Law school, especially 1L, can feel like learning a whole new language. Having a clear sense of what you can expect in the academic program, and what is expected of you, will help you to climb up that learning curve as quickly as possible.

Legal Methods

The Legal Methods intensive course is designed to introduce students to the foundational information and reasoning needed to make the most of the JD program from the outset. The course will provide general background information on the foundations of the Canadian legal system, such as the important legal institutions, the distinction between private and public law, the sources of law, and the relationship between core first year courses.

Legal Methods classes are mandatory and run Monday – Thursday during August 21 – August 31, 2023, with a final exam on Friday Sept 1. Watch for the welcome email in mid-August from the law school’s Records Office about the Legal Methods format and your schedule.

1L Courses

Every 1L student takes the same foundational courses that pave the way for learning in the upper year program.

We evaluate your knowledge mostly through written assignments and exams in your first year. For more details about your courses and how this works, see the First Year Academic Program.

Program Requirements

Curious about what courses you need to take and how many credits you need over the course of your law degree? It is all laid out in your JD Degree Requirements.

Combined Programs

A number of incoming 1Ls are registered in combined degree programs, and more students will register for a combined program during their first year. If you have questions about your combined program structure, credits, etc., please email Assistant Dean Sara Faherty at sara.faherty@utoronto.ca. If you are thinking about applying during your 1L year to a combined program faculty partner, make sure that you check out the program requirements and application deadlines on the respective partner faculties’ websites.

Grading

UofT Law uses a modified pass/fail grading system. We are the only law school in Canada to do so. Check out a detailed description of the law school’s unique grading system.

Academic Policies

The law school has a number of policies that you are responsible for knowing, including rules about mandatory attendance and academic integrity. Make sure you review the full academic policy manual.

Academic Support

The law school offers free and confidential academic support services to 1L students. Staffed by our talented upper year students, the Academic Success Program assists over 50% of the 1L class each year.

Accommodations

In order to maintain grading anonymity, and to ensure consistency, academic accommodations are administered by a central committee and not through individual instructors. For more info about what do to when you get sick, and how to register for ongoing academic accommodation for illness, disability, and religious practices, see our academic accommodations policy.

To Do Before You Arrive

• Familiarize yourself with the Orientation schedule, including Legal Methods, Introduction to Student Services sessions and Social Activities on Your First Two Weeks page.
• Watch the Writing Foundation videos.
• Read the academic policy manual.
• Familiarize yourself with how to access academic accommodations.
• Make a plan to book an academic support appointment early in the term.

Did you know...

UofT Law is the only law school in Canada to offer a modified honours, pass, fail grading system. We switched to our current system seven years ago after looking at grading systems at law schools all over the world. Ours most closely resembles the system of the University of California, Berkeley.