Dictum - 2026-10-19 EN | Faculty of Law

Word from the Dean

We know that adults learn best through practice and experience.

This is why experiential learning is central to what we offer in the Common Law Section. In our classrooms, you build a strong foundation in legal knowledge; through real-world experiences, you turn that knowledge into skill, judgment, and confidence.

Each year, we offer more than 400 hands-on learning opportunities, including legal clinics, moot competitions, internships, fellowships, volunteer placements, and more. These experiences help you practise the skills that will shape your career: oral advocacy, negotiation, legal writing, casework, litigation, and client relations. You’ll learn to read a room, craft a strong strategy, and develop the judgment and confidence every lawyer needs.

You’ll also have opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Our students contribute to urgent conversations and challenges, including social inequality, climate change, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and artificial intelligence.

We remain a leader in experiential learning, and we continue to broaden our programs, so students have even more ways to connect their interests with their career goals.

Discover what’s possible on the Experiential Learning in Common Law webpage.

Upcoming Events

October 19, 2026 | University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic: 1Ls Orientation Program Information Session
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | English session in FTX 361 | Drop-in

October 19, 2026 | Career Development Centre - ONCA & OSCJ Clerkship Information Session
12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Virtual | English Event | Registration in The Source

October 19, 2026 | THE VETO - Film Screening and panel discussion
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Tabaret Hall (TBT 112) | Event in English | Registration required

October 19, 2026 | ONCA & OSCJ Clerkship Information Session
12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Virtual | English Event | Registration in The Source

October 20, 2026 | 1L Professionalism in Practice : Managing Your Time Like a Professional
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 351 | English Event | Registration in The Source

October 20, 2026 | Getting Ready for 2L Toronto Interview Week Employer Panel
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Virtual | English Event | Registration in The Source

October 21, 2026 | Preparing for Toronto Interview Week
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 147 | Bilingual Event | Registration in The Source

October 22, 2026 | Clerkship Information Session with FC/FCA/CMACC
10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Virtual | English Event | Registration in The Source

October 22, 2026 | 1L Professionalism in Practice : Managing Your Time Like a Professional
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 135 | French Event | Registration in The Source

October 22, 2026 | Succeeding in Government Interviews
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 147 | Bilingual Event | Registration in The Source

November 4, 2026 | Cover Letter Basics: Presenting your story
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 147 | Bilingual Event | Registration in The Source

November 5, 2026 | Working Towards a Career in Public Interest and Social Justice
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. | FTX 351 | Bilingual Event | Registration in The Source

Please visit the webpage for more Upcoming Events.

Important academic dates and deadlines

Oct. 25-31 | Reading Week for the Common Law Section
Nov. 17 | Career Connections Fall 2026
Nov. 20 | Last day to withdraw from a course or an activity (no financial credit)
Nov. 23-Dec. 4 | Teaching and course evaluations
Dec. 9 | Courses end
Dec. 10-22 | Exam period

Please visit the webpage for more Important dates and deadlines.