Career & resources

The rapid emergence of AI in legal practice has presented new and complex challenges for all Canadian law schools. The transformative impact of this technology is self evident. Our members are working diligently to institute policies and practices concerning AI that will allow for it to be utilized in a positive and responsible manner. These efforts are ongoing and will benefit from a broad based, collaborative approach. Some of our member faculties have begun to offer courses that include critically assessing the technology and determining how it can best be incorporated into the practice of law and legal scholarship.  This promises to be a challenging and fascinating undertaking moving forward.

An in depth exposure to “Civics” and the rule of law are essential in Canadian legal education. Law schools aim to produce lawyers who are not only skilled professionals but also engaged citizens and defenders of democratic institutions. An understanding of and respect for the rule of law are fundamental components of many of the foundational courses offered by our member faculties. Law students study how the rule of law animates several diverse aspects of the legal system including ensuring access to justice, limiting the powers of government and providing a basis for judicial review. “Civics” taught in law schools goes beyond high-school-style citizenship education — it’s about understanding the lawyer’s role in society generally, and their responsibility to contribute to the functioning of democratic institutions. Canadian law schools view civic education as essential to sustaining democratic legitimacy. Graduates are expected to promote public confidence in the justice system, uphold ethical and professional standards, engage in law reform, protect rights and freedoms, and act as educators and leaders in civic life.