Universal and Specialty Practice Stream

This stream is intended to provide general guidance to those who may be considering a small or specialty practice or are currently undecided as to their career goals. It covers a broad range of courses that will be relevant to many areas of practice. Students are also encouraged to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities, including Western Law’s legal clinics and advocacy competitions.

The chart below provides guidance to those contemplating a practice in commercial, criminal, or family/estates law. There are many other specialty areas (e.g. environmental law, immigration law) that are not represented here. Students interested in these areas are encouraged to seek advice from the relevant faculty members at Western Law.

Courses

Essential* and Highly Recommended**

Recommended for Litigation Practice

Recommended for Commercial Practice
  • Civil Procedure*
  • Corporate Law*
  • Income Tax**
  • Negotiation and Mediation**
  • Real Estate Law**
  • Trusts**

Other Electives

  • Franchise Law
  • Statutory Interpretation
  • Evidence
  • Insurance Law

Family / Estates

  • Advanced Clinical Course in Family Law
  • Advanced Family Law
  • Children’s Law
  • Estate Planning
  • Family Law
  • Walsh Moots
  • Wills

Criminal

  • Advanced Clinical Course in Criminal Law
  • Criminal Procedure
  • Sentencing
  • Introduction to Clinical Law
  • Youth Criminal Law
  • Bankruptcy and Insolvency
  • Commercial Law
  • Employment Law
  • Labour Law
  • Securities Regulation
  • Taxation of Corporations and Shareholders

NOTE: Not all courses are offered every year. 

Relevant Co-Curricular Opportunities