Law

Why study Law at Dal?

Receive a first-class legal education that opens doors to many careers

The Schulich School of Law is known for its vibrant, close-knit and collegial community of faculty, staff, students and alumni. At Schulich Law, we live the Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service—of giving back and making the world a better place.

Schulich Law is home to Dalhousie Legal Aid Service – the oldest legal clinical education program in Canada. We also recently launched a Technology and Innovation Law Clinic that assists local tech start-ups. We offer a number of clinical courses, placements in specialized areas, a robust student pro-bono program, and a variety of internships.

Our Indigenous Blacks & Mi'kmaq (IB&M) aims to reduce structural and systemic discrimination by increasing the representation of indigenous Nova Scotian Blacks and Mi'kmaq in the legal profession. Since the IB&M Initiative began in 1989, it has been nationally recognized as a model for diversity in legal education.

Degree overview

Professional Degree: Juris Doctor, JD
Faculty: Schulich School of Law
Campus: Studley Campus, Halifax
Program Length: 3 years
Program Start: September



What will I learn?

The full-time Juris Doctor (JD) program requires three years of study. In your first year, you will have a set curriculum of courses that build the foundation for future studies. In your second and third years, you will get to pursue your specific interests. We offer nearly 200 courses in traditional and emerging areas of the law.

Sample courses:

  • Environmental Law: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Climate Change
  • Gender, Sexuality and the Law
  • International Human Rights Law

Visit the Academic Calendar to view degree options and course details.

Focus your studies on an area of interest

JD students can customize their degree, and earn a certificate in:

 

Earn a combined degree

Our long-standing partnerships with four other Dal schools allow students to complete their JD and a specialist Masters degree at the same time—the perfect balance between education and application.  Plus, you can complete a combined degree in one year less than it would take you to complete both degrees separately. 



Careers and future study

A degree from the Schulich School of Law opens many doors for you, whether you are looking to:

  • Practise in a law firm or government setting 
  • Work for a non-governmental organization 
  • Start a career in social justice 
  • Pursue graduate studies and a future in academia

Whatever you choose to do, Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law provides you with an excellent grounding in legal theory and practice. As well, you will have many opportunities to gain practical experience that will prepare you to take on any challenge that comes your way.

After completing your Juris Doctor (JD) degree at Dalhousie, you will be eligible to apply to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree to acquire a more in-depth knowledge of your area of specialization—you will also be qualified to teach law at a university.



Admission requirements

Undergraduate admission requirements vary based on your previous education and your intended program of study at Dalhousie.

View admission requirements



Ready to apply?