Dictum - 2026-09-21 EN | Faculty of Law

Word from the Dean

A great law school is shaped by its people and by the kind of community they create together.

At the Common Law Section, you will study law in English and French, learn from leading researchers and practitioners, and find opportunities to grow through clinics, moots, internships, research, and community engagement. You will be encouraged to approach complex problems with curiosity, creativity and an open mind.

You will also be asked to consider the responsibilities that accompany a legal education: to act with integrity, advance access to justice, serve the public, and help build a more equitable society. This includes listening to and learning from Indigenous legal traditions, embracing innovation and the responsible use of technology, and ensuring that different experiences and perspectives are welcomed within our community.

None of this work happens alone. Law school is demanding – we prioritize our community and wellbeing.

You have chosen a law school that will prepare you for a rapidly changing profession. We are very glad you are here, and I look forward to seeing what you will contribute and what will excite you in the years ahead.

Upcoming Events

September 22, 2026 | 1L Professionalism in Practice: Every Communication Builds Your Reputation
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 351 | English Event | Registration in The Source

September 22, 2026 | The Centre for Law, Technology and Society - Jeux vidéo sans support : Regards croisés sur les droits des joueuses et joueurs
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | hybrid | Event in French | Registration Required

September 23, 2026 | Career Development Centre - Ottawa IP Recruitment: The Employer Perspective
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 147 | Bilingual Event | Registration in The Source

September 24, 2026 | Career Development Centre - JurisMentor & CLCMP Info Session
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 351 | Bilingual Event | Registration in The Source

September 24, 2026 | Public Law Centre - Supreme Court Cases to Watch
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | FTX 302 | Bilingual event | Registration Required

September 28, 2026 | The Centre for Law, Technology and Society - AI and the Future of the Legal Profession
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 302 | English Event | Registration Required

September 29, 2026 | General Clerkship Information Session
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 351 | Bilingual Event | Registration in The Source

September 30, 2026 | Hyman Soloway Chair in Business and Trade Law and the CN-Paul M. Tellier Chair on Business and Public Policy - How to Win a Trade War
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | DMS 12102 | Event in English | Registration Required

October 1, 2026 | Toronto OCI Panel
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 351 | Bilingual Event | Registration in The Source

October 1, 2026 | 1L Professionalism in Practice: Every Communication Builds Your Reputation
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 135 | French Event | Registration in The Source

October 1, 2026 | Beading Circle
10:00 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 230 | Bilingual Event | Drop-In

October 1, 2026 | Panel Discussion celebrating the UOCLC's 55th Anniversary: From Clinic Experience to Career Success
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | FTX 302 | Bilingual event | Registration required

October 1, 2026 | Public Law Centre - Academic Freedom in an Era of Democratic Backsliding
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | DMS 12102 | Event in English | Registration Required

Please visit the webpage for more Upcoming Events.

Important academic dates and deadlines

Sept. 9 to dec. 9 | Course period
Sept. 22 | Last day to enroll and to change course selection for the Fall term
Sept. 22 | Last day to submit a request to register for a  Directed Research Project for the Fall term
Sept. 22 | Last day to submit an exemption request for the U-Pass in your U-Pass portal
Sept. 30 | Last day to opt-out of health/dental insurance.
Oct. 2 | Last day to pay Fall term tuition fees without late fees.
Oct. 9 | Last day to submit a registration form for the Major Paper Requirement for a Fall term course
Oct. 25-31 | Reading Week for the Common Law Section
Nov. 17 | Career Connections Fall 2026