Studying international law has become essential to practicing law in the 21st century. Since the end of the Second World War, there has been an explosion of international legal instruments dealing with matters as diverse as human rights, economic and social development, the environment and trade. Globalization has internationalized a variety of issues that were once of only domestic concern. Canada’s laws are increasingly a hybrid of purely domestic regulations and laws implementing international obligations.

International Law at uOttawa: Open to the World

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Knowledge of international law provides students with insight and skills beneficial in a wide variety of contexts, both domestic and international. Career opportunities range from traditional legal practice to work with international organizations, NGOs and government across a broad spectrum of legal and policy issues.

The uOttawa Faculty of Law is home to a large group of globally recognised scholars in the area of International Law. Members of the International Law Group engage in world-class research and make important contributions to public debate on international law issues. The International Law Group organizes regular talks and presentations by leading international lawyers on topical issues.

JD Students have access to the most extensive selection of international law courses in Canada and can specialize in international law by enrolling in the Option in International Law. uOttawa students can participate in international law activities outside the classroom, including international law moots, internships, clerkships and more than a dozen student organizations involved in international law issues. 

The Faculty prepares JD and graduate students from all over the world for careers in the practice of international law and in academia. Common Law alumni work in a wide range of international law settings worldwide.

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Wolfgang Alschner
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Hyman Soloway Chair

The Hyman Soloway Chair in Business and Trade Law promotes teaching and research in business and international economic law at the University of Ottaw…
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John Packer
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Neuberger-Jesin Professor

The Neuberger-Jesin Professor is a conflict resolution expert internationally and engages students from uOttawa in such work to enhance their own trai…
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tradelabedit
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TradeLab Network

Through pro bono legal clinics, TradeLab connects students and experienced legal professionals with government agencies, international organizations, …

JD Students

The University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law (Common Law Section) offers an extensive program of courses in international law and many of our graduates go on to work as lawyers in international organizations, governments, law firms, businesses and NGOs.

We offer an International Law Option that allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of public international law; to explore several specialized fields of international law, including international human rights and security, trade and investment, criminal, environmental, intellectual property, immigration and refugee, and business law; and to gain practical experience in the field through clinics, moots, and internships. 

Graduate Studies

The University of Ottawa offers programs in law at the master’s and doctoral levels. Our programs provide students with an opportunity to work with Canada’s top public law scholars on core questions of public law as well as on emerging and evolving issues.

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Contact Us

International Law Group Co-Chairs

Prof. Celine Braumann (bio)
[email protected]

Prof. Pacifique Manirakiza (bio)
[email protected]