice. The city's multiculturalism has reshaped what "Canadian" means over recent decades. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, and Greektown maintain distinct characters while new communities from South Asia, the Middle East, and elsewhere add additional layers. This environment provides natural exposure to the diversity of Canadian society and the people whom lawyers serve. Climate brings genuine seasons, from humid summers to cold winters that require serious clothing. Snow and freezing temperatures arrive by December and persist through March, though the underground PATH system allows movement through downtown without exposure. Spring and fall offer mild weather perfect for exploring the city. Housing costs in Toronto have risen substantially, making the city one of Canada's most expensive. Students should budget carefully and expect to live farther from campus than ideal or in smaller spaces than comfortable. The transit system, while imperfect, connects most neighborhoods to downtown. The university campus provides green space and beautiful buildings within the urban environment. Queen's Park and the nearby Annex neighborhood offer escape from downtown density.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at the Faculty of Law runs higher than most Canadian law schools, reflecting the school's resources and reputation. Domestic students face fees approaching $40,000 annually, while international students pay substantially more. Living costs in Toronto add considerably to the overall investment. Financial aid packages help manage costs for students with demonstrated need. Scholarships based on merit and need reduce the burden for many. Loan programs, including government student loans for Canadian citizens, spread costs over post-graduation years. The school's career outcomes generally make the investment financially sensible, though debt levels require careful management. Employment outcomes rank among Canada's best. Major national and international law firms recruit heavily from U of T, and graduates command top salaries in the private sector. Clerkships at the Supreme Court of Canada and provincial appellate courts go disproportionately to U of T graduates. Public interest and government positions attract students motivated by causes rather than compensation. The alumni network extends across Canadian law and into business, government, and academia. Former prime ministers, chief justices, and leading practitioners create a lineage that current students inherit. These connections open doors throughout careers. International students can work in Canada through post-graduation work permits, with pathways to permanent residence for those who wish to stay. The J.D. degree also travels well, with U of T graduates practicing globally.
Campus Location
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