dalhousie personal statement law

• Dalhousie University Libraries

Writing Centre Online Resource Guide

• Applying to Graduate and Professional Schools
• Planning: Brainstorming, Outlines & Organization
• Drafting: Thesis Statements and Essay Structure
• Punctuation
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• How to Cite
• Critical Thinking
• Architecture & Planning
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Health Professions
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Political Science
• Sociology and Social Anthropology
• Social Sciences
• Social Work
• Sustainability
• First Year Students
• Academic Writing
• Group and Collaborative Writing
• Writing Letters and Emails
• Resumes and Job Applications

Putting Together an Application

Personal statements and letters of intent, research proposals, law school applications, medical school applications, additional useful resources.

• Theses and Dissertations
• Applying for Grants and Academic Jobs
• Writing for Publication
• English Language Learners
• Resources for Writing Tutors
• Resources for Online Reviews

Dalhousie Writing Centre

The Writing Centre is a  free service  for students who want to improve their writing skills. Whether you are writing academic, business or personal documents, we can help you articulate ideas and structure your writing plan

• About the Writing Centre
• Make an Appointment
• Seminars and Events
• Academic Integrity Module
• Faculty Support and Consultations
• Writing Centre Resource Guide

Contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (902) 494-1963

by Mady Gillespie, Dalhousie Writing Centre

Post-undergraduate applications can vary wildly depending on the type of program. Graduate school programs (to obtain a Master’s or doctoral degree) have a few common styles of application, but these differ from those found in applications for professional degrees, such as for law school, or medical school. This section will explain some of the most common types of applications, expand on what kind of writing is looked for in these applications, and provide some helpful links to other sites with information about the various application processes.

*Remember, grammar and mechanics are important in any document! Read over your work carefully, get a friend to read it over, and/or come into the Writing Centre! You don’t want to miss an opportunity because of a typo or spelling mistake. Here’s a link to our pages on Grammar and Punctuation *

by Mady Gillespie, Dalhousie Writing Centre

Applying for a graduate degree can be tough; Graduate programs have high academic standards, and some require excellence in work or community involvement as well. Most applications require you to write some sort of statement, most commonly called a Personal Statement or Letter of Intent. While many of the conventions are similar, there are some key differences between the two. This McMaster University resource highlights the differences and provides further advice on how to frame your statement for the program at hand

• Personal Statements This document, prepared by Allison Nicole, provides advice for how to write personal statements and what information to include in them.

Additional Resources

The Bissett Student Success Centre has tips on how to write Statements of Intent, as well as guidelines for putting together a CV (which may be required for some applications). 

The Grade Cafe forum is invaluable if you want to read about the experiences of other applicants to graduate programs in Canada. Advice abounds from successful -- and less successful -- applicants. Though this can be a very useful resource, remember to take any tips with a grain of salt. The most important thing is to write what the program requests, so make sure you’re including what is required first and foremost. 

Many graduate programs require applicants to write research proposals.  This resource from Cornell University is aimed at first-time proposal writers, and is meant to provide a general outline of the steps of proposal writing. 

This source from McGill University offers “Ten Tips for Writing Your Research Proposal.”

This source from the University of Edinburgh has a detailed breakdown of the sections of a research proposal and what each section could include. 

Research proposals may also be required for graduate funding. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) are both national institutions that offer funding to student in a graduate degree, and both require research proposals. Make sure to follow the explicit instructions in the application, as proposals (or other documents) that are incorrectly formatted can and will exclude you from consideration. For tips on writing grant proposals, check out this resource from the University of Toronto . 

Many sources will mention that proposals are not promises. If your research varies slightly – or in some cases, wildly – from what is written in an initial proposal, that’s usually fine! Make sure to review the regulations and policies surrounding any programs, grants, etc. that require a proposal, but the general rule remains that a proposal is not a binding contract. 

Finally, this is a sample research proposal from the Graduate Law program at the University of Birmingham in the UK. Please note, this sample proposal was written to meet the guidelines for a specific application process, and, as such, may not be applicable to all programs at all universities: Sample Research Proposal: University of Birmingham

Law school applications also require something called a personal statement, though these will differ from those of graduate programs. Law schools are interested in who you are beyond your grades and LSAT scores, and a good personal statement is useful for admissions (and scholarship opportunities). Here is a link to the LSAC (Law School Admissions Council) webpage about Personal Statements , with tips that will help you frame yourself and your story to best appeal to admissions committees. The University of Toronto has also helpfully shared two example statements from previous years that may aid you in getting started. Your statement won’t necessarily look or sound like these ones – and it shouldn’t!—but pay attention to how the writers structure their statements, the kinds of experiences they draw on, and the connections they make to the school and to the study of law.

These forums may provide some guidance on what other successful applicants have done (you’re most likely to find Personal Statement advice under “General Discussion”). Many of the participants are current law students, or law school hopefuls like yourself. That does not mean, however, that they are experts. If you find yourself floundering or are looking for some general tips, start here, but remember that any personal statement will be unique. If your approach differs from someone else’s, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. They may be law students, but their word isn’t law – yet!

Medical school applications tend to differ more in their requirements than those for other post-undergraduate programs. Most will require a detailed CV (curriculum vitae) and many will ask for some form of a personal statement. The Bissett Student Success Centre has links to explanations and examples of a CV, and some tips on statements of intent. The school you are applying to may have their own specific formatting for certain aspects of the written submission – in that case always follow the directions provided by the school.

Personal essays are less common in medical school applications, and they are often specific to the school itself. For example, Dalhousie Medical School has a specific question students must answer. For Fall 2018 admission, that question was as follows:

“In a 1500 (max) word essay, describe how your experiences have shaped your desire to become a physician. In particular, explain how your experiences have helped to develop qualities and skills applicable to medicine and shaped your interest to pursue medicine. The Admissions Committee is interested in your experiences in group settings as well as hearing about your challenges (both strengths and weaknesses) that make you an outstanding applicant for Dalhousie Medical School.” (source: Dalhousie School of Medicine )

However, many other schools will have different and equally specific questions to address or information to provide. Read the directions very carefully, and pick out the key information you must include. If you are concerned about missing some of the information, come into the Writing Centre, or have a friend or family member look it over. They can reference back to the list of instructions and see if you have hit all the points. If you are ever confused about what is required, email the school in question, or come into the Writing Centre for another opinion (or both!).

The Pre-Med forums may also be helpful. These forums are populated by applicants and current students of Medical school programs. They may offer some advice on what worked for them, answer questions about admission requirements, or point to other resources you can use your application process. Remember to take what they say with a grain of salt! Not every application is identical, and there is no guarantee that this person is correct. Double check any factual information with the school, and evaluate the quality of their advice before following it. 

• Graduate School Essays General guidelines from the writing centre at Rensselaer.
• The Grad Cafe A forum for discussing every aspect of grad school with other applicants.
• Guide for Potential Grad Students
• How to Write a SSHRC Scholarship Proposal Detailed advice for applying to scholarships from the Social Studies and Humanities Research Council, by Erik Nelson a Philosophy Ph.D. student, writing tutor, and current scholarship holder
• << Previous: Graduate Students
• Next: Theses and Dissertations >>
• Last Updated: Jul 3, 2024 1:53 PM
• URL: https://dal.ca.libguides.com/writingcentre

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Careerinlaw.net | CA

Dalhousie Law School Acceptance Rate, Requirements, Rankings, Tuition

Home » Law Schools » Dalhousie Law School Acceptance Rate, Requirements, Rankings, Tuition

Dalhousie Law School Acceptance Rate

Dalhousie Law School Requirements

• LSAT Requirements – 162
• GPA Requirements – 83%
• Transcripts – required
• Personal Statement – required
• Letters of Reference – at least 2 letters of reference
• Resume – required
• Interview – not required

LSAT Requirements

GPA Requirements

Academic transcripts, personal statement, letters of reference, tuition at schulich school of law.

Scholarships

• The one-off payable Schulich Entrance Scholarship worth $14,000;
• The renewable Scotiabank Scholarship for Legal Studies targets minority students by offering them $30,000 ($10,000 per annum);
• The J Gerald Godsoe Scholarship of $15,000 is renewable on every 12 months of the course, which is accessible to landed immigrants as well;
• The Schulich Entrance Scholarships fund for three students worth $52,500 per student for the full duration of the JD program;
• The Arthur Allister MacBain Memorial Scholarship of $60,000 for the full length of the standard three-year course; and finally
• The Law Foundation of Nova Scotia Scholarships, worth $64,500 per student (four awards), cover expenses for the full three-year law course.

Dalhousie Law School Ranking

The curriculum at dalhousie law school.

The Year One curriculum is divided into two semesters with the following combined compulsory modules:

• Law and Legal Methods Intensive;
• Legal Research and Writing;
• Criminal Law;
• Constitutional Law;
• Foundations of Legal Theory;
• Technology Innovation Intensive;
• Property Law;
• Contract Law;
• Ethics and Professionalism;
• Administrative and Regulatory Law; and
• Indigenous and Aboriginal Law.

TMU does not offer any electives at this stage of the course.

Second Year

Courses falling under the obligatory completion of Year Two include:

• Coding Intensive;
• Business Law and Practice;
• Data, Code and Social Innovation;
• Financial Intensive;
• Business of Lawyering;
• Civil Procedures and Practice; and
• Access to Justice and Technology.

A total of five optional courses can be chosen from the next selection:

• Advanced Corporate/Commercial Law;
• Advanced Legal Solutions;
• Advocacy and Alternative Dispute Resolution;
• Children and the Law;
• Criminal Procedure;
• Environmental Law;
• Family Law;
• Global Civil Society and Law;
• Immigration and Refugee Law;
• Intellectual Property Law;
• Labour and Employment Law;
• Law and Injustice;
• Legal Innovation;
• Moot and Advocacy Skills;
• Privacy Law;
• Private International Law;
• Public International Law;
• Real Estate Law;
• Tax Law and Practice; and
• Wills and Estates.

It is mandatory for students to complete a four-month work placement in either the first or the second semester of Year Three.

Another mandatory course requirement is that a piece of coursework ought to be accomplished in one of the semesters.

Five electives can be chosen from the same course list as the one listed under Year Two.

Why Choose Dalhousie Law School

• Diverse and Comprehensive Curriculum – Dalhousie Law School is renowned for its extensive range of academic programs. The curriculum is structured around five primary areas: Criminal Justice, Business Law, Marine & Environmental Law, Law & Technology, and Health Law & Policy. These programs ensure that students receive a well-rounded legal education, tailored to modern legal challenges and opportunities.
• Combined Degree Opportunities – Dalhousie offers combined Juris Doctor degrees with specialized Master’s programs in Health Administration, Information, Business Administration, and Public Administration. This multidisciplinary approach equips students with diverse skills and knowledge, enhancing their career prospects in various fields of law and beyond.
• Commitment to Community Service – The Schulich School of Law is deeply committed to community service, inspired by the vision of its inaugural Dean, Richard Chapman Weldon. The school’s well-developed pro-bono centre and legal aid services provide invaluable support to local communities, fostering a strong culture of public service among students.
• International Exchange Programs – Dalhousie Law’s expansive international exchange program includes partnerships with institutions in Australia, China, Germany, Ireland, and many other countries. These global connections offer students the opportunity to gain international perspectives and experience, enriching their legal education.
• Research and Publication Opportunities – The Dalhousie Journal of Legal Studies provides students with the opportunity to publish academic work, promoting a strong culture of research and scholarly excellence. This platform allows students to engage deeply with legal topics of interest and contribute to the broader academic community.
• Prestigious Rankings and Reputation – Dalhousie Law School’s consistent top-tier rankings both nationally and globally highlight its excellence in legal education. The school’s reputation for high academic standards, innovative teaching, and impactful research solidifies its position as one of the premier institutions for legal education in Canada and the world.

More About Dalhousie Law School

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific career support services are available to students at dalhousie law school, how does dalhousie law integrate experiential learning opportunities into its curriculum, what are the living accommodations like for law students in halifax, and what resources are available for finding housing, what unique networking opportunities are provided by dalhousie law to connect students with legal professionals, how does dalhousie law support students’ mental health and well-being throughout their studies, law school entry with our insider info.

• Name * First Last
• Your Goal * What do you want to study? JD/LLB Degree LLM Degree PhD
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law

The information on this page was provided by the law school.

Official Guide to Canadian JD Programs

Introduction.

Student Body 2017

• Applicants: 1,300+
• Full-time students: 506
• Part-time students: 9
• First-year class size: 167
• Gender balance: 50/50
• Students from outside Nova Scotia: 71%
• Students receiving financial support from the law school: 60%
• Average age of incoming students: 25
• Graduate degree holders: 29
• Provinces/territories represented: 11

At the Schulich School of Law, students have the opportunity to learn from our esteemed faculty: committed teachers who care deeply about giving students an outstanding legal education; dynamic researchers with rich local, national, and international networks and profiles; and advocates who make a difference in the service of human and public policy problems.

• 40 full-time faculty
• 58 part-time or adjunct faculty
• 18 full-time female faculty
• 2 full-time minority faculty

A degree from the Schulich School of Law ensures recognition and respect in all Canadian common-law jurisdictions. Our graduates work all over the world as judges, government officials, entrepreneurs, professors, journalists, lawyers, and heads of international organizations. Notable alumni include:

• Constance Glube , former Chief Justice of Nova Scotia and the first female Chief Justice in Canada
• Brian Mulroney (first-year student), former Conservative Prime Minister of Canada
• Elizabeth May , President of the Sierra Club of Canada, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, Green Party Member of Parliament
• Ian Hanomansing , Canadian Broadcasting Corporation journalist and anchorman
• Barrie Dunn , actor, writer, and producer best known for playing Ray in the Canadian mockumentary television program Trailer Park Boys

Schulich Law offers a wide variety of course and program options. To be admitted to one of our combined degree programs, students must satisfy the entrance requirements for both the JD program and the master’s degree.

• Juris Doctor (JD) program
• JD and Master of Business Administration
• JD and Master of Health Administration
• JD and Master of Information
• JD and Master of Public Administration

Graduate Studies

Home to a vibrant intellectual community of 20–30 aspiring professors and jurists, graduate students at Schulich Law can pursue:

• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Electronic Commerce (MEC)
• Interdisciplinary PhD Program

Graduate students have exclusive use of the new GradPad located on the 4th floor of the Sir James Dunn Law Library. The bright, open area boasts plenty of natural light, a workroom (11 person capacity), 6 graduate offices (16 person capacity), and study space. The law school’s GradPad is open 24/7 with access via the law library during open hours and via the law school during closed hours.

Indigenous Blacks & Mi’kmaq Initiative

The Indigenous Blacks & Mi’kmaq (IB&M) Initiative at the Schulich School of Law was established in 1989 to increase representation of Indigenous Blacks and Mi’kmaq in the legal profession. The initiative provides eligible students with financial and other support, develops scholarship in the areas of Aboriginal law and African Canadian legal perspectives, and promotes the hiring and retention of graduates.

Areas of Expertise

• Marine & environmental law
• Law & technology
• Health law & policy
• Business and tax law
• Human rights law
• International law
• Legal ethics
• Restorative justice

Marine & Environmental Law Institute

The Marine & Environmental Law Institute (MELAW) directs the academic specialization for the Marine & Environmental Law Program (MELP). Schulich Law is internationally recognized for excellence in marine and environmental law teaching and research and has one of the world’s most extensive course offerings in marine and environmental law. In addition to its publication activities, the institute provides advisory services to agencies around the world.

Law & Technology Institute

The Law & Technology Institute fosters interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate studies alongside Dalhousie’s Faculty of Computer Science and Faculty of Management. Core curriculum and course offerings include Biotechnology, Internet law, Privacy Law, Electronic Commerce, Intellectual Property, and the Commercialization of Research.

Health Law Institute

Schulich Law’s interdisciplinary Health Law Institute works alongside Dalhousie’s Faculties of Medicine, Health Professions, and Dentistry. The Institute is committed to the advancement of health law and policy—and the improvement of health care practice and systems—through scholarly analysis, professional education, and public service. Numerous grants and awards have allowed Institute members to focus on cutting-edge topics such as research involving humans; end-of-life treatment, policy, and practice; and public health emergencies.

93 credits required to graduate; 162 courses available.

The first-year program is compulsory and includes an orientation course that introduces students to four fundamental perspectives on law: the comparative, the historical, the philosophical, and the professional; an introduction to legal ethics; and indigenous and aboriginal law in context.

Second Year

In the second year, students supplement two required courses with electives of their choosing.

In the third year, students supplement one required course with electives of their choosing. Third-year students have the opportunity to pursue a one-semester exchange at a partner institution in Canada, the US, Singapore, Europe, or Australia. Read more about available exchanges in the Student Exchange Information Booklet .

Experiential Learning

The Schulich School of Law program connects you to the reality of how law is practiced and how it can be used to create change, and it gives you a taste of life as a legal professional. Students can receive academic credit and gain practical legal experience through Dalhousie’s Legal Aid Service , one of the oldest clinical internship programs in Canada. The clinic emphasizes the development of professional skills and the refinement of substantive and procedural knowledge in a real-life context. Students can also take part in more than a dozen placement, clinical practice, and advocacy skills courses.

Written and oral advocacy exercises in the first year help students prepare for the compulsory second-year moot . Spread out over the fall and winter terms, the moot counts for 0.5 credits per term. Students can choose to participate in competitive moots in their second and third years with students from law schools across North America.

Internships

Many Schulich Law students seek summer internship work with firms, NGOs, think tanks, businesses, governments, and charities to gain valuable skills and work experience. Students can seek funding for their internships by visiting the Schulich School of Law’s Career Development Office (CDO).

Student Services and Professional Development

Students can find a job placement or articling position with support from the Schulich School of Law’s in-house Career Development Office . The CDO has resources to help students and graduates seek permanent jobs, summer jobs, and other law-related employment. Assistance with résumé writing is available, as well as general career counseling and information about graduate legal studies and scholarships. Students can also find information about alternative or public interest careers here.

The Sir James Dunn Law Library’s print and digital collection supports the teaching and research interests of Schulich faculty and students. The International Law and Maritime and Environmental Law collections are particularly strong and attract scholars from all around the world. Emphasis is also placed on works that support the research initiatives of Schulich Law’s three institutes.

• Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. –10:45 p.m. , Thursday, 8:00 a.m. –8:00 p.m. , Friday, 8:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. , Saturday, noon –5:45 p.m. , Sunday, noon –10:45 p.m . Hours are extended during exam periods.
• Five professional staff, five support staff
• 280,000 volumes
• Electronic access to all major Canadian and American legal databases and more than 2,500 electronic journals and ebooks
• Learning commons and discussion rooms plus 30 individual workstations
• Computer lab with 25 workstations and printers
• Wireless access throughout the building
• Student access to printers, scanners, and a digital microfilm reader
• Adaptive technology workstation for students with disabilities

Dalhousie University is internationally known as one of North America’s most welcoming universities. Founded in 1818 , Dalhousie is one of Canada’s oldest universities, attracting more than 18,500 students from around the world. Located on Canada’s East Coast , the university blends world-class academic programs with leading-edge research .

Situated on one of the finest urban campuses in Canada, the newly renovated Weldon Law Building has four bright, spacious floors. The building sits on the main Studley campus of Dalhousie University and is across the street from Dalhousie’s main Student Union building and Dalplex athletic facility .

Student Activities

All law students are members of the Law Students’ Society , which arranges guest speakers, appoints representatives to faculty committees, and organizes social events. It also oversees the publication of The Weldon Times , The Dalhousie Journal of Legal Studies , and the annual yearbook. Students have access to more than 30 legal student societies , as well as sports and other social opportunities through Dalhousie.

Application Checklist

• Minimum of two years of university
• LSAT score (if multiple LSATs are taken, only the highest score is considered)
• University transcripts
• $70 application form
• Two letters of reference
• Personal statement indicating why the applicant wishes to attend law school and what qualities he or she believes they will bring to Dalhousie

Applications

The Schulich School of Law offers admissions on a rolling basis. Schulich Law’s two application deadlines are November 30 (for consideration for scholarships) and February 28.

Applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty and student members. Most offers of admission are made on the basis of the information in the student’s application. In some circumstances, however, the admissions committee may require applicants to sit for an interview. Interviews take place in May and June and in recent years have been conducted in Halifax, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.

Most applicants have obtained an undergraduate degree before they begin law school; however, those with two completed years of university courses will be considered for admission if their academic standing is exceptionally high. Achievements in extracurricular and employment activities are an asset for all applicants. Candidates who, despite economic, cultural, racial, or ethnic disadvantages, have made exceptional contributions to the community or who have shown exceptional capacity to respond to challenges may be given special consideration.

Special consideration is also given to applicants who are members of Nova Scotia’s Black or Mi’kmaq communities. Native applicants who are not eligible for the Indigenous Black & Mi’kmaq Initiative, and whose previous academic background does not meet the admissions standards, are eligible to apply for admission to the Schulich School of Law through successful completion of the ILC Summer Program at the University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Law Centre.

Tuition and Fees

Law school tuition per year, including student-related fees:

• Full-time: $18,694.36
• Part-time: $10,920.42

To use our budget calculator, find forms, and get more information, visit the Dal Admissions Money Matters page.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Each year, the Schulich School of Law awards more than $2 million dollars in scholarships and bursaries to students. More than 60 percent of our students receive funding, and our goal is to have the most generous scholarship and bursary program of any law school in Canada. Below are some of the entrance scholarships we offer:

• Arthur Allister MacBain Memorial Scholarship: $20,000/yr (renewable)                  
• Law Foundation of Nova Scotia Scholarship: 4 @ $16,000/yr (renewable)
• Schulich Entrance Scholarship: 3 @ $16,500/yr (renewable)
• Schulich Entrance Scholarship: 10 @ $13,200/yr (nonrenewable)
• J Gerald Godsoe Scholarship: $10,000/yr (renewable)
• Alistair Fraser Entrance Scholarships: numerous @ $1,000–$5,000 (totalling $63,000 and awarded at time of admission)
• Al Meghji and Diana Belevsky Scholarship in Law: $15,000/yr (renewable)

Contact Information

• Rankings and Top 100 Profiles
• 3rd and 4th Tier Profiles
• Dean Interviews
• Discuss Your School
• TLS Stats
• TLS Programs
• International Profiles
• Law School Articles

Canada: Dalhousie Law School

By Matthew G. Scott, published August 2009, last updated by TLS April 2010

Introduction:

Dalhousie Law School is a unique institution with a proud and distinguished history, and was founded in 1883, making it the oldest university-affiliated common law school in the British Commonwealth. As one of only three common law schools in Atlantic Canada (the others being the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law and L’Université de Moncton Faculté de Droit), Macleans has ranked Dalhousie Law School as the best law school in Atlantic Canada, 2 nd best east of Toronto, and 6 th strongest in Canada. This ranking reflects that over the course of its existence it has developed a diverse curriculum and built up an internationally recognized faculty that provides students with excellent opportunities in all areas of legal education. Furthermore, the school’s long history and well established reputation of academic excellent offers student’s confidence that their Dalhousie Law degrees will be recognized nationally and internationally.

Dalhousie Law School is situated in the Weldon Law Building, on Studley Campus. The building was originally completed in 1966, but has been renovated three times, most recently in 2004. The campus itself is located in the beautiful coastal city of Halifax, which is the capital of Nova Scotia. The 2006 census placed the population of the Halifax Regional Municipality at 372,679 with an urban area population of just over 280,000, making it the largest urban area in Atlantic Canada and largest population centre in Canada east of Quebec City. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean results in a comparatively small temperature variation year round, ranging from average highs of 73 (23 Celsius) in July and August to average lows of 17 (-8.5 Celsius) in January and February.

Halifax also features a vibrant cultural scene, being home to many performance venues such as the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Neptune Theatre and the Music Room; while featuring major cultural attractions like the Symphony Nova Scotia, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The city also boasts many events and festivals throughout the year, from the Atlantic Film Festival, to the Atlantic Jazz Festival, to occasional Tall Ship events. The city also boasts the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and will be hosting the 2011 Canada Winter Games.

For International (and U.S.) students:

Note, Dalhousie Law School teaches Common Law, like virtually all Canadian Law Schools. Universities within the province of Québec generally teach Civil Law, because of the different legal system within that province. The only exceptions to this are the University of Ottawa (which teaches Common, Civil, and both) and McGill University (which teaches both).

Admissions:

Admission to Dalhousie Law School is difficult to forecast, because Dalhousie chooses not to provide any information regarding the median or average academic performances or LSATs for their incoming students. What is known is that the school has a rolling admission system, with a soft deadline on applications (admissions start on a rolling basis) of November 30 th and a hard deadline on applications of February 28 th . Additionally, it is known that Dalhousie only requires two years of university towards a degree, will use the higher of two LSAT scores and will accept LSAT scores as far back as June 1991.

Dalhousie expects candidates to submit LSAT scores, university transcripts, an application form, a personal statement, and at least two letters of recommendation. For the personal statement, Dalhousie advises students that it must indicate why they wish to attend law school and what qualities they think they will bring. Further, although some applicants are admitted who have just two years of university work, the vast majority of applicants have obtained an undergraduate degree before they begin law school. Dalhousie also emphasizes that achievements in extracurricular and employment are an asset for all applicants.

Although most students are admitted based on their application, occasionally the admissions committee may require applicants to have an interview. The decision to interview rests solely with this committee, not with applicants. The interviews take place in May and June, and in recent years have been conducted in Halifax, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. It is possible that because of the late time period for interviews at Dalhousie may mean if you are admitted to other schools you need to ask for an extension on your decision making window.

Above and beyond regular applications, special consideration may be given to students for whom despite economic, cultural, racial or ethnic disadvantages have made exceptional contributions to the community or shown an outstanding capacity to respond to challenges. Furthermore, First Nations applicants who do not meet the regular admissions criteria may be admitted on successful completion of the Native Law Program in Saskatchewan. Among First Nations students, Dalhousie gives special consideration to those applicants who are members of Nova Scotia’s black or Mi’kmaq communities. Finally, it is worth noting that Dalhousie admits a small number of students who have not obtained the formal academic requirements, provided they are at least 26 years of age and have demonstrated by the length and quality of their nonacademic experience the equivalent of the academic requirements.

Financial Costs:

It is difficult to forecast the financial cost of attending Dalhousie Law School because the information is not available on their website. The LSAC Guide to Canadian Law Schools states that tuition and fees for full time students is $12,487; but this figure does not include books or estimates on room and board. Students are advised to contact Dalhousie Law School directly to confirm the figures.

Financing Your Education:

Attending Law School can be a costly endeavor, and it is important to know how to generate the funding necessary to attend. Dalhousie Law School does offer what it states is a “generous bursary and scholarship program”, but it does not provide figures on how much money is allocated each year. Each year, the program kicks off in the second or third week of October, and is sometimes by the Law School referred to as “in course” because it starts off after students have registered for law school and been in class for a few weeks. Students need to apply for this financial aid in September, which in 2008-2009 became available in the “Materials Room” on September 19 th , 2008. To check the status of the application for your year of studies, you may wish to visit this page, which will contain the most up to date information: http://law.dal.ca/Current_Students/Financial%20Assistance/

Dalhousie’s page on financial assistance does not seem to give any indication of things you should do before enrolling in Law School. In the opinion of the author of this article, there are some avenues which you should explore before beginning your studies. The first, and perhaps most important thing you should consider, is your eligibility for provincial aid. Depending on your province of residency, you may be able to receive financial aid. Dalhousie does helpfully provide a link to the financial aid page of many different provinces here: http://law.dal.ca/Current_Students/Financial Assistance/Financial_Assistance/Government_Student_Loans/Provincial_Student_Loans/index.php

Beyond the provincial or federal aid, another possibility to finance your education is to seek out private student loans from banks. Many banks offer Professional Student Loan programs designed to assist students who are entering professional degrees like Law. Additionally, law schools frequently have agreements in place with a particular branch of a particular bank to provide a special rate to incoming students. For example, Osgoode has a special relationship with Royal Bank of Canada ($55,000 over 4 years) while the University of Toronto has a special relationship with Scotiabank ($80,000 over 3 years). These programs offer favourable interest rates and do not require paying down the principal until 1 year after your studies. Both of these figures do get reduced if you already have existing loans from financial aid or other sources, but still generally offer an idea of the type of programs available for students at other law schools. It is advisable to contact Dalhousie and ask if they have any special programs available for their students.

Note that you are likely not eligible for provincial or federal aid, but may qualify for aid from your own federal government.

Dalhousie Law School, like most Canadian law schools, can perhaps best have its academic program divided into first and upper year components. Comparatively, the first year of the program is entirely compulsory, while the upper years are almost entirely optional. When students arrive at Dalhousie, they are first immersed in an eight-week orientation course designed to introduce students to the study of law, by examining four fundamental perspectives on the law: the comparative, the historical, the philosophical, and the professional. Upon completing the orientation period, students are required to enroll in Contracts & Judicial Rule-Making, Criminal Justice, Fundamentals of Public Law, Legal Research and Writing, Property in Historical Context and Tort Law and Damage Compensation. The first year program at Dalhousie resembles programs at many other Canadian Law Schools, with perhaps the glaring exception of a Constitutional Law class. This is taken in the 2 nd year instead.

In second and third years, students do gain much more freedom than in their initial year of studies. During the second year, students are expected to take Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, and an elective class which is evaluated by a major paper, informally known as a “paper class”. Above and beyond this, students are expected to take electives to bring them to approximately 15 hours per week in each term, which over the course of the year must be a minimum of 29 hours and a maximum of 31 hours. Individual semesters however are allowed to vary from a minimum of 12 hours per week to a maximum of 17 hours per week. Dalhousie does require however that when students choose the maximum load of 31 hours, that the individual maintain a passing grade in all classes, subject to the normal requirements.

Students will find that the third year of study is largely similar to the second year, though instead of Civil Procedure and Constitutional Law, students are obliged to take The Legal Profession and Professional Responsibility, at least one paper class as in 2 nd year, and electives to balance out their schedule. The requirements for their course load remain the same as in 2 nd year. Finally, third year students may be required to attend legal aid clinics, the law courts and special lectures as part of their program. Dalhousie also advises students that in addition to class and writing requirements, all students are required to participate in mooting exercises, though it is unclear if this is during the first, second or third year of study.

Dalhousie Law also advises students that the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society has a list of recommended courses for law students to take, above and beyond the base requirements required by the school. These are courses which it feels, for students intending to practice in Nova Scotia, are part of the general knowledge expected of members of the bar. These include, listed in the following order: Business Organizations; Taxation; Commercial Transactions (including Secured Transactions); Administrative Law; Trusts and Equity, Succession; Family Law; Evidence; Real Estate Transactions / Advanced Property Law (though many options exist for this, including planning law, landlord and tenant, environmental law, insurance, etc.); and, one “Perspective Course” (for example: Legal History or Jurisprudence, etc.). It is common at many Canadian law schools to “suggest” but not require courses along these lines in upper years as part of a well rounded legal education. Students who wish to ignore the recommendations may always do so of course, but it may not be beneficial to do so.

Beyond the base course work, students also have the opportunity to concentrate their studies in one of four base areas, namely health law, business law, marine and environmental law, and law and technology. Among these, possibly due to its location in the maritime city of Halifax, Dalhousie is particularly renowned for the strength of its marine and environmental law program, with the emphasis being on the law of the sea. The program now offers numerous courses in marine and environmental law and related areas, being one of the largest curricular offerings in this respect in North America.

Finally, Dalhousie offers a healthy set of dual degree programs. Students can enroll in an Bachelor of Law / Masters of Business (LL.B / MBA) program, which takes place over four years; a Bachelor of Law / Masters of Public Information (LL.B / MP) program, which is also a four year program; a Bachelor of Law / Masters of Library and Information Studies (LL.B / MLIS) program, also four years; and finally, a Bachelor of Law / Masters of Health Services Administration (LL.B / MHSA), which allows an accelerated acquisition of the law degree in conjunction with the graduate degree in health administration. It appears, based on the outline provided on Dalhousie’s website that this program takes four years as well, but this is not explicitly stated in the summary on Dalhousie’s website.

Quality of Life:

Students at Dalhousie Law School appear to have a good quality of life in Halifax. The Law School emphasizes that since the founding of Dalhousie University in 1818, it has played a prominent role in the city of Halifax, but also that, it’s been shaped by the city’s vibrant culture, geography and friendly people. The faculty firmly believes that Halifax is a great place to unwind, study and gain work experience. Certainly there is no shortage of interesting historic sites, such as the Halifax Citadel, or cultural activities, such as the Tall Ships, to entertain.

The school itself also contributes to the quality of life. To begin with, all students are member of the Law Students’ Society (LSS) which appoints representatives to the faculty on their behalf, arranges for speakers to visit the school, and organizes social events and programs. The LSS also produces the law students’ newspaper, The Weldon Times , The Dalhousie Journal of Legal Studies and the annual yearbook. These combined factors allow students to feel connected and engaged with the law school.

Of course, in addition to the LSS, Dalhousie offers a variety of sports and social facilities. For the law school proper, this includes the Environmental Law Students’ Society (ELSS), Society for corporate and Environmental and Social Responsibility (CESR), the John Read International Law Society (ILSS) and the Law Hour Speakers’ Committee. As an interesting note for those with a historic bent, the Domus Legis Society at Dalhousie is Canada’s oldest law society. The greater school also features a variety of athletics and sports complexes known as “Dalplex”. Indoor facilities at Dalplex include a 50-meter swimming pool, and a gymnasium/field house which is the size of a football field. This allows students who wish to get involved in extracurricular life outside of the law school the chance to do this as well.

When it comes to possibilities for working in journals, research clinics, legal aid clinics or mooting, Dalhousie has options as well. Students may participate in the Dalhousie Law Journal, the Canadian Journal of Law and Technology or the Ocean Year Book if they wish to participate on a journal. Additionally, students may work with its research institutes, the Law and Technology Institute and Health Law Institute. Students could also work with its legal aid clinic, which provides practical experience that emphasizes the development of professional skills in a real-life context. Finally, individuals at Dalhousie can participate in one of the several competitive national and international mooting programs that exist at Dalhousie.

Whether you are studying, doing carriage work on a journal article, or preparing for a moot, access to a top class law library can be a large aid. The Sir James Dunn Law Library opened in the summer of 1989, and features over 285,000 law volumes, 5 full time professional staff, access to all major Canadian and American legal databases and 2,200 law journals. It also seats 282 individuals, and is open 7 days a week during the semester, with extended hours during exams. For many individuals, the law library will become almost a second home during their studies at the law school, so it is important to like the facilities.

Employment Prospects:

Dalhousie Law School seems to be able to place students well across the country on a regular basis. According to self-reported preliminary placement surveys of students conducted in June of the graduating year, placement for Dalhousie Law grads have been 96% in the past several years, finding positions in every province and internationally. This speaks to the caliber of education received at Dalhousie and the strong reputation the school has acquired for producing top notch students. In fact, in 2008 Macleans found that Dalhousie Is the 2 nd best school in Canada when it comes to producing faculty hires, trailing only the University of Toronto in that category. It also does fairly well at producing Supreme Court Clerkships, being 6 th behind a distinguished list that includes [in order], McGill, Toronto, Ottawa, Victoria and Saskatchewan.

The only real concern for Dalhousie Law Students is that Dalhousie ranked 11 th in “Elite Firm Hiring” and 12 th in “National Reach” as defined by Macleans. Both of these factors are likely influenced somewhat by the location of elite firms and the type of students who attend. A school like Toronto or McGill, the top two schools for elite firm hiring for example, will probably have an easier time with the biggest labour markets being in their respective cities. However, not being in a large city is not necessarily an excuse for a lack of elite firm hiring either, a careful observer will note that Saskatchewan places 3 rd in that category, nor is it a guarantee of success, with Osgoode, located just outside of downtown Toronto, placing 12 th .

Finally, the law school operates a Career Development Office (CDO) which helps students who are seeking out articling positions, clerkships, permanent or summer jobs, and other law-related employment. The CDO also assists with résumé writing when required, general career counseling and information on graduate legal studies or scholarships. The CDO makes an effort to survey law firms in most provinces annually, to assist with career development seminars and of course, hosts on-campus interview days. Finally, the CDO helps organize articling receptions (which are hosted by alumni) in major cities to introduce students to practicing lawyers. All of these services help to assist Dalhousie graduates in finding the best employment possible.

Please note that many provinces requiring articling from law students before they may take the bar. This basically is an apprenticeship program where you work at a firm under the supervision of a trained attorney for a period, normally around a year. Depending on the province you wish to work in, it is necessary to consult with the local society for that province. In the province of Nova Scotia, the requirement for articling is 12 months (1 year), during which a Bar Admission Course is also taken. You can find out more here: http://www.nsbs.org/articling.php .

Dalhousie Law School is the best law school in Atlantic Canada, and in the top tier of schools nationwide. The excellent reputation it has accumulated over its history allows its students healthy career prospects in the field of law, particularly in Atlantic Canada. It is a strong choice for someone wishing to pursue legal education at a proud and distinguished school. The quality of life is good, the facilities are solid and the education is great. A degree from Dalhousie Law School is a good start to your legal career.

Contact Information – General Inquiries

Dalhousie Law School 6061 University Avenue Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4H9 Phone: (902) 494-3495 Fax: (902) 494-1316 Website: www.dal.ca/law

Contact Information - Admissions

6061 University Avenue Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4H9 Phone: (902) 494-2068 Fax: (902) 494-1316 Email: [email protected] Website: www.dal.ca/law

Quick Reference:

Estimated 2008-2009 Domestic Tuition: $12,464.00 Note: This is solely based on the LSAC website. No data is provided on Dalhousie Law School’s website.

Estimated 2008-2009 International Tuition: Unknown. Ranking: 6 th in Canada Median LSAT: Not Listed Multiple LSAT Policy: Higher Score Median GPA: Not Listed Application Deadline: November 30 th and February 28 th , but rolling admissions Applications: 1,400 First Year Places: 163 (2008) Total Enrollment: 489 (482 full time, 7 part time) Full Time Faculty: 42 Part Time Faculty: 51 Motto: Ora et Labora (Pray and Work)

• Law School Admissions
• Law Schools
• Law Students
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Policy
• Career Coaching

Get the Reddit app

If you're looking to use Reddit less given the API changes, please join us on the official [Discord](https://discord.gg/6J2a3FE) page.

Right now a current undergrad at U of C, will finish their last semester by December end.

My L2: 3.629 CGPA: 3.214

I’m aiming for my L2 to be around 3.66-.67 by graduation and CGPA to be around a 3.26-3.28?

I’m currently studying for the LSAT and scored average around 155-161, and am hoping for a 165+ by November or Jan.

I have ADHD and hard of hearing and when I got diagnosed with ADHD in my second year, my grades went way up as in a upward trend. So that’s my access category reason.

Wanted to know if I have any chances at Dal? My Gpa according to the Dalhousie school is a solid 3.7/4.3

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

• Campus Maps
• Campus Tours
• People Directory
• New Students
• Current Students
• Faculty and Staff
• Brightspace
• Get help with your login
• Faculty & Staff

 Benefit from extensive faculty and library resources with this highly focused and selective PhD program.

Why choose this program?

The Law (PhD) at Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law offers unparalleled benefits, including a highly focused curriculum, extensive faculty and library resources, and the opportunity to conduct original research in specialized areas such as health Law, Law & Technology, Marine & Environmental Law, International Business Law, Criminal Justice, Legal theory, and Indigenous Law.

Academia, research institutes, governmental bodies, international organizations, law firms, advocacy groups. You may also work in sectors such as health, technology, environment, international business, criminal justice, legal theory, and indigenous rights. 

Possible careers include:

Professor of Law

Legal policy analyst 

Corporate legal advisor

Legal researcher 

Admission requirements

You'll need to meet the  Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements  as well as any program-specific admissions requirements before you can apply.

Financial information

At Dalhousie, we want our students to focus on their studies, rather than worry about their personal finances. We offer competitive tuition rates and funding programs to support graduate students in almost all of our degree programs.

Program options

Thesis : Pursue independent and original research guided by a supervisor to develop and defend your thesis. 

Standard program duration:

5 years or longer

Enrolment options:

Delivery format:.

All graduate programs at Dalhousie are collaboratively delivered by a home Faculty and the  Faculty of Graduate Studies .

Contact an admissions advisor

Questions about admissions or the application process get in touch with the program..

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: 902-494-2776

I'm ready to apply!

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this page, in the event of a discrepancy,  Dalhousie's Academic Calendars  are the official reference.