The scales of justice pictured in a court surrounding

So you want to be a lawyer?

Law school is a three-year program, followed by 12 months of "Articling," where you work under the supervision of a practising lawyer and develop your lawyering skills.

We get it.

In the past year, how many times have you been asked "Where do you see yourself in ten years?" Everyone wants to know what your game plan is, and they want to know you're planning for the future. It's easy to try to find one answer for that question, and maybe you've even responded by telling people you want to become a lawyer.

At UCalgary Law, we encourage you to keep your options open. Even if you're currently an excellent debater and you love to write, you might find your true passion for anthropology or marketing.

While it's good to have goals, be sure that you're not so focused on the idea of becoming a lawyer that you forget to look around at all of the other options that are open to you.

Sign with UCalgary logo by the entrance to the main campus

There are many areas of the law you can practice, and many different places to do so. From practicing in a large full-service firm, to working for the government, working in smaller local and boutique firms or with public interest organizations. Lawyers often work in contracts, real estate transactions, and wills and trusts. Some lawyers work on business or family law negotiations. Criminal lawyers regularly appear in court on behalf of their clients. Other lawyers work with organizations to protect the environment or human rights. And some lawyers go on to become judges at various levels of court across the country.

Becoming a lawyer isn't the only career you can pursue with a law degree. Studying law opens doors to many different career paths, because the skills you develop in law school can translate to a variety of career options.

Alternative careers to consider include:

  • Academic
  • Auditor
  • Banking and finance
  • Business analyst
  • Career counsellor
  • Careers in government and politics
  • Compliance officer
  • Consumer advocate
  • Employee benefits manager
  • Entrepreneur
  • Executive director of a non-profit organization
  • Immigration officer
  • Labour negotiator
  • Lobbyist
  • Management consultant
  • Negotiation and conflict resolution
  • Policy analyst
  • Sports agent
  • Writer or journalist
  • And many, many more

UCalgary Law also offers joint programs with the Haskayne School of Business, The School of Public Policy, and the University of Houston to further enhance your career opportunities.

Legal education teaches you a specific way of thinking and evaluating. The analytical skills you hone at law school are extremely important to be successful, no matter what industry you land in.

Adam Oppenheim

Adam Oppenheim, JD/MBA'12

President, Stampede Entertainment Inc.

Still want to be a lawyer?

We've got some tips for you if you're still keeping law school on the table as you think about applying to university:


Plan to complete a university degree.

Canadian law schools prefer applicants to have a 4-year undergraduate (university) degree prior to entering law school.

It doesn't matter what you study.

In fact, we prefer students who come from a variety of different backgrounds. We have admitted students who are musicians, engineers, marketing experts, journalists, nurses, athletes, chemists, political scientists, physicists, historians, accountants...the list goes on. Study what you love.

Get involved.

We like students who are involved in their communities. Volunteer, play sports or join a club. Do what makes you happy. It doesn't have to be law-related.

Keep your grades up.

Our two biggest determining factors for admissions are your GPA and your LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) scores. We take your GPA from the last 20 half courses of your university degree. Don't forget to build relationships with your professors, because we will use them as a reference when you apply to law school.

I chose UCalgary Law because of all the diverse experiential learning opportunities you can get involved in. Being able to practice communicating with clients, developing advocacy skills, and managing files before graduating from law school has enhanced my experience.

Holly Kegel

Holly Kegel

JD'21

What do I need to apply to UCalgary Law?

GPA

GPA from your last 20 half courses (equivalent to 10 full courses or 60 credits) of an applicable undergraduate (university) program. Our students' average GPA over the past five years is 3.64/4.0.

Law School Admissions Test

Write the LSAT before February 1. Our students' average score from the past five years is 161.

Law school admission requirements

You can review all of our requirements on our website.

Admissions Requirements

I work as a Barrister and Solicitor with the Government of Alberta. In this position, I am in Court most days of the week. While appearing before a Judge, I use my advocacy skills I learned at UCalgary Law to advocate for my client and their position.

Wilma Shim

Wilma Shim

JD'10

Other important info

LSAT prep courses

If you need help preparing to write the LSAT, there are several options available.

Paying for law school

UCalgary Law has scholarships and bursaries available for students, and UCalgary has many more funding sources available. Student loans are available for both Alberta residents and out-of-province students.

Find out more about scholarships and funding

Join us at an event

UCalgary Law hosts many free public lectures throughout the year. Stop by to see what real law school students get to experience.

View our events calendar

What kind of law is that?

Watch the 2020 recording of our info session for high school students