Applying to the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law

Applicants can apply to one or both of the following JD streams:

1. In-person stream: All three years of the JD degree are completed in-person, at the Thunder Bay campus

2. 1L Online Intensive: The first year of the JD degree is completed through a combination of online learning and four weeks of intensive, in-person, land-based learning. The remaining two years are completed in-person, at the Thunder Bay campus.

Offers of admission will be made to either the 1L Online Intensive or the in-person JD stream. If you apply for both, you will not be given a later opportunity to choose between the two. Please visit the following webpage to learn more about the 1L Online Intensive. The admission requirements are the same between both streams, except that applicants to the 1L Online Intensive must submit an extra Personal Statement.

 All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS).

Documentation sent directly to our institution will not be considered. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Applications for September 2024 entry open on August 18, 2023 and close on November 1, 2023.

Admission Considerations and Requirements

The Bora Laskin Faculty of Law takes a holistic approach to admissions. This means that there are not specific weights put on individual components of the application, nor are there minimum GPA or LSAT scores. Every piece of the application contributes to the bigger picture of who you are as an applicant. We recognize that every applicant is unique and complex and the Admissions Committee is looking for academically strong, well-rounded, and diverse candidates to make up our next class.

Application Components

1. Academic Record. You must successfully complete a minimum of 3 years of full-time undergraduate studies at a recognized university to be considered for admission (unless applying under the Mature Category). Preference is given to those with a 4-year undergraduate degree. You may apply in the third or final year of your undergraduate degree program. You must submit official transcripts for all postsecondary institutions attended.

2. LSAT Score. You are required to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), which is administered several times throughout the through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). If you write the LSAT more than once, the highest test result reported by the Law School Admission Council in the year you apply will be used for admission.

3. Personal Statement The Personal Statement provides you with the opportunity to discuss your strengths, capabilities and achievements that distinguish you as a desirable applicant. If applying to the 1L Online Intensive, there is a required extra submission.

4. References. You must provide at least 2 letters of reference. Two academic references are preferred, but applicants may provide one academic and one non-academic (unless applying under Mature category).

5. Autobiographical Sketch. A snapshot of your work and volunteer experience, research, extra-curricular involvement and any awards or accomplishments. 

6. Supporting documentation where necessary (Indigenous, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA), and Mature applicant categories)

For a fully comprehensive overview of the admission requirements, please see the OLSAS Application Guide.

We usually extend first-round offers in December and rolling admission continues until classes reach capacity, usually in early summer.

Currently, we are not accepting applications from international students. Applicants must have either Canadian permanent resident (landed immigrant) status or Canadian citizenship. Due to the unique nature of the IPC, we do not accept any advanced standing students from other Canadian law programs or NCA candidates. All our students must complete the 3-year full-time JD program.

Admission Categories

You have the choice to apply under any of the following applicant categories:

1. General
2. Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) 
3. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA)
4. Mature

For a fully comprehensive overview of the admission categories, please see the OLSAS Application Guide.

How to Apply to the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law

All applicants must apply through the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS). Applicants pay a base OLSAS application fee plus an extra fee for each Ontario law school applied to. There is also a transcript fee for each transcript requested. The base OLSAS fee is unwaivable but you may request a fee waiver for the Bora Laskin portion of the application fee. The basic criterion for granting a Fee Waiver is the absolute inability to pay for the service.

--> Start the application process now through the OLSAS Application site.

Contact Information:

Please direct all OLSAS-related inquiries directly to OLSAS (i.e., submission of applications or the receipt of documents) at:

Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC)
Telephone: (519) 823-1063
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. EST
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. EST

Information regarding the program and admission requirements should be directed to Lakehead University:

Anya Scheibmayr
Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Admissions
Telephone: (807) 346-7862
Email: law@lakeheadu.ca

Website: law.lakeheadu.ca

Please review the OLSAS Application Guide and the Law Admission Questions before contacting us.