Get Ahead in Your LLM Journey: Build Your Legal Skills & Strengthen Your Application
Designed as a mini law school bootcamp, this two-month online course (delivered via live video conferencing) equips you with essential legal research and writing skills, a foundational understanding of the Canadian legal system, and the confidence to succeed in your LLM.
Whether you want to strengthen your future LLM application with a polished writing sample and a clearer academic vision, or you’re looking to get a head start and ease the pressure of your first term, this course is for you. With some LLM programs only available every two years, this is your chance to begin your studies now and set yourself up for success.
Over the course of 8-10 weeks, you will:
Build legal research and citation skills
Learn how to read and analyse case law
Understand the structure of the Canadian legal system
Learn to write legal memos, research papers, and policy critiques
Complete writing assignments with instructor feedback and opportunities for revision
Practice approaching take-home exams and complex fact patterns
Upcoming Intakes:
| Course Intake | Open for Applications | Deadline to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 (Late Session) June 24, July 3, Jul 22, August 5, August 12 6 PM – 8:30 PM | Open for Applications | June 1, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:30pm October (15*), 28 November 04, 11, 25 December 02 *October 15 is a Wednesday | Open for Applications | September 1, 2025 |
Who should apply?
All LLM students without a JD or LLB are required to complete a prep course as part of their admission. While we strongly encourage all students to take the course before starting their LLM, it’s especially beneficial in the following situations:
You’re Ready to Start Studying, But Your Program Hasn’t Started Yet – If your LLM program only starts every two years, this course allows you to begin your studies now instead of waiting.
You Have the Time to Get Ahead – If your schedule allows, taking this course early can help ease the transition into graduate legal studies and reduce the workload of your first term.
You Want to Strengthen a Future LLM Application – Completing this course can enhance your application by providing a stronger writing sample, demonstrating your preparedness for graduate study, and helping you refine your academic and professional goals.
Alumni Spotlight
Joanne Thornton
Joanne is the Bank of Montreal’s head of Volcker Rule Compliance Office. Despite more than a decade as a regulatory compliance professional, she had never had any formal legal training and worried that this could put her at a disadvantage. Here, she discusses the process of getting an LLM without a law degree.
Non-Degree Student Status and Advanced Standing Option
What is non-degree status?
Students who take the Prep Course as a standalone option are enrolled in a non-degree status and are only permitted to take the Prep Course. Tuition for the course is billed at the non-degree (“single course enrollment”) rate for a 3 credit course see: here.
However, this fee will be credited back at the end of your LLM program if you apply for advanced standing.
What is advanced standing?
A petition for advanced standing is the method through which you make a formal request to have GNRL 6249 counted towards your LLM degree requirements. This is a two-step process:
Step 1: Once you’ve registered for your first term in the LLM, inform your Program Assistant that you’d like to request advanced standing. They will guide you through the petition submission process, which is routinely approved as long as it is submitted during your first term of study.
Step 2: At the end of your program, when you have completed all coursework and are eligible to graduate, the tuition fee you paid for GNRL 6249 will be posted to your student account in the form of a bursary.
In short, you are front-loading your tuition for the LLM program, but if you apply for advanced standing, you will not pay extra to take the course.
Am I required to apply for advanced standing?
No. While most students will choose to have their prep course counted towards their degree requirements, you may choose not to so that you can take an additional course during your degree.
Admission Requirements
Note: This is not an open-enrollment course. Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee, which seeks candidates who are either already eligible for the LLM or who, upon successful completion of this course, would likely present a strong LLM application.
Not sure if you should apply? Reach out to our team for advice about fit and a pre-application review.
Undergraduate degree (a graduate degree is an asset to non-legal professionals)
Overall B (75%) average (or equivalent)
Professional work experience (at least 5 years of related senior-level experience)
Acceptable English language proficiency (see requirements)
How to Apply
Create Your OsgoodePD Applicant Profile
Create an applicant profile in our online application portal. This portal allows us to gather your information, transcripts, and other documents electronically. You will receive an email with directions outlining how to create a new password for your application, along with a link to access the application.
Upload Application Documents
The following documents are required:
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts
- Official Proof of Language Proficiency (if applicable)
Pay and Submit
Once your application is completed, you will be required to pay a non-refundable $140 CAD application fee.
Wait for Review
In general, you can expect a response to your application within ~ 20 days, but we will be in touch if we have questions about your application or need more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Have questions? We’re here to help! Click here to get in touch.