THE CITY LAW SCHOOL
Located at the heart of legal London, The City Law School blends tradition with innovation to prepare students for a global legal career. Its approach to teaching combines academic excellence with real-world experience through mooting, pro bono work, and placements. With strong professional links, Canadian-focused modules, and NCA guidance, graduates are set to succeed in both the UK and Canada.
STUDY in the city law school
The City Law School, part of City St George’s, University of London, offers an exceptional environment for aspiring legal professionals. Situated in central London, students benefit from proximity to leading law firms, courts, and institutions, gaining unrivalled access to the local legal community.
It has a diverse and inclusive community, bringing together students and teaching staff from varied backgrounds to create a rich and authentic learning experience. Academics are highly respected experts and practitioners who combine rigorous scholarship with practical insight, ensuring teaching reflects real-world developments. Many of the academic staff have written or contributed to manuals used for teaching in The City Law School and by other institutions.
The School adopts a skills-focused approach to legal education. Alongside academic study, students engage in mooting, pro bono work, and placements through the Law in Real Life (Law IRL) opportunities. Students also have unlimited access to the specialist law library and the lawbore research portal.
HISTORY of the city law school
The City Law School has a distinguished heritage dating back over 170 years. Originally founded as the Inns of Court School of Law, it was the first institution to provide formal training for barristers in England and Wales. In 2001, it became part of City St George’s, University of London. Its remit now includes solicitor training and academic law programmes such as the LLB, LLM and law conversion courses. The City Law School has educated a number of illustrious alumni that include four Prime Ministers: Mahātmā Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Baroness Margaret Thatcher and Rt Hon Sir Tony Blair.
Areas of Legal expertise in the city law school
The City Law School is recognised for its strong research culture and professional focus. Primary research areas include commercial and corporate law, international law, human rights, criminal justice, and maritime law. The School is also developing expertise in law and technology, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and its influence on the practice and delivery of legal services.
The City Law School maintains strong links with leading law firms, barristers’ chambers, courts, NGOs, and regulatory bodies. These relationships provide students with networking opportunities, guest lectures, internships, and career pathways, both during their studies and after graduation.
LIFE ON CAMPUS
The City Law School is based in central London, close to the legal heart of the city and just a short walk from the Inns of Court, the Royal Courts of Justice and major law firms. The new Law Building has a modern and striking architecture with a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, study spaces, and technology such as advocacy study room to support learning and fully equipped mock court room. Students have access to a wide range of facilities, including libraries, cafés, and social spaces in the Law Building and around campus.
The Clerkenwell area where the university is located, is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its creative industries, historical landmarks, and proximity to the city’s financial district. It is conveniently located near Farringdon and King’s Cross stations; City St George’s is less than an hour away from all London’s airports. There is even a restaurant, really close to campus, called Gerry’s that sells poutine!
STUDENT SUPPORT AT City
The City Law School offers programmes from the very start of your legal career at undergraduate level all the way to barrister and solicitor training programmes. The City Law School provides specific guidance on transitioning back to Canada, including preparation for the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams. Graduates return well-prepared, having gained knowledge of both UK and Canadian legal systems.
The Student Centre is a one-stop hub for advice on finance, accommodation, visas, and wellbeing. Students can access counselling services, mental health support, and practical help with money matters, including budgeting. International students benefit from visa advice, orientation sessions, and language support, plus mentoring and networking events to help them settle into London life and the university community.
Academic support includes study skills workshops, language courses through the Centre for Language Studies, and tailored guidance for international students adjusting to UK academic standards.
The City Law School offers additional, specialist support. Every law student is assigned an academic advisor for one-to-one guidance, and dedicated careers services—Future Solicitors Advisory Service (FSAS) and Pupillage Advice Service (PAS)—help with CVs, applications, and mock interviews for aspiring solicitors and barristers.
The city law school FACILITIES
The City Law School is located at Sebastian Street in the heart of London, just a short walk from the courts, leading barristers’ chambers and major law firms. It was purpose-built in 2021. The campus is urban and fully integrated into the local neighbourhood and community.
Students benefit from specialist facilities including a dedicated law library with collections tailored to solicitor and Bar training, and an award-winning Lawbore research portal providing on-demand access to reference materials. A highlight is the mock courtroom, complete with video-link technology for vulnerable witness training, giving students authentic experience of a modern court.
Law In Real Life (Law IRL): A programme that provides opportunities for students to develop their employability skills through legal work placements, court visits and mock trials.
Pro bono work and volunteering: The multi-award-winning Community Legal Advice Centre (CLAC) brings students and legal professionals together to provide access to services to real clients from the local community that are not supported by legal aid.
law societies and sports at City St George’s
City St George’s Students’ Union (CSGSU) is the heart of student life, offering support, representation, and countless opportunities to socialize and get involved. The Union organizes events, cultural celebrations, trips, and themed nights, creating a vibrant community. Students can join or even start their own societies—there are over 100 societies at City St George’s, ranging from cultural and academic to hobbies and campaigning groups.
For law students, popular options include the Law Society, which hosts networking events, mooting competitions, and the annual Law Ball, and the Canadian and American Law Society, which connects students interested in North American legal systems and offers guest speakers and career insights. Other law-related societies include Pro Bono Society, or the Women in Law Society, for example- all excellent for building skills and professional networks.
Through CitySport, the modern fitness centre, students access a full gym, studios, and classes. There are competitive sports clubs in football, basketball, fencing, and more that compete in national leagues, as well as options for beginners. Matches often involve travel to other UK cities, and highlights include Varsity Week, where teams compete against other universities.
Joining societies and sports clubs is the best way to make friends, develop leadership skills, and enrich your university experience, especially for international students looking to feel at home in London.
ACCOMMODATION AT City St George’s, University of London
City St George’s offers a range of modern, self-catered halls for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Options include single en-suite rooms, shared flats, and studio apartments, all equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, study space, access to shared kitchens, and common areas for socialising.
Residences are generally located within walking distance of teaching facilities in central London, giving easy access to campus and the local amenities. All halls provide 24-hour security, laundry facilities, and inclusive bills covering heating, electricity, and internet.
Undergraduate and postgraduate accommodations are separate, but mature students on programmes like the Graduate Entry LLB can apply for postgraduate halls. Rooms are not automatically guaranteed, and applications have deadlines that vary each year. Students can also choose private rentals, with the Accommodation Team offering guidance on finding housing, tenancy advice, and connecting with trusted landlords
Canadian focus and InterNationalization
City St George’s is proudly global, welcoming students from over 160 countries into a diverse and inclusive community. International students find London an exciting and fun place to study. The University’s approach to internationalisation includes exchange partnerships, global research collaborations, and a curriculum that reflects international perspectives.
The City Law School has a particularly strong connection with Canada. Many Canadians join the law programmes, especially the Graduate Entry LLB. A number of lecturers are from Canada and are happy to share their personal and professional experience of living, studying working in London and the UK.
Canadians benefit from the central London location, professional links, and a welcoming community that values their unique perspective. Whether through dedicated events or wider international student initiatives, Canadian students feel supported academically, professionally, and socially.
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
Students benefit from guest lectures by leading judges, barristers, and solicitors, regular networking events, and career fairs featuring UK and international firms.
A strong alumni network offers mentoring and insight into global legal careers. A standout opportunity is the multi-award-winning Community Legal Advice Centre (CLAC), where students work with real clients on cases not covered by legal aid, gaining invaluable practical experience. Additional hands-on learning includes mooting competitions, often held at prestigious venues like the Supreme Court. These opportunities are available throughout your studies, not just in final years.
For Canadian students, The City Law School understands the NCA process and provide guidance on how its programmes align with requirements for returning to practice in Canada and also delivers modules such as: Canadian Law of Business Organisations; and Canadian Constitutional Law – Foundational Principles. Combined with its central London location and international connections, this ensures students graduate with skills, experience, and networks that open doors worldwide.
Internships and study abroad options
At The City Law School it is recognize that many Canadian students come to the UK with clear career goals, including returning home to practice law. To support this, study abroad options with partner universities in Australia, Singapore, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey. These opportunities are ideal for gaining a global perspective on common law systems.
Dedicated careers services also help arrange internships and work placements with leading UK law firms and a variety of organizations. These roles are available throughout your studies.
EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
At The City Law School, employability is central to everything it does. Graduates thrive in diverse legal careers. Many remain in the UK, joining leading firms and chambers, while others return to Canada after completing the NCA process, using their international experience to stand out in competitive markets.
Careers support is extensive: Future Solicitors Advisory Service (FSAS) and Pupillage Advice Service (PAS) provide tailored CV reviews, application guidance, and mock interviews. Students attend career fairs, networking events, and guest lectures from top practitioners.
Testimonials from Canadian graduates from The City Law School highlight these outcomes: Elisabeth credits the School for preparing her to qualify back home and succeed in Canadian practice. Patrick emphasises how advocacy training and mooting boosted his confidence for a UK legal career, while Anjalie values the international perspective gained through City St George’s diverse community. The full testimonials can be found on the City St George’s website.
Combined with hands-on experience through mooting competitions and the multi-award-winning Community Legal Advice Centre (CLAC), students graduate with practical skills, professional networks, and a clear pathway to success whether in London, Toronto, or beyond.
Why STUDY AT THE City Law school
The City Law School offers students a unique blend of academic excellence and practical experience in the heart of London’s legal and financial district. Programmes include modules such as Canadian Constitutional Law and Canadian Law of Business Organizations, with expert guidance on the NCA process, ensuring a smooth transition back to Canada. Students benefit from hands-on opportunities like mooting at the Supreme Court and working with real clients through the multi-award-winning Community Legal Advice Centre (CLAC). With strong alumni networks in Canada and beyond, dedicated careers support, and societies like the Canadian and American Law Society, you’ll gain global exposure, professional connections, and the confidence to succeed in both jurisdictions.