Pre-Law

The University of Winnipeg, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is a public research university with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1871. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as arts, science, business and economics, education, kinesiology, and indigenous studies. The University of Winnipeg is recognized for its inclusive and student-centered approach to education. It fosters a dynamic learning environment with small class sizes, encouraging active participation and meaningful engagement. The university values interdisciplinary studies, critical thinking, and the integration of theory and practice.

A lawyer gives legal advice and assistance to clients and represents them in court or in other legal matters. The University of Winnipeg is an excellent place to fulfill the entrance requirements for law at the University of Manitoba or other universities across Canada. YOUR EDUCATION Years 1-2: Pre-Law at The University of Winnipeg Each Canadian faculty of law has its own entrance requirements. To meet the entrance requirements of the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba, you will complete 60 credit hours (two years) of study. Years 3-5: Professional Studies: Law In the final year of your pre-professional studies at The University of Winnipeg, you will apply for admission to law at another university. Enrolment in law programs is limited, and only highly qualified applicants are chosen. Admission to law is based on an outstanding academic record and performance on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Outstanding marks as well as language comprehension and problem-solving skills offer your best chance of success. At least three more years of study are required to complete a law program. After that, you will complete one year of articling. PRE-PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS • Many students who study Pre-Law at The University of Winnipeg will apply for admission to the University of Manitoba, but you may choose to apply elsewhere. Note: You must consult with the school where you plan to complete your studies to ensure you choose an appropriate set of courses, and that you will meet the entrance requirements for your Law program of choice. • There are no specific courses required for admission to the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba. However, most students take related courses from areas such as: Political Science, History, Philosophy, Criminal Justice, Conflict Resolution, Sociology, and English. Your choices depend on your personal interests and career goals. • You must successfully complete 60 credit hours by April 30 in the year admission is sought. You must complete the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) by December of the year prior to which you hope to gain admission to first-year Law, e.g. by December 2017 for Fall 2018 admission. 2 YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW… Preparing for the LSAT: The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a standardized test that is administered four times per year. You may find it helpful to take a preparatory course offered by a private company, or you may choose to prepare on your own or in a study group. Information on the LSAT can be obtained from any Law school. Advantages to Completing a Degree: Because competition to get into law programs is fierce, many students plan to complete a three-year bachelor’s degree (90 credit hours), instead of the minimum requirement of two years (60 credit hours), before applying to law school. Law schools typically calculate your grade point average based on your best 60 credit hours, so taking more courses than you actually need gives you the flexibility to drop some of your lower grades. Some requirements, such as the number of credit hours required, may be different for some applicants depending on applicant category. Keep Informed: For details, please see the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law Applicant Information Bulletin: law bulletin (umanitoba.ca) As admission requirements may change from year to year, students are encouraged to review the Bulletin yearly in anticipation of any changes that need to be incorporated into their plans. Where can I study Law? You can apply to study law at any of the 23 law schools in Canada, or apply to schools in the United States or elsewhere. Explore your options online: www.ccld-cdfdc.ca/index.php/law-schools. What if I change my mind? Courses taken as part of pre-professional studies are applicable to University of Winnipeg degree programs. If you change your mind about your studies, you may wish to consult with an Academic Advisor or an instructor from your area of interest to formulate a new study plan. “The combination of class size and focus on critical thinking sent me to law school with an advantage over my peers. The availability of seminar classes allowed me to develop excellent analytical and oral advocacy skills that have served me well in law school.”