Trinity Western University, in its 50th year, is pleased to have submitted a proposal today for a new School of Law to be located at the Langley campus of the university. Establishing a law school has been on the strategic plan for the university for many years and fits well with the University’s mission to develop Godly leaders for the marketplaces of life. The School of Law will be TWU’s seventh school, adding to the current Schools of Business, Nursing, Education, Human Kinetics, Arts, Media + Culture, and Graduate Studies, as well as two Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences and Natural and Applied Sciences.
The University is proposing to offer a J.D. program of studies with a view to excellence in leadership development, professionalism and public service. The University proposes a class size of 60 per year of a three year program, ensuring small classes in keeping with the University’s student focus. The program will be intellectually rigorous and have a practical curriculum with a strong skills focus. Students will have required practica experiences, giving them hands-on experiences with law firms, NGOs and government offices.
In addition to all traditional areas of law, students will have the opportunity to specialize in “Charities and Social Justice” or “Entrepreneurial” law, with the possibility of exploring legal approaches to social enterprise and social innovation.
TWU established a strong advisory council, comprised of lawyers and judges, to assist with the development of the proposal. We have consulted broadly with the legal community, including lawyers, judges, academics and professional organizations.
Plans are in the works to construct a new signature building on campus to house the School of Law if required approvals are obtained from the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. We anticipate approvals to take approximately 6 – 12 months and, if approved, we hope to welcome our first class of students in September 2015.
For more information read the proposal FAQ.
TWU's Law School proposal in the news
Canadian Lawyer 4 Students: Private university vying for new law school
Converge magazine: School of Law Seeks to Serve
Langley Advance: Jury out on TWU law school
Langley Times: Langley university looks to add law school to campus