Faculty of Law unveils roadmap for the next five years

The University of Alberta Faculty of Law is preparing to launch a new five-year strategic plan that builds on the faculty’s proud history while charting a bold course forward.

At the heart of the plan is a commitment to being what Dean Fiona Kelly calls “a true home for our community, a place where students, faculty, staff, alumni and community and industry partners feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.”

The plan is built around six pillars, which include each of these key constituencies as well as commitments to Truth and Reconciliation and to serving society. 

“Above all, this plan is a collective call to action,” says Kelly. “Its success depends on the energy, creativity, and dedication of our entire community.”

"Our new strategic plan charts our path forward and our alumni community, industry partners, and donors will walk alongside us,” adds Raishel Madsen, the faculty’s assistant dean of development. “The real work comes as we seek to deliver on these bold ambitions."

Here are three exciting changes to watch for as the plan is implemented in the coming years. The full plan is available now. 

1. Enhanced experiential learning opportunities for students

As part of its commitment to delivering an innovative and rigorous legal education that leads to fulfilling careers, the Faculty has its sights set on increasing the quality and quantity of experiential learning offerings. 

This growth will build on the Faculty’s well-established existing experiential learning courses, such as the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, the Low Income Individuals and the Law Clinic, the mooting program and many more. 

Allison Fieldberg, who leads the faculty’s experiential learning program, sees firsthand the value these experiences bring to law students as they prepare for their careers.

“Legal practice doesn’t only happen in law offices,” she says. “Experiential learning lets students close the gap between theory and the messiness of the real world.”

2. Expanding opportunities beyond the JD

There are also plans to provide educational opportunities to members of the community who want to increase their understanding of how the Canadian legal system operates. 

Building on the success of Law 101, the Faculty is creating two new online undergraduate courses aimed at U of A undergraduate students, students from other universities and community members. 

LAW 201 (Foundations of Canadian Law) and LAW 202 (Law and the Protection of Rights) will be available in fall 2026 and winter 2027, respectively. These two courses will be part of a new four-course undergraduate certificate in law the Faculty is launching for non-law students.

“With legal issues currently making the news on a daily basis, I think there's a real hunger in society for a better understanding of how Canada's legal system truly works,” says course designer and instructor Anna Priemaza. 

“For example, it can be difficult to debate the use of the notwithstanding clause if you're not confident in what the notwithstanding clause does or where it comes from. These courses aim to provide that knowledge for those who do not want to go to law school, or those who aim to go to law school but are not at that stage yet.”

3. Developing new community partnerships 

Through its teaching, scholarship and service, the Faculty strives to build a more just and equitable society. One of the ways it has pursued this goal over the years is through community service initiatives such as the Low Income Individuals and the Law Clinic and Student Legal Services. 

Looking ahead, the Faculty plans to build on its existing work with community partners to launch new clinics that respond to areas of need. 

The Faculty of Law will launch the new Strategic Plan on February 11, with students, faculty, alumni and members of the broader legal community invited. The launch will take place in the David R. Percy Lounge from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m., with refreshments provided. To RSVP, click here.