75 replies to this topic

[muffins]

I applied with a 149 last year and a 3.9/4, international work experience, tonnes of ECs, fluent in French and Spanish with academic and work experience to support it and I was not admitted. I also had excellent LORs (I read them).

Sub 150 is really only acceptable at any school in Canada for aboriginal/access applicants and people who have extraordinary circumstances/experiences.

[mgls79]

I am one of those that got accepted with LSAT score below 150!

[briviere]

mgls79, on 16 November 2011 - 10:03 PM, said:

I am one of those that got accepted with LSAT score below 150!

Really? Did you have a 4.0?

[future_jd]

Check the accepted thread for last year, a couple got in with below 150's and the gpa wasn't crazy spectacular. In fact one person got in with an A- and a 149 I believe, and as far as I know an A- is an 80-84% (since Ottawa converts your grades to percents for their admission process - or OLSAS does it? I don't know). A bunch of people have but if you don't have that A- or above, then its a slim shot, but still a shot if everything else (PS, LORs, and ECs) is amazing.

Granted (as I read early in the Calgary forum) these people may just be the exceptions and everyone else forms the rule (if I knew who said it, I'd gie him him/her credit because its true) so these admits may not be the greatest to cling all hope to but I'm with you in saying, its nice to know they exist and provide others with a little bit of hope

And yes mgls79, when were u admitted, with what stats if you don't mind me asking - and congrats on getting in with that lsat, your application must have been amazing

[muffins]

future_jd, on 16 November 2011 - 10:49 PM, said:

Check the accepted thread for last year, a couple got in with below 150's and the gpa wasn't crazy spectacular. In fact one person got in with an A- and a 149 I believe, and as far as I know an A- is an 80-84% (since Ottawa converts your grades to percents for their admission process - or OLSAS does it? I don't know). A bunch of people have but if you don't have that A- or above, then its a slim shot, but still a shot if everything else (PS, LORs, and ECs) is amazing.

Granted (as I read early in the Calgary forum) these people may just be the exceptions and everyone else forms the rule (if I knew who said it, I'd gie him him/her credit because its true) so these admits may not be the greatest to cling all hope to but I'm with you in saying, its nice to know they exist and provide others with a little bit of hope

And yes mgls79, when were u admitted, with what stats if you don't mind me asking - and congrats on getting in with that lsat, your application must have been amazing

The majority of the people who are accepted with stats like that apply through access/aboriginal. In one of last year's acceptance threads, someone got into UofT with a 154 and 3.4/4 first round in the aboriginal category. A girl in my graduating class last year was accepted at Ottawa with a 149 LSAT and a 3.1 GPA in the aboriginal category. I applied with a 149/3.95 and I was not even wait listed.

For those that post that they were accepted with significantly inferior statistics should state their applicant category. It gives false hope to others who are not applying through those categories.

Please do not take this post as a judgement of those categories or the applicants that apply through them.

Edited by muffins, 17 November 2011 - 06:07 AM.

[xzy]

Thanks everyone for your answers! This gives me hope (and I am applying through access)!

[JessicaCromwell]

erinl2, on 25 July 2011 - 07:21 AM, said:

Larry, it may seem like a good idea but, honestly, it isn't. Networking may be important to a certain extent but the way to get people to remember you is to make a good impression, not to hand them a card that says, Joe Schmo, Law Student. Business cards are called business cards for a reason. Law students are not conducting business. Trust me, you will look silly handing a lawyer a business card.

Kleese, I understand the theory behind what business profs are professing but recruiters during the OCI process have no difficulty knowing that applicants are taking things seriously. Having a business card isn't going to make you seem more serious about the legal profession and getting a job.

Save your money. When you actually have a legal job, your firm will provide you with business cards.

totally agree. 100%. handing out bus cards is such a douche-y move.

[JessicaCromwell]

I am graduating from UofO this April (Eng Common law) - if anyone would like to ask questions about the program/profs/books/renting/gym/food/ anything. Feel free - I am happy to help!!

[jmcazabon]

Swag Swag Swag, this is perfect as I just firm accepted realizing I dont actually wanna live in Montreal or be handicapped by my weak french for the rest of my life so just cancelled mcgill app.

Question time!

As always: what's the employment situation if you're looking to graduate and continue in Ottawa, especially with public sector cuts and massive graduating classes thanks to UO? Certain areas that are better? What's the outlook if you're wanting to go the gov't route as a lawyer (specifically if you got info on DFAIT, EDC, CDC, Public Safety or FINTRAC?

How often do they have wine and cheese things (mostly just sort of excited for this).

Anything you wish you had known before you started?

Given that I don't know much about UO law (though did my undergrad there), are there any hidden gems or relatively unknown opportunities people don't take at UO law? Anything really cool that'll just make me all proud at such to be going to UO for common law?

[JessicaCromwell]

What's the employment situation if you're looking to graduate and continue in Ottawa, especially with public sector cuts and massive graduating classes thanks to UO? Certain areas that are better? What's the outlook if you're wanting to go the gov't route as a lawyer (specifically if you got info on DFAIT, EDC, CDC, Public Safety or FINTRAC?

Seems like 90% of my class has found articles: in Ottawa/Toronto/GTA - or elsewhere - where-ever they wanted to go to. Personally I wasnt applying for art in O - I was targeting Calgary + TO, I know people who got into Govt, but majourity is in private practice, I'd say. Once you start at UofO - you can go to Student Services - we all filled out questionnaires where we end up articling - so you can see the stats and see the percentage of who is where.

How often do they have wine and cheese things (mostly just sort of excited for this).

Easily every week - Gowlings and other Big law do really amazing ones- with a jazz band and servers. Others are more down to earth and mainly involve fruit, cheese, meats, sandwitches, etc. also there are always lectures 11:30-1pm in FTX 351 with food - very interesting topics!

Anything you wish you had known before you started?

Yes, that you can go a long way if you work with Profs starting September 1L - but you gotta be a huge gunner. This guarantees awesome reference letters if you want to apply to clerk at courts and depending on the prof you work for - you can get published, go to conferences all over the world, just trust me, it's a sweet spot to be in. I wasn't one of these people - this is not or everyone.

Develop good stress-management techniques. I gained a lot of weight in 1L. Others self-medicate in other ways. If you have a healthy way to deal with the stress/anxiety - you'll be good. I underestimated how tough LS would be. And not just academically: you constantly have smth to be worried about.

Given that I don't know much about UO law (though did my undergrad there), are there any hidden gems or relatively unknown opportunities people don't take at UO law? Anything really cool that'll just make me all proud at such to be going to UO for common law?

OOO! Yes, hidden gem: student proposed internships! I had a chance to do mine at realllly coool places!!! really cool places!! and meet awesome people and form relationships and get into amazing opportunities etc.

There is also an advanced torts with judge Linden - if you take it - to have a ref letter from a judge is pretty cool. Bah! I feel like I am giving away all the secrets!

Get into student committees at FTX - you get to see how academia/admin side works and get to go to important meetings with the dean, contribute on important university decisions re grading, exams, for example etc.

Not really hidden: but competitive moots are awesome on the resume. Start padding your resume from day 1 (Pro Bono, CLSS positions, CIPPIC, clinic(s), RAships, any other student groups/organizations - its really easy to get involved and by 2L you can be on exec)- this will set you apart from the pool and shows firms that you can multitask, do things other than school and be social.

hope this helps!

[Juicebox]

Thanks so much for sharing Cromwell! Although I havent been accepted and am probably going to a different school it is always good to hear a different take/experience on LS!

[Bike Tester]

Great response Jessica, mind if I ask a few more?:

1) What kind of places did you do your student proposed internships at? If you don't want to risk outing yourself, what are some places people you know did student proposed internships at? Does everyone get a chance to do student proposed internships? If not, how competitive is it?

2) Are the wine and cheeses always held at 1848, or do they sometimes take them to other venues?

3) You certainly seem happy with your choice and that's great, but when you were 0L, what factors made you personally choose Ottawa U over some other school?

4) Who are your top 5 favourite profs?

[whereverjustice]

Okay, I'm curious - what is CDC? I assume jmcazabon doesn't mean the Centers for Disease Control or the Canadian Dairy Commission.

[jmcazabon]

whereverjustice, on 24 February 2012 - 12:33 PM, said:

Okay, I'm curious - what is CDC? I assume jmcazabon doesn't mean the Centers for Disease Control or the Canadian Dairy Commission.

sorry, meant CCC (Canadian Credit Corporation, sorta like EDC). Not sure why I put down CDC.

more questions!
uh, what's the whole demographic/commradery feeling like at UO. Undergrad, I felt it was like really cold relations between people and you could easily go by not knowing anyone in your class. Do people hang out and have house parties together, or does the vibe of UO as a bit of a commuter school still prevail? Does it feel more like high school but with vastly more intelligent and interesting people, or is it just just sort of a cold university institution feeling?

As for jobs, are you trying to say it shouldn't be too much of a worry about trying to find work in Ottawa if you so desire to stay in the area? Because the feeling that I keep getting from this website is that Ottawa is near impossible to stay in unless you're like above average, other than that you gotta move somewhere else.

Edited by jmcazabon, 24 February 2012 - 02:50 PM.

[Milad]

I'll speak to the employment question above... although, I should mention that I'm from Toronto, summered in Toronto, and will be going back to Toronto for articling (and practicing).

Personally, I havent seen too many from Ottawa have to move elsewhere. If for whatever reason you want to stay in Ottawa, I'd encourage you to keep your eyes and ears open, and I'm pretty confident you'll find something (so long as your marks are not absolutely terrible -- but they wont be). Also, you have to consider the field you're interested in. I.P? You're in the right place. Others? Maybe not.

With that being said, I wouldnt get too hung up on the job search just yet. Theres too many factors that will determine where you'll end up (both in terms of city and focus).

[JessicaCromwell]

1) What kind of places did you do your student proposed internships at?

http://www.commonlaw...ships-faq.html:
"Be creative! This is your opportunity to work in a law-related field that is of interest to you. You can work in a non profit or non-governmental organization, an international organization, a small to medium sized firm, or with a sole practitioner, to name a few. There are many possibilities out there; however the work must be of legal nature and under the direct supervision of a lawyer"

Absolutely anywhere, as long as supervised by a real/practicing lawyer and do legally relevant work. See: http://www.commonlaw...nternships.html,
Cant do at a place of previous employment and the second internship should be teaching you skills diff from the 1st internship.

If you don't want to risk outing yourself, what are some places people you know did student proposed internships at? Without saying whether it was me or my friends: @ Imperial Oil, FMC LLP, Hague: International Criminal Court,

Does everyone get a chance to do student proposed internships? YES, absolutely. never heard someone getting rejected from one. very flexible

If not, how competitive is it? Not competitive at all. they would approve anyone who applies - just make sure your proposal is detailed and thought through.

2) Are the wine and cheeses always held at 1848, or do they sometimes take them to other venues?

they are always at the Atrium in FTX on 3rd floor. they move the tables by the windows and make space. I had one event in 3 years at 1848 - Business Law Students Association's beer thing with lawyers after the lawyer/student volleyball tournament. BLSS is a good club to get involved, btw!

3) You certainly seem happy with your choice and that's great, but when you were 0L, what factors made you personally choose Ottawa U over some other school?

I'll be very honest: I didnt have to chose. I was accepted to O in January 2009 and didn't get acceptances from other schools - applied to 5 in total. I got in with a very high GPA, honours / 151 LSAT, and a very unique Personal Statement

4) Who are your top 5 favourite profs?

Paccioco (taught evidence, but now appointed judge), Simons for bus org, Feldhusen for torts was amazing, Van Deuzer, Collins, McLeod-Killmurray. In my 3 yrs, I loved most of my profs except one. Keep in mind some profs are amazing to teach subject X, but horrible to teach subject Y.

uh, what's the whole demographic/commradery feeling like at UO. Undergrad, I felt it was like really cold relations between people and you could easily go by not knowing anyone in your class. Do people hang out and have house parties together, or does the vibe of UO as a bit of a commuter school still prevail? Does it feel more like high school but with vastly more intelligent and interesting people, or is it just just sort of a cold university institution feeling?

I feel like it can be whatever you make it to be. If you are an asshole to people, with attitude, give out bus card to fellow students, are a general douche full of him/herself, are a spoiled princess - it will be cold and impersonal, with no house parties for you. remember that altho class is huge - reputation travels fast - people will know you are a douche before you actually have a chance to meet them. people will avoid you and never speak to you. this happened to 2 people in our class - that I know of.

If you are a warm, genuine, nice, kind, good person - you'll love it - you'll know everyone, walk from one class to another high-5ing your fellow students, smiling, being invited to more things than you can attend.

I have also met a number of awesome "mature" students with jobs/families/commute who are rarely hanging out with the rest of the 25 year olds - but that doesnt preclude me from being friends with them or to treat them any differently than I would someone w/o the commute. If they are good people - they get a hug - if they are a douche - doesnt matter if they commute or not - they get no hug from me.

it is def a high-school: clique-ey. But it doesnt have to be for you personally - its all about how you approach this whole experience!

also remember: white kids will be more likely to hang out with white kids, brown with brown - you just take it for what it is. and this is not specific to LSs.

As for jobs, are you trying to say it shouldn't be too much of a worry about trying to find work in Ottawa if you so desire to stay in the area? Because the feeling that I keep getting from this website is that Ottawa is near impossible to stay in unless you're like above average, other than that you gotta move somewhere else.

I never wanted/treid to stay in Ottawa - Im from Calgs + wanted to either come back to Calgs or article in Toronto. So I guess I cant really speak to Ottawa market. But as long as you go on the Source - and apply - positions are ALWAYS coming up for Ottawa - it was a bit hard to find smth in Calgary from Ott bc our student services dont give a shit abt the Calgs jobs. But majourity of positions I saw on the Source were Ott/TO based.

[JessicaCromwell]

Milad, on 24 February 2012 - 03:36 PM, said:

I'll speak to the employment question above... although, I should mention that I'm from Toronto, summered in Toronto, and will be going back to Toronto for articling (and practicing).

Personally, I havent seen too many from Ottawa have to move elsewhere. If for whatever reason you want to stay in Ottawa, I'd encourage you to keep your eyes and ears open, and I'm pretty confident you'll find something (so long as your marks are not absolutely terrible -- but they wont be). Also, you have to consider the field you're interested in. I.P? You're in the right place. Others? Maybe not.

With that being said, I wouldnt get too hung up on the job search just yet. Theres too many factors that will determine where you'll end up (both in terms of city and focus).

I totally agree with this

[JessicaCromwell]

Juicebox, on 24 February 2012 - 12:22 PM, said:

Thanks so much for sharing Cromwell! Although I havent been accepted and am probably going to a different school it is always good to hear a different take/experience on LS!

You are welcome! The reason I wanted to do this is so that DoubleD doesnt have the monopoly on the answers - bc I believe I know who it is and I dont want you guys getting a skewed/unrepresentative version of how things are here at O. I wanted to balance it out and give you another view - so that your perception of UofO is a bit more representative.

[kf203]

JessicaCromwell, on 24 February 2012 - 10:19 AM, said:

What's the employment situation if you're looking to graduate and continue in Ottawa, especially with public sector cuts and massive graduating classes thanks to UO? Certain areas that are better? What's the outlook if you're wanting to go the gov't route as a lawyer (specifically if you got info on DFAIT, EDC, CDC, Public Safety or FINTRAC?

Seems like 90% of my class has found articles: in Ottawa/Toronto/GTA - or elsewhere - where-ever they wanted to go to. Personally I wasnt applying for art in O - I was targeting Calgary + TO, I know people who got into Govt, but majourity is in private practice, I'd say. Once you start at UofO - you can go to Student Services - we all filled out questionnaires where we end up articling - so you can see the stats and see the percentage of who is where.

I don't mean to be a pessimist/argumentative but I am also in 3rd year and 90% is definitely not an accurate number. The thing is, you only ever hear people with jobs secured talking about articling jobs so it seems like everyone has one but that is not the case AT ALL. I don't have an articling job. I know of many many people in our class who do not have articling jobs. (we tend to only speak with other people that we know are in the same boat so as to avoid the condescending "aww don't worry! you'll find something!" lol)

I spoke with someone in Student Services about articling applications in September and she informed me only about 60% of the graduating class usually finds a position by September of 3rd year. That number doesn't rise much until around now when more positions start being posted again. Granted, I have no doubt most of us will find something and there will be few people left facing unemployed in the end, but right now 90% is definitely NOT accurate.

For the record, I don't say this to be "down" on u of O. I really like this school and I'm totally satisfied with the education I've received. I agree with JessicaCromwell that some of the posts in this thread seem really negative and don't accurately reflect ottawa as a whole. The articling situation is not to do with Ottawa...it's just the situation with articling in general in Ontario right now. Just my 2 cents.

Edited by kf203, 24 February 2012 - 06:45 PM.

[johnalm]

"Yes, that you can go a long way if you work with Profs starting September 1L - but you gotta be a huge gunner. "


Sorry, what is exactly is a "gunner", and how does one go about becoming a "huge" gunner....?
One day,I aspire to become a massive gunner.


EDIT: Just searched it up on urbandictionary- I take all my comments back!!!!!!!!! I dont want to be a gunner!!!!!!!!!

Edited by johnalm, 25 February 2012 - 05:19 PM.

[Milad]

Bike Tester, on 24 February 2012 - 12:29 PM, said:

4) Who are your top 5 favourite profs?

1. Blair (trial ad and appellant ad)
2. Monti and Rootham (employment)
3. McEnery (real estate)
4. Dean Feldthusen (torts)
5. Rockman (Family)

Just dont ask for my bottom 5

[JessicaCromwell]

Milad, on 28 February 2012 - 08:11 AM, said:

1. Blair (trial ad and appellant ad)

Yes, love Blair! He's also great for K and commercial!

2. Monti and Rootham (employment)
3. McEnery (real estate)
4. Dean Feldthusen (torts)

Yes, he'll teach you to analyze legal test critically, apply facts properly and think on your feet (very good skills to develop in 1L) and will do Socratic method so if you can get over shitting your pants during every class - he is great as a prof!

5. Rockman (Family)

Yes, I also heard great things re this one.

Just dont ask for my bottom 5

Let's do bottom 5! but with adequate/constructive criticisms and not vague generalities!!

1. Bakht - I learned very little criminal substantive law/procedure but lots about police discriminatory practices in criminal law.
2. Chartrand (for torts) not his area of expertise - but Aboriginal law - he is the best! [didnt take him personally but heard from fellow students]
3. Mendes (for business organizations) not his area of expertise - but good for Con law [didnt take him personally but heard from fellow students]

[JessicaCromwell]

I asked around and some of my friends have said that following were profs they did not enjoy taking classes with:

Daimsis for K
Utek for secured transaction
Frock for public law
Steger for international law

[ExplorerL1]

relativity, on 14 August 2011 - 07:53 PM, said:

I'm with you on the scented products. I have to carry around special migraine medications because I'm that sensitive to some of the chemicals.

The law building is a scent-free space. Admin is always sending e-mails reminding us of it.

[twix]

Jessica,

Thank you for your extremely helpful information. You mentioned earlier that "you can go a long way if you work with Profs starting September 1L". How is this possible? Do you start contacting them in the summer??

[fisherman888]

I drove to Ottawa this morning and look for place to rent

The area near the campus are mainly residential houses

Can you suggest condo or high rise within that are
within 15 minutes bus ride
Which bus route stop at the campus?

How much does the monthly bus pass cost?

Thanks

[jmcazabon]

A popular high rise nearby is the Lees apartments, there's three or so high rises one bus stop (about 20min walk to law building) from there. Mixed reviews on its quality.

I wanna say bus passes are like, 80$ a month or something for a student, not sure if the upass thing is extended to law students or if you can opt in or whatever (mandatory for undergrads living in Ontario).

[ExplorerL1]

fisherman888, on 11 May 2012 - 09:44 AM, said:

I drove to Ottawa this morning and look for place to rent

The area near the campus are mainly residential houses

Can you suggest condo or high rise within that are
within 15 minutes bus ride
Which bus route stop at the campus?

How much does the monthly bus pass cost?

Thanks

Lees Ave. is one option. It is one bus stop away from Campus Station or about a 20 minute walk.
160 Chapel is another option. It's a max 15 minute walk to the law building. Rents are steep though at $1,100 for a one bedroom (as of last year).

I got my U-Pass from uOttawa and it was factored into the fees I paid along with tuition. It was $290 for Sept-April. No clue how much a monthly pass costs.

[UpAboveIt715]

Live on Elgin.

Very short walk to school over the Somerset bridge (which I believe does not show up on Google maps) and you'll be near lots of pubs and self-medicate after you get your first C!!

[fisherman888]

I prefer a 15 min bus ride than 15 min walk

Which bus route stop at the Campus?

Is Upass mandatory?Thanks again

Edited by fisherman888, 11 May 2012 - 11:11 AM.