Black Students Enrolled at UofT Law
Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) at UofT Law
BLSA at UofT Law is a chapter of the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada (BLSA Canada), a national, not-for-profit organization. The national body was formed in 1991 to identify and work towards the removal of systemic and other barriers facing Black people in relation to law school and the legal profession in general. Through the promotion of institutional change within Canadian law schools and the legal establishment, BLSA Canada, in conjunction with the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) works to ease the transition from law school to the legal profession.
BLSA at UofT Law facilitates relationships between law students and the wider community through legal education and mentorship with legal practitioners. One of the highlights of the year is the national BLSA Canada conference which brings Black law students together to provide a forum for discussion and an opportunity to network with legal professionals from across the country. For more information about BLSA at UofT Law, please email blsa.tlaw@gmail.com
Community-building and networking activities for Black law students
Each year, BLSA, our Black alumni and UofT Law collaborate to provide a range of social and networking activities for Black UofT law students. Examples include Orientation week social events, dinners with alumni, networking events, attending the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) annual gala, attending the annual BLSA Canada national conference, and many other community-building moments.
Mentorship at UofT Law
Each year, BLSA, our Black alumni and UofT Law collaborate to provide a range of social and networking activities for Black UofT law students. Examples include Orientation week social events, dinners with alumni, networking events, attending the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) annual gala, attending the annual BLSA Canada national conference, and many other community-building moments.
Peer Mentorship Program
The Peer Mentorship Program (PMP) pairs first year students with upper year mentors. Founded by a group of law students in 2009, the PMP fosters an inclusive community within the law school. Mentors act as a confidential source of guidance on both academic and non-academic matters. 1L students can request a mentor who shares their personal identity and/or cultural background.
Alumni Mentoring Program
The Alumni-Mentorship Program pairs students in all years of study with UofT Law alumni who are practicing lawyers. Students can request a mentor who shares their personal identity and/or cultural background.
Other supports and services at UofT Law
Leadership Skills Program
UofT Law’s Leadership Skills Program offers a series of innovative workshops to help students develop the key leadership skills required for professional success. Facilitated by industry experts, and developed in consultation with students, alumni and numerous members of the legal profession, the Leadership Skills Program prepares students to transition from a stellar law student to a highly-regarded and successful summer student, articling student and lawyer.
Academic Support Program
The Faculty of Law offers several academic support programs, including a free peer tutoring program, writing coaching, and access to a learning strategist.
Health and Wellness Program
UofT Law supports its students to develop the skills to enhance wellbeing and cope with challenges. The law school offers various health and wellness programs, including in-house mental health counselling, peer mental health mentoring, as well as workshops and other opportunities to develop wellness and resilience skills.
Career coaching and planning
UofT Law’s Career Development Office offers a variety of career coaching and planning services to its students including: career and coaching advice, career planning and development workshops and seminars, resume and cover letter review, interview preparation assistance and clerkship application support and access to job postings.