Law - (2) Assistant or Associate Professors (French Common Law Section)

The University of Ottawa is recognized nationally and internationally as a leading university and the largest bilingual university (French and English) in the world. Located on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe-Algonquin people, in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it contributes significantly to the economy, culture and quality of life of Canada’s capital.

The Faculty of Law, Common Law Section, at the University of Ottawa is inviting applications for two faculty positions in its French Common Law Program. French Juris Doctor | Faculty of Law. The French program will celebrate 50 years of teaching Common Law in French in 2027, marking its contribution to access to justice in French and to the legal community across Canada.

Title of the position: Assistant or Associate Professor

Duties: Faculty members’ responsibilities include, in varying proportions:

• Teaching activities;
• Scholarly activities, including research, publications, and grant applications, as well as professional activities where applicable;
• Service activities to the university community, including administrative duties such as participation on committees at the French Common Law Program (FCLP), Faculty, or University level, as well as community service activities;
• Student supervision, including supervision of graduate students.

Terms: Two new positions are available each with their own start date: Private Law Start Date January 1 2027 and Public Law Start Date July 1, 2027  

Area of Expertise and Responsibilities: The two positions are intended to meet the Program’s teaching and research needs in French. The positions to be filled are in the areas of public law (including constitutional law, legislation, language rights, administrative law, truth and reconciliation, and Indigenous peoples’ rights, among others) and private law subjects (including torts, contracts, insurance law, corporate law, among others).

Salary: The base salary ranges from $99,377 to $137,444 at the Assistant Professor rank, and from $109,776 to $190,630 at the Associate Professor rank (according to the salary scale in effect as of May 1, 2025).

Benefits package: The University of Ottawa provides a complete benefits package, which includes long-term disability insurance, basic group life insurance, health insurance, University of Ottawa pension plan and optional life insurance, as well as reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses.

Conditions and Prerequisites: Candidates for either position must:

• Demonstrate a proven record of teaching and research in French in the specified fields, supported by a strong record of teaching and publications.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the PCLF’s unique mission regarding access to justice in French and commit to contributing to the fulfillment of this mission as a professor within the program.
• Hold a doctoral degree (PhD) or be in the process of completing one. If you are currently enrolled in a doctoral program, your supervisor must confirm that there is a reasonable likelihood that you will complete your dissertation within 18 months of appointment. Candidates holding a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree and possessing significant and relevant professional experience in their teaching and research fields may also be considered.
• Possess the ability to teach and publish in French, which is essential; knowledge of English is considered an asset for this position.
• Note that tenure is conditional upon a passive knowledge of Canada’s other official language (French or English).
• Specify the field in which they wish their application to be considered.

Location of Work: Faculty of Law – Common Law Section, University of Ottawa, Fauteux Hall, 57 Louis-Pasteur Private, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5

Questions/Contact Person: Diana Wittmann, Executive Assistant to Dean Boon, Faculty of Law – Common Law Section, [email protected]

Application Package: Applicants must submit the following:

• A cover letter specifying their level of teaching and research experience, the courses they are qualified to teach, and any awards or distinctions received, where applicable.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV).
• A detailed research plan.
• A statement of teaching philosophy and pedagogical interests.
• Official transcripts for all degrees obtained.
• The names and contact information of three references. Reference letters are not required at this stage.
• Any other relevant information (for example, a commitment to access to justice in French and to the mission of the French Common Law Program).

Application deadline: August 20, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis and early applications are encouraged.

More information regarding Academic Careers can be found online. Apply online through the University of Ottawa Careers portal.

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff and faculty. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minority members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women and all qualified applicants with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities. Applicants who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups should complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire when they apply.

In accordance with government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by emailing the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations, at [email protected]. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its more than 175-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides second-language training to staff members and their spouses.