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Programme de droit canadien

The Programme de droit canadien allows you to earn both a JD and an LLL in three years, opening the door to practising law across Canada and abroad. It’s an innovative program that lets you discover Canada’s diverse legal traditions and meet changing needs in law and society.

For more than 50 years, uOttawa’s Faculty of Law has been offering programs in both official languages in the two most widely used legal systems in the world, common law and civil law.

Why choose this program

Students on a bench

Earn two recognized law degrees in just three years through a unique integrated program that combines Canada's common law and civil law traditions. 

The Programme de droit canadien prepares you to work across legal systems while developing the bilingual and bijural skills increasingly valued by employers in Canada and beyond.

With a small cohort of just 20 students each year, you’ll benefit from a collaborative learning environment, close interaction with professors and a curriculum designed specifically for the program. Graduates are well positioned for careers that require expertise in both legal traditions and both of Canada's official languages.

Admission requirements

To be eligible, you must:

  • Complete at least three years of university study before beginning the program (except for mature applicants).
  • Have an outstanding academic record. The admission average is usually 80% or higher.
  • Demonstrate the ability to complete a rigorous program of study in French, with some knowledge of English.
  • Demonstrate community and social engagement.
  • Submit a personal statement, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts for all post-secondary studies.
  • Apply through the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS) and clearly indicate that you wish to be considered for this program.

You don’t have to submit LSAT results for admission to the program.

Admission is highly competitive, with approximately 20 applicants admitted each year. While we usually expect an admission average of 80% or higher, we occasionally consider applicants with a slightly lower average based on other factors, including challenges encountered during previous studies, work experience, community involvement, a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

National Program 2026 and Dean Kristen Boon
National Program 2026 and Dean Kristen Boon

For more information

Student testimonials

Clementine Mattesco

Clementine Mattesco

I recommend the Programme de droit canadien (PDC) to anyone who wishes to become a well-rounded jurist who can appreciate the richness of our bijural Canadian system. During my 3 years at the PDC, I benefited from the complementary strengths of legal training in civil law and common law. My common law courses taught me from my first year of law school to handle case law and to present legal arguments with clarity and precision. My civil law courses allowed me to understand logical legal thinking and taught me how to use it to develop solid and coherent reasoning. I am convinced that these additional training courses have made me a more enlightened lawyer and better equipped to start my legal career.

Guillaume Garih

Guillaume Garih

Barrister-at-Law - Class of 2013

The Programme de droit canadien gave me the legal vocabulary required to go to trial in both official languages. In criminal law, it is essential for linguistic minorities to be defended, or prosecuted, in the official language of their choice.

PDC dinner 2025
PDC Diner 2025 in presence of many third year PDC students, the civil law dean Sophie Thériault and the PDC president Marel Katsivela

Why choose uOttawa Common Law

Study at the world’s largest English French bilingual university, located in the heart of the nation's capital. At uOttawa Common Law, we’re educating tomorrow’s leaders in law and society. You’ll benefit from exceptional professors, hands-on learning opportunities, strong connections to government, courts and legal organizations, and a vibrant student community. Gain the knowledge, practical experience and professional network to prepare for diverse careers in law and beyond.

Course sequences

Contact us

Common Law admissions

Fauteux Hall
57 Louis Pasteur Private
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 6N5

Email: [email protected]

Join the virtual line to speak with the Common Law Admissions Office

Director of the program

Director of the Programme de Droit Canadien: Marel Katsivela