TMU Law School, located in the heart of Toronto, is an inspiration to law students from all over Canada. This articles will showcase the unique qualities, admission requirements, acceptance rate, tuition fees, scholarships, and the curriculum of this law program.
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TMU Law School Acceptance Rate
The 2024 acceptance rate at TMU Law is 5%. Nearly 3000 people apply yearly for around 150 first-year spots at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Although numbers vary from year to year, you can expect that 1 in every 20 students might get accepted to study law at this school. As for the population of the entire school, there are usually nearly 400 students who attend TMU Law across all 3 years of the law degree.
TMU Law School Requirements
The components of admission requirements to TMU Law are very other Canadian law schools. Although Lincoln Alexander School of Law LSAT score and GPA requirements are undisclosed, we are able to estimate minimum requirements from self-reported successful applications. Below you will find a complete breakdown of the requirements:
- LSAT Requirements – minimum 159
- GPA Requirements – minimum 85%
- Transcripts – required
- Personal Statement – required
- Letters of Reference – at least 2 letters of reference
- Autobiographical Sketch & Resume – required
- Interview – required
LSAT Requirements
The minimum LSAT requirement at Lincoln Alexander School of Law LSAT is 159. Remember that the average, self-reported LSAT scores do not necessarily mean that your application with the same score would be accepted.
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GPA Requirements
The minimum GPA requirement at TMU Law is 85%. This is equivalent to a 3.5 GPA on a 4-point scale or an A-.
Academic Transcripts
In order to be considered for a spot at the law school, you must submit all your academic transcripts.
Personal Statement
The admissions department requires applicants to submit a two-part personal statement. Your Personal Statement should detail any challenges you have faced and how they have impacted your life, including cultural, socio-economic, medical or physical barriers, learning disabilities, or extenuating circumstances.
- Part A is the main opportunity to argue how a given candidate would most closely align with TMU’s values (especially innovation and entrepreneurship) in up to 5,000 characters.
- Part B is a 2,500-character chance to elaborate on how one’s experiences and strengths can contribute to TMU School of Law.
Letters of reference
Two letters of reference are required, whereby both should preferably be written by a person involved in an academic connection with the candidate. One of the references for Indigenous applicants can also place sole emphasis on their local community engagement.
Autobiographical Sketch and Resume
The autobiographical sketch should combine all the information regarding your volunteer or professional work, extracurricular activities, awards, and accomplishments since your secondary school. Your resume should provide a summary of your professional work experience, academic and extracurricular achievements, certified training courses for professional development, publications, and participation in events such as conferences.
Online Interview
Video interview is required at TMU Law, which makes it application process quite unique compared to other Canadian law schools. After your OLSAS application is accepted, you will receive a video interview link with a two-week validity, during which you must complete that interview.
TMU Law School Tuition Fees
Domestic students pay $69,910 at Lincoln Alexander Law School for their entire law degree in 2024. On the other hand, international students pay $111,784. The table below breaks down the costs of the law degree at this law school:
Domestic Students | International Students | |
Yearly Fees | $22,265 | $36,223 |
Estimated textbook costs | $1,000 | $1,000 |
OLSAS application fee | $115 | $115 |
Three-Year Total Fees | $69,910 | $111,784 |
The costs of becoming a lawyer are outlined in our comprehensive guide.
Scholarships
Scholarships and different awards are available to students at the entry-level and post-entry levels. Although there is no clear identification as to the precise value of TMU’s designated financial aid for law, we are aware of the various eligibility criteria:
- Demonstrating successful academic engagement and high standing in academia;
- Having an interest in particular areas of law, e.g. Intellectual Property or Environmental Law;
- Being a minority student, e.g. Indigenous, Asian, Black or a recent immigrant/refugee;
- Exemplifying ‘aptitude for business and entrepreneurship’ and/or leadership qualities;
- Overcoming personal or family adversities or being struck by a disability;
- Being the first person in their family to attend a university-level course;
- Being in general financial need; and
- Showcasing generosity by offering assistance and compassion to ‘those less fortunate’.
Apart from the many private donators (most of who are related to the legal sector or are TMU alumni), scholarships are also funded by law firms, including:
- Gardiner Roberts LLP;
- The Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP;
- McCarthy Tétrault LLP;
- Torys LLP;
- The Aird & Berlis LLP;
- Daoust Vukovich LLP; and
- Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.
TMU Law School Ranking
The University of TMU Law School, renowned for its exceptional academic programs and distinguished faculty, holds a prestigious position in Canadian legal education, ranking within the top 10 law schools in Canada. TMU Law School stands out for its innovative curriculum, which combines rigorous legal theory with practical skills training, preparing students for a variety of legal careers. Its cutting-edge research centres and institutes contribute significantly to legal scholarship, influencing policy and practice nationally and internationally. The school’s commitment to diversity and social justice, along with its strong alumni network, further enhances its reputation, making it a highly sought-after institution for aspiring lawyers.
The Curriculum at TMU Faculty of Law
During their legal studies, TMU Law courses allow law students to explore a wide range of available options to develop interests and skills required for specialization in an area of law.
First Year
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;
- Tort 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;
- Evidence;
- 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.
Third Year
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 TMU Law School?
Selecting TMU Law School, officially known as the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, offers a unique and compelling educational experience for prospective law students. Here are some key reasons why TMU stands out among Canadian law schools:
- Triple-P Quality of Paced Practical Progression: TMU Law School is renowned for its emphasis on practical learning. Students have the opportunity to engage in real-world legal scenarios through the Mooting Program, Community Clinics, and the Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) initiative. The PBSC alone has contributed over 140,000 hours of free legal services to more than 400 organizations, ensuring that students gain invaluable hands-on experience.
- Distinguished Course Offerings with a Focus on Business Law: TMU’s curriculum is tailored to equip future lawyers with skills crucial for business legal consulting and transactional work. This includes advanced courses in Corporate/Commercial Law, Legal Solutions, Advocacy and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property Law, and Legal Innovation. These courses provide transferable knowledge and skills relevant to the modern legal landscape.
- Commitment to Innovation and Key Values: The Lincoln Alexander School of Law integrates four core values into its teaching: innovation and entrepreneurship, increasing access to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, and combining sound academic grounding with innovative pedagogy. This approach ensures a well-rounded and forward-thinking legal education.
- Strong Industry Connections Despite its Youth: Though TMU welcomed its first cohort of law students only in 2020, it has already established significant connections with law firms. These firms not only fund scholarships but also provide a pipeline for TMU graduates to enter the legal profession.
- Unique Accreditation and Pathways to Legal Practice: TMU is uniquely accredited by the Law Society of Ontario to integrate a professional practice license into the Juris Doctor program. The Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC) offered at TMU eliminates the need for articling upon completion. Additionally, the Law Practice Program (LPP), an 8-week program meeting the articling requirements of the Law Society of Ontario, is another path for students to qualify in Ontario.
- Global Connections in Development: While global institutional ties are still in the formation phase, TMU’s commitment to developing transnational exchange schemes promises expanded opportunities for its students in the near future.
More About TMU Law
Toronto is home to several legal institutions, one of which is located within the premises of the TMU and its student population of over 47,000 – the Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
You may easily infer where the School of Law derives its name from – the decedent emblematic barrister and solicitor Lincoln Alexander. He was the first black Canadian Member of the House of Commons, the inaugural black Canadian Cabinet Minister, and, above all, a man with a life history of 90 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Is Ryerson University now Toronto Metropolitan University?
Yes, Ryerson University has officially changed its name to Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). This change was unanimously approved by the university’s Board of Governors and put into effect immediately as of April 26, 2022. The name change was part of a broader initiative to align the university with its values and to create a more inclusive campus culture.
Is Lincoln Alexander Law School part of Toronto Metropolitan University?
Yes, the Lincoln Alexander Law School is part of Toronto Metropolitan University. This law school is mentioned in the context of TMU’s new initiatives and expansions, highlighting its inclusion in the university’s structure.
Does TMU have a Law School?
Yes, Toronto Metropolitan University has a law school, specifically the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, which offers a variety of law courses and programs as part of its curriculum.
Is it hard to get into TMU law?
Gaining admission to TMU Law School is quite competitive. The acceptance rate for TMU Law is approximately 5%, with a large number of applicants vying for a limited number of spots each year. This high level of competition indicates that it is challenging to secure admission to this law school.
What LSAT score do I need for TMU law?
The minimum LSAT score required for admission to TMU Law School is 159. However, this is the minimum requirement, and meeting this score does not guarantee admission, as the selection process is competitive and considers various factors
What GPA do you need for TMU law?
The minimum GPA requirement for TMU Law is 85%, which equates to a 3.5 GPA on a 4-point scale or an A-. Similar to the LSAT score, this is a baseline requirement, and the overall strength of an application will influence admission decisions.
