Western vs Ottawa (please help)

Longtime lurker but just made an account to post this because I would really appreciate the advice.

I got off the Western waitlist yesterday (stats 3.4 CGPA, 3.85 L2, 168 LSAT) but I got into Ottawa earlier this year. Just two weeks ago I signed for a great apartment right beside campus. I was very prepared to go to Ottawa, but now that I've gotten into Western, I don't know what to do.

I am definitely interested in corporate law, but I understand that I may not like it when I am in the field. I am, however, certain that I want to work in Toronto and not in any other city.

I've looked into the Ultravires stats and I understand that Western's placements may be inflated by the dual JD and business degree. I also realize that not as many people from Ottawa may be gunning for corporate law, and that may skew the numbers. I'm not sure how realistic / competitive it would be for me to get to corporate law from either school.

I also really like Ottawa as a city, I've visited several times and think it's beautiful and really enjoy it, whereas London as a city is considerably less nice. I know I should not base my potential career outcomes on where I would like to live for 3 years, but I feel like personal happiness should at least play some part in this choice?

I'm honestly very divided - many of my friends who are in law school / are lawyers say to go to Western just for the name, but some others tell me to go to Ottawa because it will open more doors if I decide not to do corporate law. I would really appreciate any and all advice. Thank you all!

Posted Jun 12, 2026, 12:56 PM UTC

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