The National Program allows common law (J.D.) graduates to obtain a Licence in Civil Law (LL.L.) in just one year. Courses may be completed in English or French.
The National Program in English is offered online asynchronously.
The National Program in French is offered in person in Ottawa, providing an immersive French-language experience that fosters direct and enriching interaction with the civil law student community.
Recognized by the Barreau du Québec, this degree deepens legal understanding by integrating the civil law tradition with common law training. It is grounded in Canada’s multijural context and enhances professional opportunities in an increasingly globalized legal environment.
National Program
Program overview
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Why Choose This Program
Discover the value of Canadian multijuralism:Enhance the versatility of your J.D. with the National Program in Civil Law
Few legal issues affect only one region—or even just one country. Globalization, technological advances, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the extent to which states depend on one another, while also underscoring the importance of having legal professionals who are well versed in multiple legal traditions. The National Program in Civil Law offers an opportunity to take advantage of Canada’s bijural legal framework and better position yourself to address the complex and constantly evolving multijural issues that define the digital age.
Expand your career opportunities
Not only are civilian legal systems an integral part of Canadian institutions, they also transcend Canada's national borders. Civil law is practised in Latin America, most of Europe and Africa, and in much of Asia and the Middle East. Earning a Civil Law degree will open new opportunities as it enhances your professional versatility and mobility, making you an asset to the public sector, Canadian law firms and the legal departments of international companies.
Canadian institutions are not the only ones that rely on a civil law system. The legal systems of Latin America, most countries in Europe and Africa, as well as much of Asia and the Middle East, are also rooted in this legal tradition. Earning a Civil Law degree will enhance your versatility and professional mobility, making you an asset to the public sector, Canadian law firms and the legal departments of multinational corporations.
Benefit from a rich, bilingual, and multicultural learning environment in the heart of Canada’s capital.
| French Program Options and Structure | Options et structure du programme en anglais |
To view the detailed program structure and the complete list of courses, consult the official program requirements in French in the University of Ottawa catalogue.
| To view the detailed program structure and the complete list of courses, consult the official English program requirements in the University of Ottawa course catalogue. The degree can be completed in one year full-time or part-time at your own pace (10 courses).
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Admission Requirements (Undergraduate)
- You have a J.D. degree from a Canadian common law school or you are about to graduate from a J.D. program in a Canadian common law school.
- Application deadline: Rolling admission
- Start date: Fall term
Tuition Fees
Student Experience
Stéphanie St Jacques
Legal Affairs Advisor, Office of Senator McPhedran, Senate of Canada
"I truly appreciated the material. This has been one of the better organized online courses that I've taken. I liked the emphasis on comparing common and civil law as new concepts were introduced, it was a great way to stay situated in my old knowledge while incorporating new civil law lessons."
Patrick J.Boyle
Tax Law and Tax Litigation & Dispute Resolution, KPMG LAW LLP, Former Justice of the Tax Court of Canada
"After several single course terms, I decided to complete the full National Program requirements. The Program was both challenging and enjoyable. I have no doubt that completing the National Program contributed significantly to my success and reputation as a jurist and to my return to a truly national practice following my retirement from the Bench."
Yicheng Ru
National Program (LL.L.) StudentJD Graduate (uOttawa, Common Law)
"The program’s online, asynchronous format allows me to deepen my understanding of Canada’s dual legal system at my convenience, while also enhancing my grasp of global legal frameworks, given that civil law systems govern about 60% of the world’s nations. I appreciate the flexibility to revisit complex topics through video lectures whenever necessary."
What you can do
This program allows you to add a Licence in Civil Law to an existing common law degree, which:
- Expands professional scope in multijural legal contexts;
- Facilitates access to positions in Canadian and international law firms, the federal public service, international organizations, and multinational corporations;
- Strengthens your ability to address complex national and international legal issues.
The civil law degree is particularly valuable in environments where knowledge of multiple legal systems is an asset.
Contact us
Students services
Fauteux Hall, room 201
Fax : 613-562-5337
Email : [email protected]
Join us virtually