JD Program

The JD Program

 

The Faculty of Law JD program is directed to preparing students for a variety of roles within the legal system. Our program recognizes that the law school is both a professional school related to the practicing legal community with which we have a strong relationship, as well as part of the University of Calgary, an academic research institution with a tradition of scholarly activity. Designed to lay the groundwork for the development of competent, talented, creative and sensitive professionals, our program prepares students for the rapidly changing society in which the imagination and human qualities of the legally trained person are likely to be challenged to the fullest.

 

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Curriculum:

One of the greatest strengths of the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law is our modern curriculum that permits students to study all important areas of law, while allowing an emphasis on natural resources, energy and environmental law. Students are provided with basic substantive knowledge and skills in their first year before pursuing general or specialized interests in their second and third years. See descriptions of our courses, both compulsory and optional, as well as a list of our optional courses by area of concentration.

Excellence in lawyering:

Our JD students will acquire a strong grounding in the substantive areas of law. Our program is also designed to develop students' skills in legal writing, drafting, research, consensual dispute resolution, advocacy, interviewing, counseling and negotiation. We place an emphasis on the human element involved in any legal career, including considerations of professional responsibility, ethics, and working in a diverse society.

Experiential learning:

We believe that experiential learning is an important part of a sound legal education, and offer many opportunities for such learning throughout the program. These include our required Block Week dispute resolution courses, classroom exercises, simulations, our mooting and debating program, our clinical courses, and our international exchanges. Students may choose to volunteer at our Student Legal Assistance clinic or with Pro Bono Students.

Small program size:

Our 100 student per year intake facilitates experiential learning and the development of skills. The small program size also facilitates student interaction in classes and between the years, as well as student contact with faculty members. We strive to offer as many three-section first year classes as possible, with no section exceeding 50 students. Fundamental Legal Skills tutorial groups are in the 20-student range.