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Osgoode vs Western


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LegalAquinas
  • Applicant
Posted

Hey all, 

I am currently an undergraduate at Western studying Philosophy, Politics and International relations, looking to go to law school. I'm starting to do some research but was not sure which one fit my goals the best. I want to eventually work in Big Law in Toronto hopefully, and am trying to tailor my decision to this. However, I also want a god school where I will make some good friends. Is Western a happy medium? Is Osgoode (or even Queen's) a preferable (one for Big Law connections the other one for a nice campus, respectively). Trying to figure this out. Any advice is recommended. 

Forever Curious
  • Law Student
Posted

They're equivalent for Big Law so I would pick based on other factors relevant to you - cost, preferred location, climate, amenities, family/friends, lifestyle etc. 

  • Like 1
MyWifesBoyfriend
  • Law Student
Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, Forever Curious said:

They're equivalent for Big Law

Is this true? I was under the impression that Osgoode did ~10% better in the 2L recruit than Western, and that a not-insignificant portion of 2L Big Law placements from Western are JD/HBA's. 

I feel as though all signs point to Osgoode for the OP since they are interested in practicing in Toronto. They'll find it easier to network and attend firm tours at bigger law firms. 

Edited by MyWifesBoyfriend
  • Like 2
StoneMason
Posted

Western is a fantastic school but the claim they are equivalent for big law is just.... wrong

  • Like 2
MyWifesBoyfriend
  • Law Student
Posted

Also worth mentioning that while it's only 7%, Osgoode trounces Western in the 1L recruit, the latter of which places 2% in 1L.

This means that by the time you get to 2L, approximately 7% of the class already has a structured recruit position. 

Chef Justice
  • Law Student
Posted
1 hour ago, MyWifesBoyfriend said:

not-insignificant portion of 2L Big Law placements from Western are JD/HBA's. 

 

Agreed, although I feel people should also be aware of the larger number of Osgoode JD/MBA's when looking at the percentage of the class landing when we begin considering dual-degree candidates.

Jourk
  • Law Student
Posted

It’s worth mentioning that a strong determinant of securing a “Big Law” job or otherwise is academic performance (among other factors).

Western and Osgoode are both great schools. Choosing somewhere that allows you to maintain a healthy lifestyle (e.g., friends, clubs, family, etc.,) will support your academics. 

I suggest reaching out to students at schools you’re interested in and speak to them. Also, tour the schools if you can! 

LegalAquinas
  • Applicant
Posted
27 minutes ago, Mysterycow said:

It’s worth mentioning that a strong determinant of securing a “Big Law” job or otherwise is academic performance (among other factors).

Western and Osgoode are both great schools. Choosing somewhere that allows you to maintain a healthy lifestyle (e.g., friends, clubs, family, etc.,) will support your academics. 

I suggest reaching out to students at schools you’re interested in and speak to them. Also, tour the schools if you can! 

I would love to go to Queen's/Western/U of T I think they all have nice campuses or something that I am looking for. Osgoode? Eh.... big plus right now for me is the Big Law connection.

StoneMason
Posted (edited)
4 hours ago, LegalAquinas said:

I would love to go to Queen's/Western/U of T I think they all have nice campuses or something that I am looking for. Osgoode? Eh.... big plus right now for me is the Big Law connection.

It wouldn't be crazy to pick Western over Osgoode; you'd still have a solid shot at big law in Toronto. Just know that you are putting yourself at a disadvantage as Osgoode is the better school for Toronto big law. There is also more wiggle room with mediocre grades at Osgoode since more interview slots during OCIs. 

But I wouldn't call it a crazy decision. 

Edited by StoneMason
  • Like 2
SNAILS
  • Articling Student
Posted
On 1/10/2025 at 6:01 PM, LegalAquinas said:

I would love to go to Queen's/Western/U of T I think they all have nice campuses or something that I am looking for. Osgoode? Eh.... big plus right now for me is the Big Law connection.

The only reason to choose Western over OZ for you, I think, is if you want to live near Western. I do believe Oz puts you at an advantage to work in corporate in Toronto. If that's the case, you can comfortably go to Western.

That being said, I'm not 100% convinced that there is much disadvantage for student going to Western who want to work in Toronto. A higher number of OZ students end up in Toronto, but I think the Oz student body also has a larger percentage who want to work in Toronto.

In other words, a Dalhousie graduate could tell us his school is the best for becoming a lawyer specializing in the Law of the Sea. But how great is the desire of Osgoode graduates to practice law of the sea compared to Dalhousie graduates?

  • Like 1
MyWifesBoyfriend
  • Law Student
Posted (edited)
On 1/10/2025 at 6:01 PM, LegalAquinas said:

Queen's/Western/U of T I think they all have nice campuses or something that I am looking for. Osgoode?

The "Osgoode has a bad campus" always gets regurgitated in these threads, but I'm always unconvinced. There's a rail line and multiple bus routes that lead to downtown Toronto. Queens and Western campuses are also arguably "meh" depending on whether or not you like the towns they are in. At least with Osgoode, you border a major urban center with a vibrant night life, and can easily bus or train to the downtown core for coffee chats or firm tours. This last point for me is huge. It's annoying to have to take a 2-3 hour drive or train ride in the middle of the week or on your Friday to get to a firm when you could be spending this valuable time on studying, reading, or essay writing. 

Based on what you've said, Osgoode is the intuitive choice. Granted, @Forever Curious brought up other good points. I would not underestimate the value of living close to family or friends. It's nice having a social network outside of law school, especially in 1L, where most of your conversations will ultimately be dominated by grades, assignments, and readings due to performance stress. 

On 1/10/2025 at 5:20 PM, Chef Justice said:

I feel people should also be aware of the larger number of Osgoode JD/MBA

Tend to agree, with the added note that Osgoode's MBA program is not as nearly as good as Queen's or Western's (from what I've heard). 

Edited by MyWifesBoyfriend
  • Like 2

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