Osgoode Professional Development - Osgoode Hall Law School of York University

OsgoodePD offers the broadest range of programs available in Canada for internationally trained lawyers. Whether you are looking to specialize with a professional graduate degree or start the process of qualifying to practise common law in Canada, there’s a learning option to suit your needs. From full-time professional graduate degrees to non-credit courses to help you prepare for the NCA Exams, OsgoodePD has your development goals in mind.

Students will complete their studies in two locations: at Osgoode Hall Law School on the York University campus, and at Osgoode Professional Development in downtown Toronto. This gives students access to the full range of campus services, and downtown Toronto amenities.

Professional LLM in International Business Law
Osgoode's Professional LLM in International Business Law is one-year, full-time specialization is designed to give lawyers and professionals from around the world advanced training in international business law. Award-winning faculty teach the latest developments in international trade law, international finance, international business transactions, taxation of cross-border transactions and other related topics. The specialization provides students with knowledge in critical, core international business law courses while allowing you the opportunity to pursue your academic interests through electives.

Professional LLM in Canadian Common Law
Osgoode's Professional LLM in Canadian Common Law provides the opportunity to take core courses in Canadian common law topics taught at the graduate level along with a wide range of elective options. The core courses are specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s National Committee on Accreditation (NCA).

Professional LLM in Taxation Law
Osgoode's Professional LLM in Taxation Law offers students an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the policies, principles and the internal logic of tax laws in Canada and internationally. It covers all aspects of tax law from the most basic rules underlying traditional personal tax planning principles to current developments in the sophisticated design of financial instruments. Courses are taught by a diverse range of highly qualified scholars and practitioners, all of whom are leaders in their areas of practice.

Want to deepen your knowledge in a specific area of law? Are you on the road to accreditation, or looking for preparatory programs to help you succeed in future graduate studies? OsgoodePD’s selection of non-degree offerings provide you with the knowledge and theory you need to achieve your professional development goals.

Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law
Online NCA Exam Prep
Single Course Enrollment (SCE)
YUELI’s Intensive Advanced Legal English Program

Part-Time Professional LLMs
The part-time Professional LLM is the only program of its kind in Canada. With 15 specializations, you have the option to customize a program of study to suit your needs. Specially designed for lawyers, executives and experienced professionals wanting to develop their expertise in a particular area of law, our part-time LLMs complement your busy schedule and can be completed while working full-time, via distance learning. This technology brings professionals located outside of Toronto into the classroom, with just a click.

Administrative Law
Financial Law
Business Law
Canadian Common Law
Constitutional Law
Criminal Law and Procedure
Dispute Resolution
Energy and Infrastructure Law
Health Law
Intellectual Property Law
Labour Relations and Employment Law
Privacy and Cybersecurity Law
Securities Law
Tax Law - Part Time

Osgoode Professional Development is a division of Osgoode Hall Law School, the largest law school in Canada, which has been shaping the future of legal education since 1889. From pioneering innovation in legal education, to our faculty's contribution as thought leaders, to the alumni who overcame barriers in the legal community and paved the way for others, Osgoode plays a central role in Canada's legal history and future.

Osgoode Hall Law School at York University's Keele Campus provides the support services and campus facilities you need to succeed academically and professionally in Canada.

OsgoodePD offers the broadest range of programs available in Canada for internationally trained lawyers. Whether you are looking to specialize with a professional graduate degree or starting the process of qualifying to practise law in Canada, there’s a learning option to suit your needs. From full-time professional graduate degrees to non-credit courses to help you prepare for the NCA Exams, OsgoodePD has your development goals in mind. A total of 600 students are currently enrolled in OsgoodePD’s Professional LLM degrees, and more than 375 students are enrolled in the non-credit and preparatory programs.

Students complete their studies in two locations: at Osgoode Hall Law School on the York University campus, and at Osgoode Professional Development in downtown Toronto. This gives students access to the full range of campus services, and downtown Toronto amenities. Visit www.osgoodepd.ca for more information.

Why OsgoodePD?

OsgoodePD is situated in Toronto, Canada, the fifth largest city in North America. Canada consistently ranks as one of the best countries in the world in which to live and has been ranked the #1 country for quality of life and social purpose.​

When you study at OsgoodePD, you’ll receive an internationally recognized education and gain access to some of the leading minds in Canadian law. Your experience will be one that will shape your life and may lead to a future career working in Canada, or provide you with the tools you need to succeed back home.

Want to learn more?
Join us at a complimentary Information Session and learn more about the options available to you.

Our Faculty is comprised of some of the top legal educators in the country. They include professors from Osgoode Hall Law School and other leading law schools, along with top practitioners, judges and policy makers. 

Student Testimonials

"I firmly encourage anyone who seeks to pursue an LLM degree to seriously consider Osgoode as a top choice. Osgoode's customized programs will help you bridge the gap from your background to a new legal career in Canada. The great support from the faculty will help you build on your prior experience to develop the skills that are crucial for a Canadian lawyer."

Bruna Kalinoski, Brazil

"The quality of instruction from industry leaders, and the interaction with like-minded students and professionals from around the globe have been the highlights of my experience in the Canadian Common Law program."

Kara Forrest, England

"A diverse selection of courses allowed me to engage in a comprehensive review of advanced business law issues. The faculty is a well-balanced blend of top academic researchers and leading practitioners, who offered stimulating theoretical discussions alongside valuable practical knowledge. Having practised law abroad, this program was a meaningful step in my career growth."

Dan Doliner, Israel

The Admissions Committee reviews each applicant’s completed file and takes into consideration academic background, professional work experience and ‘fit’ for the program. To be considered for admission, you must meet the requirements set out by the university. 

 

We encourage applicants to apply early as the OsgoodePD Admissions Committee meets regularly to review complete files. Late applications are not considered for the Canadian Common Law or International Business Law and other full-time specializations. Subject to space availability, late applications may be considered for other specializations.

For complete details, view our How to Apply page.

Professional LLM

Fees for Domestic Students: Tuition for the Professional LLM program is currently $22,804.74 plus supplementary fees. Tuition and supplementary fees are payable in three full-time terms or over six part-time terms. In addition, a $15 administrative charge is levied by the Faculty of Graduate Studies each term. 

Fees for International Students: Tuition for the Professional LLM is currently $43,584.18 plus supplementary fees. Tuition and supplementary fees are payable in three full-time terms or over six part-time terms. In addition, a $15 administrative charge is levied by the Faculty of Graduate Studies each term. 

Fees include the required course materials, provided in a balance of hard and electronic formats. Some materials may only be available in electronic format. An additional charge will apply to any shipping of materials outside of Canada. Light meals are provided for students attending classes in person in Toronto.

Tuition and supplementary fees are set by the York University Board of Governors and are subject to change at any time. Students who complete the program in fewer than the above will have their final installment added at the end of their program. Students who require more than the above will be subject to additional tuition fees.

All those admitted to the Professional LLM who elect to attend via live videoconference (where possible), will be required to purchase the hardware and software necessary from OPD at a cost of $300 CDN + all applicable taxes (includes shipping costs). Please note that the cost of IT equipment and software is subject to change each academic year.

Visit our International tuition page for details on mandatory health insurance fees, and work permits.

International Student Entrance Awards

OsgoodePD entrance awards are open to international students applying to a full-time LLM program. To be considered for this award, applicants to the program must submit the award application form and provide the contact information for a reference who can speak to their academic potential, in addition to submitting the documents required for the Professional LLM admission application.

The deadline for Fall entry award applications is January 15 or April 15, for Winter entry.

OsgoodePD International Entrance Award of Excellence
Applications for this award are open to international students applying to a full-time LLM program who have at least five years of post-graduate professional legal experience and demonstrate excellent academic potential. The award is valued at $30,000 (which is paid out in three installments over the three terms of the program). A total of six awards (three to students starting in the Fall term and three to students starting in the Winter term) will be granted each year. 

OsgoodePD International Entrance Award of Merit
Applications for this award are open to international students applying to a full-time LLM program who have at least two years of post-graduate professional legal experience and demonstrate excellent academic potential. The award is valued at $10,000 (which is paid out in three installments over the three terms of the program). A total of twelve awards (six to students starting in the Fall term and six to students starting in the Winter term) will be granted each year. 

The Professor Marilyn L. Pilkington Award
Professor Marilyn L. Pilkington, the Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School from 1993 to 1998 and founder of Osgoode Professional Development, established this award to be given to a student pursuing studies in the LLM program. The award will be granted annually (each Fall term) to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, resident of Ontario, on the basis of academic achievement and financial need. Preference will be given to a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School. Applications for the Professor Marilyn L. Pilkington are made through the Osgoode Professional Development bursary application.

Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information.

The Osgoode Professional Development Centre at One Dundas West is situated in the heart of downtown Toronto. As Canada’s economic capital with a multicultural spirit and cosmopolitan flare, Toronto is a great place to live, study and work.

Toronto's bustling finance district, just steps from the OPD Centre, is the gateway to a remarkably diverse economy that includes many leading law firms, the Toronto Stock Exchange – the world's fifth largest – and a majority of Canada's corporations. The city's business capital ranks alongside economic powerhouses such as New York, Boston and Chicago.

To this add a low crime rate, clean environment, hiking and biking trails, beaches, a beautiful waterfront and a public transit system that earns the city a consistent rating as one of the most livable cities in the world.

Where better to take the next step in your legal education?

Build your network with professionals from around the globe in and out of the classroom. These are your future friends, clients and colleagues.

There are four student committees for full-time LLM and non-degree students across all specializations, which are volunteer-basis to join and lead (depending on volume, leadership may be chosen through election):

1. Social Events
2. Professional Development 
3. Speaker Series 
4. Alumni Relations 

The Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law is designed to provide a deep understanding of Canadian law in the key areas of public and private law. It covers all aspects of the Canadian legal landscape, including Canada’s legal history and structure, and skills-focused topics such as legal research and writing, while providing a unique opportunity to specialize in your academic interests through elective courses. Learn from expert faculty and network with professionals across a variety of industries. The Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law opens the doors to better career opportunities in the Canadian legal market and sets the stage for further graduate study.

The Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law is a full-time program running from January to August. Courses are delivered in seminar-style classes, in which students participate in person, at our downtown Toronto location or on the York University Keele Campus. OsgoodePD graduate courses have mandatory minimum attendance requirements.

• Study the foundations of Canadian public and private law in an interactive class setting
• Learn and practise common law legal, analytical and writing skills by building from simple to more complex problems and documents, with opportunity for small group and individual feedback and tutoring
• Lay the foundation for successful performance in LLM study and in your future legal career

If you proceed to an OsgoodePD Professional LLM after completion of the program, you may be eligible for advanced standing in the LLM or exemptions from introductory courses, depending on the requirements of the LLM specialization you are entering.