Beginning in September 2024, University College of the North (UCN) and the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law will deliver selected courses designed to help prepare Indigenous and northern students for entry into law school. Pre-Law at UCN will provide a solid academic background for entry into a career in the legal profession.
This programming has been designed in partnership with representatives of the Faculty of Law at Robson Hall (University of Manitoba), Northern Bar Association, the Law Society of Manitoba, Legal Aid Manitoba and Provincial Court Judge Todd Rambow.
"UCN is responding to the pressing need for lawyers in northern Manitoba who live in the north and understand the life circumstances of northern and Indigenous Manitobans," said Doug Lauvstad, President and Vice-Chancellor of UCN. "Providing students with opportunities to complete Pre-Law in northern Manitoba will help address shortages in the legal profession in the north."
Pre-Law course opportunities under development will include courses that provide students with skills and competencies needed for successful entry into law school. Pre-Law at UCN will see enhanced advising, student counselling, mentorships, and coaching supports that will help ensure that students are better prepared for the rigours of law school, as well as preparation for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
"The legal community in Manitoba has come together to extend legal education training in northern Manitoba," said Provincial Court Judge, Todd Rambow. "We are delighted that Pre-Law coursework will be available to help ensure that the north is served by competent, capable and qualified lawyers who are from the north."
Pre-Law course opportunities are expected to be offered at UCN's main campuses in Thompson and The Pas beginning in September 2024. Pre-Law course opportunities will be offered in communities in the near future. Interested students can contact student-recruitment@ucn.ca for further information on this exciting opportunity.
University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.