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How it works

JD students are eligible for admission to the Law Co-op Program. This takes place during the fall term of your first year. 

Once admitted, you will take a prep class called Introduction to Professional Practice (IPP). You will be eligible to apply for co-op jobs for the summer term after first year. 

During IPP, you will learn about resumes, cover letters, job search skills, interviews, professional responsibility and workplace readiness.

You can also do your first work term in the fall or spring term of your second year. If you complete at least 2 work terms, you will receive the co-op designation. This will appear on your parchment upon graduation.

Law Work Experience Program (LWEP)

Complement your JD/JID degree by obtaining practical work experience with a legal employer. 

LWEP is administered through the Law Co-op office, and admission happens during the fall term of your second year. LWEP offers 1 legal work term, usually in the summer after 2L or 3L (second or third year).

You will take the IPP class to obtain the tools needed to find a work term. Topics include preparing job applications, interview skills and professional responsibility. Work with the law co-op coordinator to find the best fit for your schedule.

Explore the Law Co-op Program page for more information on requirements, fees and work terms for both Law co-op and LWEP.

Applying for a work term

If you're starting a work term through Law Co-op and LWEP, you can apply for jobs on the .

• follow the instructions in each posting
• we send applications to employers, who choose interviewees
• interviews happen during the term before your work term and may be on campus, by phone or at the employer’s office
• once an employer selects a candidate, we send the job offer
  • you will have 24 hours to make a decision

You may arrange your own co-op placement, with approval from the law co-op coordinator.

Evaluation

Your performance during a law co-op or LWEP work term is assessed through a written work term report, an online competency-based review and a debrief with the law co-op coordinator at the end of the work term.

The law co-op coordinator checks in at the mid-point—either in person or virtually—to ensure everything is going well for both you and the employer and to address any concerns.

Hire a Law Co-op or LWEP student

Discover how your firm or organization can offer valuable legal work opportunities. Your support helps students and graduates build meaningful connections as they begin their careers.

• co-op students: available in the spring, summer and fall terms

Placements must be:

• at least 12 weeks in length; most are 15-17 weeks
• supervised by a legal professional
• provide an appropriate learning opportunity for a law student

Employers help evaluate co-op students through a mid-term visit and online assessments at the middle and end of the work term.

To hire a co-op student, submit a completed job description to the Law co-op office.

Resources

• Law Co-op & LWEP student handbook