Law Co-op FAQs
UVic Law co-op studies abroad in Mongolia
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about...
- How many student places are there in the Co-op Program?
- What are the chances of getting into the co-op program?
- How many work terms must co-op students complete?
- Where do the work terms take place?
- Does participating in the Co-op Program extend the completion date of the LL.B. program?
- Do all Law Co-op students find a co-op placement?
- What are the advantages to participating in the Law Co-op program?
1. How many student places are there in the Co-op Program?
A maximum of 40 students are admitted into the Co-op Program every year. Students who are not admitted are placed on a wait list and may be admitted into the Co-op Program as spaces become available.
2. What are the chances of getting into the Co-op Program?
If the Co-op Program is oversubscribed, admission is based on a lottery
among the students who apply. Admission to the Faculty of Law does
not guarantee admission to the Co-op Program.
3. How many work terms must co-op students complete?
A student enrolled in the Co-op Program must complete a minimum of three work terms. Students may be eligible to complete a fourth work term, depending on the availability of positions with employers.
4. Where do the work terms take place?
There are many work terms within British Columbia available to co-op students. However, there are also opportunities available in other parts of Canada (including northern Canada) and internationally. The Co-op Program office is supportive of students seeking out new work term opportunities in regions of interest to them. However, any placement must be approved by the Co-op Program office.
5. Does participating in the Co-op Program extend the completion
date of the LL.B. program?
Students who enroll in the Co-op Program will complete their law
degree approximately four to eight months later than law students
not enrolled in the Co-op Program. Co-op students do not have additional
course work and the extra time is accounted for in work terms.
6. Do all Law Co-op students find a co-op placement?
The Law Co-op program has a very successful track record of placing students. It is rare that students are not placed; however, there is no guarantee of placement. The more flexible a student is in terms of type of job and location of placement, the easier it is to secure a co-op term. Being in a co-op program is like taking another course. There is a workload attached in terms of resume and cover letter preparation, researching employers, preparing for interviews, attending student preparation sessions, etc. Students who make an effort to succeed in co-op are usually successful.
7. What are the advantages to participating in the Law Co-op program?
- Students apply and test their classroom knowledge in productive working environments
- Students generate income that helps finance legal education.
- Students are exposed to a broad range of career options and will graduate with a better sense of what they want to do with their law degree.
- Students develop an impressive resume and graduate with a network of contacts in the legal community.
- Communication skills, resume writing, job search and interview skills are developed through the co-op preparation process.