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Ryerson University proposes bold new approach to legal education

University files formal submission to the Federation of Law Societies of Canada
April 28, 2017

Ryerson University is pleased to announce that today the university filed a formal submission for a new Juris Doctorate program to the Federation of Law Societies of Canada (Federation).

“The proposed law school at Ryerson will offer a bold new approach to legal education including addressing the need to leverage technology more effectively in legal practice, enhancing diversity in the profession, and providing increased access to justice for Ontario consumers,” said Chris Evans, interim provost and vice-president academic.

The Law Society of Upper Canada has recently reported that “over 20% of the Canadian population takes no meaningful action with respect to their legal issues” and 42% to 90% of these Canadians identify cost or perceived costs as the reason for not doing so.  

Ryerson’s focus on technology, access to justice and social innovation will be embedded directly into the curriculum through mandatory courses such as the technology innovation bootcamp, social innovation and the law, Indigenous law in Canada, legal innovation and the business of law, as well as in the perspectives of learning in a diverse community. 

Ryerson University, with one of the most diverse campuses in Canada, will also advance the diversity of the legal profession through its application policies. Currently, 17.6% of Ontario lawyers identify as racialized compared to 26% of the population. 

"Ryerson has long defied convention with innovative approaches to education, and this program is no exception,” said Anver Saloojee AVP international, special advisor to the president, provost and the lead in guiding the proposal forward. “It will provide students with the practice-ready knowledge, skills and understanding to respond to changing consumer and business needs.”

The submission to the Federation is one step in a process that will also involve a formal request for approval to the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. 

Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative, career-oriented education. Urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 41,500 students, including 2,400 master's and PhD students, 3,200 faculty and staff, and nearly 170,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.torontomu.ca

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Johanna VanderMaas, Ryerson University
416-979-5000 x 4630 | johanna.vandermaas@torontomu.ca