Students in front of Tabaret Hall

French Juris Doctor

The French Common Law Program, taught primarily in French, leads to a three-year Juris Doctor (JD). It provides a comprehensive legal education in the common law tradition and prepares you for legal practice in French-language and bilingual environments across Canada.

You must complete all compulsory courses and at least 75% of your optional upper-year law courses in French (with French as the language of instruction and evaluation).

The curriculum and academic requirements are essentially the same as those of the English Common Law Program. Students in the French program can also take courses offered in English and enrol in selected courses offered by the Civil Law Section, an opportunity to broaden your legal education and explore Canada’s two legal traditions.

The French Common Law Program meets the need for French-language legal education and services in Ontario and across Canada while providing you with opportunities to study common law in French.

Why choose this program

two students talking in Tabaret stairs

Study common law in French while gaining the legal knowledge and practical skills needed to work in Canada’s bilingual legal environment.

The program offers opportunities to study law in both French and English, including exploring selected areas of civil law. You can also participate in experiential learning opportunities that connect your academic studies with legal practice.

The program’s French-language environment provides a strong foundation if you’re interested in serving Francophone communities and working in bilingual legal settings across Canada.

Beyond these options, the Common Law Section offers specialized upper-year elective courses across a diverse range of legal fields. Introductory courses are generally delivered in lecture format, while advanced and specialized courses are offered in smaller seminars, workshops and other practical learning formats.

Admission requirements (undergraduate)

The University of Ottawa’s French Common Law Program (PCLF) is designed for students who wish to study common law in French and develop the skills needed to practise law in Canada’s bilingual legal environment.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Complete at least three years (90 credits) of undergraduate study at a recognized university before beginning law school, unless you’re applying under the “mature” category.
  • Have a strong undergraduate academic record. 
  • Demonstrate the ability to pursue a rigorous program of study in French.
  • Have some knowledge of English.
  • Submit a complete application through the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS), including official transcripts, a personal statement, an autobiographical sketch and at least two reference letters, including one academic reference.

You don’t have to submit LSAT results for admission to the French Common Law Program. Applications are evaluated holistically, taking into account academic performance, French-language academic history, a personal statement, references, community involvement and other relevant experiences.

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.

Student experience

Group of students in front of the supreme court

uOttawa Law in the Heart of Canada’s Legal Community

Kick off your studies with our Welcome Reception on the lawn of the Supreme Court of Canada during Orientation Week.
Courtroom

Advocacy at the Faculty of Law

Build your advocacy skills through first-year internal moot competitions and advanced competitive mooting opportunities.
Logo of the Common Law Student Society

Common Law Student Society

Get involved through student government, clubs and organizations that foster leadership, networking and community.

Contact us

Common Law admission

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