Course and Program Catalogue 2013-2014

The part-time program has been developed to assist both regular and special applicants who meet the ordinary admission requirements. It is intended to accommodate those whose family commitments, financial necessity, or occupational involvement prevent full-time study. It would also apply to those who have not been in an academic institution for a significant number of years, making a part-time program at the outset necessary to re-acquire and develop educational skills.

Persons wishing to be admitted to the part-time program must submit a written statement setting out details of the reasons why they may be unable to pursue a full-time program in the study of law. Applicants must also be prepared to be interviewed prior to acceptance.

The program is not intended for those who want to test their interest in law or who would prefer a light course load. It requires a commitment to at least half of the workload of full-time law students.

Students taking a part-time program are required to attend courses at the ordinarily scheduled times. Such persons must be flexible enough to accommodate the study of law during the daytime when the bulk of the courses offered in the college are scheduled.

Students admitted to the first year part-time program are committed to two years in the part-time program before they can change their status to full-time.

In First Year Part I, students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credit units and a maximum of 18 credit units. In addition, students must complete legal writing assignments in conjunction with one of their courses and must participate in the Orientation Program and Dispute Resolution Program.

In First Year Part II, students must complete the remaining first-year courses and, depending on the number of courses taken in Part I, may be allowed to take one or two upper-year courses subject to the following requirements:

Note: If a student needs fewer than 6 credit units in a term, or fewer than 15 credit units in a year to graduate, the student may take the number of courses necessary for graduation.

Students may convert to full-time status upon completion of first year or at any other time in upper years.

The Native Law Centre, established in September 1975, is Canada's principal training and research program for Aboriginal law and lawyers. The University of Saskatchewan created the Centre to promote the development of the law and legal system in ways that would better fit the advancement of Aboriginal communities in Canadian society. The Centre undertakes many activities in fulfilling its objective, including a pre-law orientation and screening program. The program prepares Aboriginal students for first year in property law, legal writing and study skills.

The Centre also has an active research and publication program; a legal pleadings collection; seminar series; and acts as a community resource Centre. Research activities focus on issues in Aboriginal, human and treaty rights both in the national and international contexts. National policy organizers often call upon staff members to attend conferences. The Centre publishes the Canadian Native Law Reporter, Justice As Healing, and many technical monographs, and organizes interventions in major cases on Aboriginal and treaty rights in the courts.  Link: www.usask.ca/nativelaw/publications

This is an eight-week pre-law orientation and screening program which many students take as a condition of their admission to law school under a special admissions category for Aboriginal students. Unconditionally admitted Aboriginal students are also encouraged to participate in the Program to get the advantage of course credit and skill development. The Program introduces students to the process, substance and demands of the first year of law school, with particular emphasis on the skills required to succeed in law school. Successful students receive credit for first-year Property at the University of Saskatchewan and at other law schools dependent on individual law school policies.

In order to be considered for admission to the Program, a student must have successfully completed two years of academic work at a recognized university or its equivalent. This requirement is flexible. An applicant who lacks this requirement but who, by reason of maturity and experience, possesses the potential and ability to successfully complete a law program, may be considered for admission.

For further information on the Program of Legal Studies for Native People contact:

Program of Legal Studies for Native People
University of Saskatchewan
Room 160, Law Building
15 Campus Drive
Saskatoon SK  S7N 5A6
Tel: 306-966-6189
Fax: 306-966-6207

http://www.usask.ca/plsnp

Four scholarships, valued at $250 each, are awarded annually to students of Aboriginal ancestry entering second or third year law at a Canadian law school. The fund was established in honour of Roger Carter, Q.C., the founder of the Native Law Centre and the Program of Legal Studies for Native People.

It provides one or more awards up to $1,000 to one or more students of Aboriginal ancestry receiving his or her LL.B. degree in Canada. The scholarships are in memory of the late Harvey Bell who practiced law in North Battleford, Saskatchewan for many years.

For complete details on promotion, consult the College of Law Assessment Regulations available on the College's website.

A student who attains a Cumulative Weighted Average of 75% in courses credited towards a degree in the College of Law will be awarded the degree with Distinction. A student who attains a Cumulative Weighted Average of 80% credited towards a degree in the College of Law will be awarded the degree with Great Distinction provided, in each case, that all work was completed to the satisfaction of the faculty.

There are many career and academic options available to a student with a law degree, however many require the student become a practicing licensed lawyer. Each province/territory has its own procedure and rules regarding the process to become a licensed lawyer. Every student is individually responsible to ensure they meet the requirements of the Law Society in the province/territory they are interested in becoming a student-at law and eventually licensed to practice as a lawyer. As well, there are some steps to be aware of that arise during law school.

The information below is provided as an overview and the Law Society in which the student wishes to practice must be consulted. Generally the steps to becoming a lawyer are as follows:

1. Successfully complete law school (Note: There may be mandatory courses/requirements to successfully completing the J.D. degree. Please refer to the appropriate section of the catalogue and the respective Law Society.)

2. Apply to graduate from Law School (in third year).

3. Apply for admission as a Student-at-Law with the respective Law Society (in third year). Most information can now be found on line with the respective Law Society. The Law Society will be your governing and professional body. As with all interactions at law school your professionalism and reputation are of utmost importance. You will want to ensure you have your application completed correctly and delivered to the Law Society well within the deadline periods.  Usually the student-at-law will be required to demonstrate that he or she is of good character and repute.

4. Article or Clerkship – This process is governed by the respective Law Society. This period usually lasts approximately one year after law school when combined with the bar course. Articling is a process where a student-at-law works under the guidance of a principal which is a licensed lawyer or Judge. In the event the student is working with a Court the Articles are referred to a Clerkship. Articling is an exciting time as the student will gain invaluable experience and practical information to provide the foundation to practice as a lawyer. Students generally seek articles in the same manner as any other employment search by reviewing postings, researching and contacting employers, submitting applications and attending interviews. Recruitment usually occurs in second year at law school for articles to start the end of third year. Summer positions are also available after first and second year with recruitment occurring early in the year. Recruitment rules are different in each province and are often set by the law society and/or local bar associations. The Career Services office has numerous services and resources to assist students. It is important for students to ensure they are familiar with the rules and to contact the Career Services office if they have any questions.

5. Complete the Bar Admission Course/examinations – This process is governed by the respective Law Society. In Saskatchewan the Bar Admission program is the CPLED program which also operates in Manitoba and Alberta.

6. Apply to be admitted a Lawyer – Near the end of articles the student will apply to the respective Law Society to become a lawyer. Each jurisdiction has developed its own application procedure which may include signing the rolls, a ceremony and taking the oath. A student-at-law should look into the procedure as soon as possible to ensure no delays in the licensing process.

A Law degree does not automatically entitle the recipient to become a member of a Law Society. Anyone who wishes to practice law should be aware that not all applications are accepted by the respective Law Society. Therefore if a prospective student has any concerns it is worthwhile to review the procedure and requirements ahead of time.

Law Society of Saskatchewan
Tel: 306-569-8242
Website: http://www.lawsociety.sk.ca

Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education
Tel: 306-966-7874
Website: http://www.cpled.ca

The College offers specialized programs in the areas of Aboriginal Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Human Rights, Environmental Law, Agricultural Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution. For details on the LL.M. program, please refer to the College of Graduate Studies and Research section.

For information on study abroad opportunities at the University of Saskatchewan, please visit the Go Abroad website.