About Western Law
Western University, founded in 1878, is one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. We deliver “The Western Experience”, an exemplary learning experience that engages the best and brightest people, challenging them to meet ever-higher standards in the classroom and beyond.
Since our first class graduated in 1883, we have become a vibrant centre of learning. Today we offer more than 39,000 students, 400+ undergraduate programs and 80+ graduate programs, complemented by an exceptional range of curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities in every faculty. From our home in Southwestern Ontario and outward across every continent, we prepare future leaders to succeed.
Our Faculty of Law was established in 1959 and has a proud tradition of producing great leaders in a variety of fields. With an incoming class size of 200 students, we form a collegial dynamic community where you can expect to thrive both personally and professionally.
Program Information
We offer a 3-year full-time Juris Doctor (JD) degree program, as well as combined graduate and undergraduate degrees in several disciplines.
An Extended-Time JD program is also available for students who cannot manage a full-time program because of:
- family responsibilities,
- health issues,
- disabilities,
- financial necessity or
- other special circumstances.
More about our Extended-Time JD program, including courses, timeline and requirements.
Combined-degree Programs
Admission Requirements and Supporting Documents
Eligibility Criteria
Western Law is strongly committed to excellence and diversity. While we believe that excellence in academic studies and strong performance on the LSAT are the best evidence of the ability to succeed in law school, we also believe that achievement in other areas may indicate potential for success; therefore, applications are reviewed holistically. Our admissions policy, which allows applicants to show their potential in a variety of ways, is designed to produce a mix of students with diverse backgrounds.
The Admissions Committee considers the highest LSAT score and cumulative grade point average (GPA), which is based on all undergraduate university courses you received grades for. This includes grades obtained during spring and summer terms and on academic exchanges. However, if your cumulative GPA is not competitive, we will give greater weight to your last 2 years of full-time (or equivalent) undergraduate university study (defined as a minimum of 20 semestered courses).
The Committee also considers factors other than grades and LSAT scores, including:
- employment,
- personal and professional achievements,
- extracurricular engagement,
- volunteer activities and
- other life experience.
A full course load throughout your undergraduate academic career (5 semestered courses per term) is preferred. Research and writing experience, and graduate work, are also very positive factors.
All applicants must provide the following:
- Official transcripts for all postsecondary education.
- Two confidential reference letters, one of which must be academic (i.e., from a university professor who has taught you).
- Note: If more than 2 reference letters are received, only 2 will be read.
- A Personal Statement.
- An Autobiographical Sketch, Detailed Sketch and verifiers.
- LSAT score(s) and the LSAT Writing.
In addition:
Access applicants must provide supporting documentation to substantiate their access claim.
Indigenous applicants must provide proof of Indigenous status, ancestry or other ties to their Indigenous community.
Mature applicants may submit a resumé. Moreover, where it is not possible to provide an academic reference due to the passage of time, 2 non-academic reference letters are acceptable for mature applicants.
We request resumés for Mature applicants only. If other applicants submit resumés, they will not be reviewed.
Refer to Admission Categories for information about discretionary category application requirements.
Upper-year applicants must provide additional information, detailed in the following section.
Admission Categories
First-Year Applicants
There are 2 major categories for admission into first year:
- General
- Discretionary
- Access
- Black
- Indigenous
- Mature
If you wish to change your applicant category after the application deadline, be aware that decisions permitting such a change are discretionary and rare. Carefully consider which applicant category is best for you before submitting your application.
Upper-year Applicants
There are 3 categories of applicants to second and third year:
- Transfer
- Advanced Standing
- Letter of Permission (LOP)
The number of students admitted in these categories is limited by the availability of places in the second and third year.
The competition for these positions is significant. Generally, you will receive priority if you meet the competitive profile for our General category, described above, and you have strong first-year law school grades (defined as a B average or higher), which factor heavily in the admission decision. Compassionate reasons, where relevant, will also be considered.
Your Personal Statement should include your reason for transfer, seeking advanced standing or studying on a Letter of Permission (LOP), as the case may be. The structure of the Personal Statement is the same for first-year and upper-year applicants.
In addition to the required documents outlined for all applicants, you must arrange to have the following submitted directly to OLSAS:
- An up-to-date transcript from your current law school.
- Two confidential reference letters from law professors (in lieu of other reference letters).
- A letter from your current law school confirming you are in good standing and have not been the subject of any academic or non-academic discipline.
- Letter of Permission students only: A letter from your current law school prescribing a program of approved courses and/or setting out any specific requirements that must be met while studying at Western Law.
Admission Information
Additional Information
Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid
Contact Information
If you have questions about our admission policies and standards or wish to arrange a tour of Western Law with a law student ambassador or with admissions personnel, contact our Admissions Office:
JD Admissions
Faculty of Law
Room 222
Western University
London ON N6A 3K7
Telephone: 519-661-3347
Fax: 519-850-2412
Email: lawapp@uwo.ca
We also invite you to visit Western Law via our Virtual Tour.
Find out how you can connect with us (virtually or in person) at forthcoming events this academic year. Events are added as our recruitment calendar grows. Check back often.