Your first year at law school is an important one. The dedicated and supportive community of faculty, students and staff are here to make the transition into law school smooth and successful for you. Here's what you can expect in your first year:
Curriculum
The curriculum in the first year is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in legal principles while ensuring they are challenged intellectually. Students take nine courses over their first year. These courses include: Indigenous Settler Legal Relations, Contracts, Criminal Law & Procedure, Property Law, Torts, Advocacy, Introduction to Public Law and the Charter, Legal Research & Writing, and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.
Building Community
The relationships you build in law school will likely to last you throughout your career. It's an integral part of the law school experience. To help foster this community, the Student Affairs team organizes a week-long orientation for all incoming students. The week consists of a mix of social and academic events. Each student is also assigned to a small group of 50 students, with whom they will take all of their first-year classes. These small groups allow students to get to know their classmates and form lasting friendships.
Outside the Classroom
Clubs and Sports
There are approximately 50 clubs and sports teams supported and funded by the University of British Columbia Law Students’ Society (UBC LSS). It's an incredible way to get involved in the law school community and get to know your classmates.
Moots
Gain valuable courtroom experience by participating in a simulated court hearing (moot) in your first year Advocacy course. You’ll also have the chance to participate in a moot in second or third year as part of Allard Law’s experiential learning program. Coached by professors and practicing lawyers, you’ll gain experience analyzing complex issues and making written and oral arguments — skills that will put you on the path to becoming a great lawyer.
Networking
The Career Services Office organizes a number of networking events throughout the year that are open to first-year students. These events provide a glimpse into what life beyond law school could look like.
Your first year at law school is a great time to build valuable relationships, explore what area of law you would like to focus on and build your resume through the array of volunteer opportunities and experiential learning programs. It's just the beginning of an exciting journey and the supportive community of faculty, students and staff at the Allard School of Law are here to help you along the way.
Student Wellbeing
An on-site Student Wellbeing Counsellor, who is closely linked to the UBC Counselling Service, provides a range of resources and services depending on your needs. Visit the Student Wellbeing website to learn more.