Comparing law schools in British Columbia

BC is a common law state, which means that law schools in British Columbia are teaching the common law legal system. Law students studying in the province are being prepared to meet the requirements set by the Law Society of British Columbia. But with three law schools, which one should you choose? 

This article focuses on the province's reputable law schools and what they offer aspiring lawyers.  

What are the law schools in British Columbia? 

As mentioned, there are three law schools in British Columbia, each is known for its excellent JD program. Other than JD though, some of these schools also offer masterals, PhD, and combined programs. 

University of British Columbia (UBC) - Peter A. Allard School of Law (Allard Law) 

The school is consistently ranked among the best law schools in British Columbia and Canada. Strictly speaking, it’s located in Metro Vancouver because the University Endowment Lands is an unincorporated territory.  

General information 

Allard law reportedly has a class size of around 45 to 50 students. In 2023, their graduating class is composed of 176 students, 161 of which secured articling positions immediately. The student body is diverse since the law school has multiple categories for admission. For example, around 6 percent of the student population is from the Indigenous community. 

Here’s a quick overview of Allard Law: 

Campus life 

Campus facilities make it easy for students to learn different aspects of the legal profession. The Allard Hall is the primary structure for law students, covering around 141,000 square feet of space. It contains the Law Library, which is one of the biggest in Canada. Here, students gain access to on-site and electronic sources for their studies. 

The library not only provides information on common law subjects but also civil law. In fact, there are resources in both French and English languages, allowing neighbouring students to seek entry into its halls. There’s also a moot courtroom where students can practice litigation. 

Financial assistance 

The school offers different categories of financial assistance for deserving students. More than $1 million bursaries are available for students every period. Other than that, there are awards costing as much as $15,000 given to students who have proven themselves. The school is also the host of different merit-based scholarships such as: 

• Jenkins Marzban Logan Scholarships 
• Anne Bedner Uphill Scholarships 
• Miller Thomson LLP Entrance Scholarship 
• Scholarships for members of the Black or Indigenous community 
• Scholarship for those with leadership backgrounds 

University of Victoria (UVic) – Faculty of Law 

UVic ranks ninth among the top law schools in Canada in Times Higher Education's (THE) 2025 list. In the world, it holds a promising position in the top 150. The city is home to several schools such as Camosun College and Royal Roads University. However, only UVic offers Juris Doctor and other law programs. 

General information 

UVic typically has a class size of around 25 to 60 students for the first year. Upper years tend to get smaller though, sizing just 10 to 24 students. This creates a tight knit group, especially around the graduating years.  Population is composed mostly of women, making up more than 50 percent of the class size. Minorities are around 20 percent of the class. 

Here’s an overview of the UVic – Faculty of Law: 

International students are also welcome inside law schools in British Columbia. This diverse student population makes things more exciting, especially for university-wide social events. Here’s a quick look at international students of UVic. 

Campus life 

The city of Victoria is a great place for students because of its moderate cost of living. The transport is reliable and there are great opportunities for outdoor activities. Of course, students who live on campus can also enjoy the many amenities of UVic. To start, there are multiple organizations like: 

• Law Students’ Society 
• Environmental Law Club 
• Business Law Association 

The Faculty of Law is housed in the Fraser Building, which sits close to tempting outdoor activities. While it might seem like a bad idea, proximity to nature actually gives students a great outlet after spending the week in the Diana M. Priestly Law Library. The library underwent some renovation and is now home to numerous legal resources. 

Most law schools in British Columbia also have mental wellness and health resources for students who might be feeling the pressure of their studies. Those who are nearing graduation can also make good use of the career office for easy networking, articling, and job placement.   

Financial assistance 

Students who show exceptional academic achievement may be awarded scholarships right after entrance. This amount can be anywhere from $1,000 to $15,000 without the need to apply. There are also external financial assistance options at the provincial and federal levels. 

Need-based bursaries may also be awarded. The Faculty of Law can be very generous with this, awarding around $350,000 annually to students who sufficiently show their need for financial assistance. There are also specific bursaries for certain categories of students. 

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) – Faculty of Law 

Unlike other law schools in this list, TRU only offers one program – Juris Doctor. That's why if your goal is to get combined JD programs, then this might not be the best choice. However, its location in the City of Kamloops makes it perfect for students. In fact, the city is built around TRU, which means that many of the amenities are designed for students. 

This creates a rich, diverse, and very youthful population. As with many Canadian cities though, finding good accommodation outside of campus can be a challenge. 

General information  

Class sizes are small with just 124 seats available per year. Admissions are open to diverse students with categories in Indigenous, general, and discretionary. Their students also come from different parts of Canada, especially for the Indigenous curriculum. 

Here’s an overview of the TRU – Faculty of Law: 

Tuition-wise, TRU is in the upper-middle range when it comes to tuition costs of Canada’s law schools. 

Campus life  

The law school is found in the old main building. The location gives students a great view of nature while still staying close to the main city. The dedicated law building also hosts a comprehensive law library where students can study in peace. Classrooms have a modern feel to them, which is perfect for lectures. 

Multiple student organizations are available such as the Business Law Society and the Environmental and Natural Resources Club. Support services are also available for graduating students seeking positions in the legal profession.  

Financial assistance 

Entrance scholarships are available for students who demonstrate deserving qualities. Upon application, there are already entrance scholarships available to students. These scholarships are funded by third-party organizations, including some of the best-known law firms. Bursaries are also given to students who apply and demonstrate funding needs. 

Of course, there are also external funding sources given by both federal and provincial governments.  

What is the best law school in British Columbia? 

If going on ranking alone, UBC is the best law school in British Columbia. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it should be the only choice of aspiring lawyers who live in the province. Other factors like preferred programs or available scholarships should also be considered. Comparison with other law schools like those from Toronto or Ottawa is also possible. 

For example, while UBC is the strongest law school in the province, UVic tuition rates tend to be lower. In terms of city life, TRU might be more appealing to students since the community is built around the college. Simply put – each law school has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best fit is one that matches your needs as a student. 

How many years is law school in BC? 

Law schools in British Columbia usually take three years to finish for a full-time student. This is following an undergraduate degree that usually takes four years to complete. Afterwards, there’s an articling process, which usually takes about a year. Only then can aspiring lawyers take the bar exam and practice the profession. 

Some law schools offer part-time studies for those who are working and studying at the same time. This would extend their stay in law school to a few years, depending on the part-time workload. Some schools have a specific “mature” category for students who are past a certain age when enrolling. 

What GPA do I need for BC law school? 

Based on the above data, there is no minimum score required for law school in BC. Students, however, are encouraged to remain competitive with a 3.5 GPA. The median GPA is usually around 3.7. This, combined with a strong personal statement and other requirements can help clinch placement in any law school.  

Some universities may even place more weight on GPA compared to the LSAT. This is because the GPA reflects the totality of the student’s work in school. In comparison, the LSAT is a one-time exam score. So, the GPA offers a better view of the student’s grind. 

What LSAT score do I need for BC law school? 

Competitive LSAT scores are usually 155 above. Since they can be taken multiple times, some schools have precise rules on how they are appreciated. For example, some schools will consider all LSAT scores taken within a specific number of years or cycles. Others will take the latest LSAT score of an applicant. 

The median LSAT of accepted students in UBC is typically around 163. Of course, this is only a single factor since all law schools in BC do not have a minimum requirement. LSATs are administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) nine times a year but place a limit on how many times students can take it within a given period. 

Here’s a helpful LSAT prep guide that can help aspiring students: 

Comparing all law schools in Canada should help you pick the best one to match your future goals! 

Enrolling in law schools in British Columbia 

Applicants seeking admission to a BC law school have the benefit of several options. This is certainly better compared to other provinces where there is only one or two law schools like Ottawa. Of course, that doesn’t mean that applicants can relax because they have the privilege of choosing. Ultimately, BC law schools accept students based on set standards. 

If you’re applying for specific law schools, it’s recommended to visit their websites and get more precise instructions. If you’re still considering, subscribe to our legal education page and get the latest on Canada’s universities!