Foundation for Legal Research: Advancing Legal Scholarship in Canada
Supporting Innovative Legal Research
The Foundation for Legal Research is a cornerstone of legal scholarship and practice in Canada. Its mission is to fund and promote research that explores current and emerging issues in Canadian law. By providing grants to lawyers, notaries, judges, and other legal professionals, the Foundation enables high-level, practical analyses that inform and improve legal practice across the nation.
Annual Research Grants and Prestigious Awards
Each year, the Foundation awards competitive research grants to foster the creation of impactful legal scholarship. These grants support original research across a broad range of legal fields, including criminal law, contract law, family law, torts, and the administration of justice. The Foundation also recognizes excellence in legal writing and thought leadership through the esteemed Walter Owen Book Prize, which celebrates outstanding contributions to Canadian legal literature.
Impact and Legacy
Over the past 50 years, the Foundation has funded more than 400 research publications and invested millions of dollars in advancing legal knowledge. Many of these works are widely cited in Canadian courts, law offices, and legislatures, shaping the evolution of Canadian law. The Foundation’s legacy includes supporting some of the most influential legal articles and books, equipping legal professionals to meet the evolving challenges of their practice.
Commitment to the Legal Community
The Foundation operates as a non-profit organization governed by a diverse Board of Trustees, which includes practicing lawyers, judges, academics, and public servants. With careful financial management and support from organizations like the Law Foundation of British Columbia and the Chambre des notaires du Québec, the Foundation has grown its funding capacity and expanded its support to the legal community.
A Proud Canadian History
Founded in 1959 by leaders of the Canadian Bar, the Foundation was created to address a gap in Canadian-focused legal research. At that time, most legal publications used by Canadian practitioners were written abroad. Today, the Foundation continues to bridge that gap by supporting research and analysis rooted in the Canadian legal context, ensuring that practitioners have access to current and relevant information.
Get Involved
By supporting or applying to the Foundation for Legal Research, you contribute to the ongoing growth and excellence of Canadian law. Whether you are a legal professional seeking funding, an academic eager to make a difference, or a supporter of legal scholarship, the Foundation offers opportunities to engage, collaborate, and advance the legal profession in Canada.