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Shaping the Future of Law

The law is evolving rapidly. So are the challenges facing society. Through bold education, impactful research and meaningful partnerships, the uOttawa's Common Law Section is preparing the next generation of legal leaders to make a difference.
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Our Vision
The future won't wait. Neither will we.
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Strategy

Law is changing. We are leading the change.

Artificial intelligence. Access to justice. Climate change. Reconciliation. Democratic institutions. These challenges are reshaping the legal profession.
The Common Law Section is preparing graduates, advancing research and strengthening partnerships to help build a more just, innovative and inclusive future.

Strat plan team

Elevating Excellence

"Our Strategic Plan reflects the aspirations of our community and our commitment to excellence in legal education, impactful research and public service."

Dr. Kristen Boon 
Susan & Perry Dellelce Dean
Faculty of Law, Common Law Section

Our Ambition

Embedded Across Everything We Do

Our Four Strategic Priorities

The foundational pillars shaping our path forward.

Preparing Tomorrow's Legal Leaders
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Pillar 1 - Teaching, Learning and Student Success

To deliver excellence through innovative, inclusive legal education in French and English that prepares students for professional success and well-being based on high ethical standards, technological readiness and real-world experience. 

Advancing Research That Shapes Law
Research, Knowledge Mobilization and Policy Impact

Pillar 2 - Research, Knowledge Mobilization and Policy Impact

To advance influential legal research in French and English that shapes policy, drives innovation and enhances local, national and global legal discourse through partnerships with the legal community.

Strengthening Communities Through Justice
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Pillar 3 - Community Engagement, Public Service and Social Justice

To foster a strong, inclusive legal community that makes a significant contribution in French and English through community engagement, public service and social justice advocacy. 

Building a Sustainable Future
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Pillar 4 - Growth and Advancement

Strengthening our capacity, resources, and reputation to sustain excellence and expand our impact.

Strategy in Action

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English Common Law JD Curriculum Revision Supports Pillar 1

"The revised English-language JD curriculum reflects a commitment to preparing lawyers not only for the profession as it exists today, but for the one they will inherit tomorrow. By integrating legal skills, ethics, technology, and greater curricular flexibility, the program equips students to navigate emerging legal and societal challenges with confidence, adaptability, and sound professional judgment. Just as importantly, the reform establishes a framework for continuous evolution, ensuring that legal education remains responsive to a rapidly changing world."

Professor Craig Forcese
Academic Director, Legal Education Futures Project

Pacifique Manirakiza

French Common Law Program (PCLF)

"As it approaches its 50th anniversary, the French Common Law Program (PCLF) is more ready than ever to support the implementation of our Faculty’s strategic plan.

To reinforce our position in teaching Common Law in French, we introduced a course on language rights that will equip our students with the tools they need to advance linguistic equality in access to justice for Francophone minority communities.

Also, as part of our commitment to reconciliation and decolonization, and in response to Call to Action 28 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, we introduced a new mandatory course on truth, reconciliation, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

These innovations strengthen several pillars of our strategic plan. "

Pacifique Manirakiza, PhD
Vice-Dean of the French Common Law Program

Anna Jeffery

Expanding Access to Social Justice Opportunities

"In summer 2026, the Common Law Section increased its student fellowships from 26 to 34, expanding access to meaningful, otherwise unfunded summer opportunities. 

These fellowships support students working in social justice, public interest, and community engagement while helping organizations that may not otherwise have the resources to fund a summer law student position. 

By creating more pathways for students to serve the community and gain practical experience, the Common Law Section is advancing social justice—one of the guiding principles of its new Strategic Plan."

Anna Jeffery
Professional Development Counsellor, Career Development Centre (CDC)