The Organization

ACORN has a deep history of working in low and moderate income communities. Their presence in these communities has enabled them to connect community members -- low and moderate income consumers -- who are most in need, but often hardest to reach, with information about their rights, financial literacy education, tax and benefit services, and leadership development training. By working collectively, they support communities to articulate priorities for addressing their financial needs and accessing fair financial services.

Type of Project

Public Legal Education

The Project

Low-income renters face multiple barriers to exercising their rights when facing a major rent increase, fighting an eviction, and dealing with a landlord neglecting repairs or harassing their tenants. The high cost of legal representation, not understanding their rights or how the justice system works, and feeling overwhelmed by complicated legal forms, are major barriers tenants have identified for moving forward on important claims to improve their housing situation. Meanwhile, landlords and property management companies have the financial resources to retain lawyers during times of dispute whereas limited availability of and restrictions on free legal resources is a severe impediment for marginalized tenants. ACORN’s Tenant Rights Public Legal Education will help tenants exercise their rights by:

1- Educating tenants on their rights under the Residential Tenancies Act. This will primarily be related to evictions, rent increases above the guidelines, and landlords’ responsibilities for repairs.

2- Educating tenants on the different forms that they might receive from their landlords through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

3- Educating tenants on the role of the LTB in remediating situations involving harassment and disrepair.

4- Providing information about other free legal services and resources in the community.

Students will (1) research and produce public legal education materials on the above topics and (2) provide public legal education to tenants (upon request) to review these materials and answer general questions about the process. The students will create a process with the lawyer supervisor to address any specific questions that may arise during the public legal education sessions to ensure the students are not providing any legal advice.

Students will also help create plain-language tip sheets for tenants on how to navigate the LTB and file basic forms.

Number of students

5

Who can apply?

Upper Year Students

Language of the project

English. Bilingualism is considered an asset.

Prerequisites and Assets

No pre-requisites are required. However, an interest in tenant law will be considered a strong asset.

The following are strongly desired skills: an interest in social justice, a general openness to public interest work, an ability to work well under pressure, experience interacting with marginalized clients, and strong verbal communication skills.

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) provides support, prevention, education and outreach services from an integrated anti-racism anti-oppression social justice framework that promotes the holistic wellbeing, human rights, and dignity of those living with, affected by, impacted by and at risk of HIV/AIDS in Ottawa.

Type of Project

Public Legal Education

The Project

The student will conduct legal research and create fact sheets for one the following research topics, depending on the student’s interests:

1. Professional Breaches in Privacy and Confidentiality: There are frequent direct and indirect disclosures and breaches of people living with HIV and their status.  Although it is a protected thing, it is often difficult for clients to self-advocate and pursue due recourse after having been wronged in this way.  Confidentiality work is anti-stigma work, since many of the breaches are due to negative views of the virus or people living with HIV.  This fact sheet should detail what to do short term, and what to do long-term as well as local services to contact for support in this area.
2. Discrimination in medical facilities with respect to HIV status and other intersections: It isn’t always appropriate to escalate immediately to human rights complaints, and so being highly apprised of medical institutions various responsibilities to our dignity and privacy would serve in ACO’s anti-stigma mandate. A nurse wearing more PPE than is necessary when working with a person living with HIV isn’t necessarily grounds for legal discrimination, but it is important to address in the scope of anti-stigma work.  What recourses does a person have within the level of a medical institution, and what laws or protections guide these processes. 
3. A fact sheet for people living with HIV (PHAs) to pass onto service providers for ODSP application support.

Number of students

1-2 students

Who can apply?

Upper Year Students

Language of the project

English.

Prerequisites and Assets

Health law, human rights law, privacy law

Lived or work experience with communities similar to ACO’s is an asset. 

Students will be able to complete all work remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access. 

The Organization

AIMICI is a working group of immigration lawyers. They conduct advocacy, public education and public-interest litigation on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in decision making by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing

The Project

AI-MICI is leading a public-interest litigation project to challenge the unfettered, unprecedented and opaque usage of artificial intelligence in immigration application decisions by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Since 2017, IRCC has become the largest user of AI technology in government, utilizing it to:

• Covertly predict if an applicant is an immigration risk (asylum seeker, fraud, etc);
• Automate the processing of certain visas;
• Write reasons for immigration decisions;
• Stream immigration applicants into fast and slow processing lanes;
• Write executive summaries of immigration applications so officers do not need to review every document;
• Identify if a marriage/common-law relationship is genuine.

IRCC states its use of AI as a way to make public services faster and more efficient. But beyond the marketing spin there is a worrying lack of transparency and accountability in their adoption.

Without comprehensive transparency and appropriate safeguards there’s a significant risk IRCC’s AI usage will perpetuate old injustices, introduce new injustices, and violate the procedural and Charter rights of applicants.

This cutting-edge litigation project aims to ensure IRCC’s algorithmic-aided decision-making is done so in way that is open, fair, and legal. It will challenge opacity, bias, and discrimination.

Students will be given a legal research question, conduct legal research and ultimately draft a legal research memo of their findings. Research questions will span constitutional law, administrative law, immigration law, tort law, class action law, privacy law and the law of evidence.

Role of Student Volunteers

• Conduct case law and secondary source research on assigned research questions;
• Organize findings in case review chart;
• Draft and edit a legal research memo answering the research question.

Number of students

4 students

Who can apply?

Upper years

Language of the project

English. One position will require bilingualism.

Prerequisites and Assets

Administrative law or constitutional are preferred, but not essential to apply.

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The Anti-Racism Committee of the The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Immigration Section is mandated with identifying racism in immigration policies and processes, as well as in decision making, and in making recommendations for addressing racism in the practice of immigration law. In addition, the committee reviews, through an anti-racism lens, submissions prepared by the CBA Immigration Section. It also makes recommendations for advancing the interests of BIPOC lawyers within the immigration bar and ensuring that the CBA Immigration Section and its leadership better reflects its membership.

Type of Project

Legal research and writing 

The Project

There are several projects that students will have the opportunity to work on:

• Creating a precedents library for the immigration bar consisting of initiatives, toolkits, and cases on issues of anti-racism
• Search and compare various data sets for various immigration programs including but not limited to: program descriptions and eligibility criteria, HANSARD and other parliamentary and public discussions giving rise to them, statistical information about their use and outcomes, and ATIP results relating to their formation and administration, to discerns any race-based trends or systemic concerns
• Provide summaries of jurisprudence, social science, medical, and other data sets touching on issues of race or systemic racism
• Research legal issues that may be required in support of litigation efforts by the immigration bar on issues of systemic racism

The students will create research memos and draft submissions and correspondence regarding the topic chosen based on interest and need. Research will involve obtaining information such as statistics, copies of government policies and training materials, relevant case law, and statutes. The scope of the project will be set appropriately to accommodate students working 3-5 hours per week and will not exceed 5 hours.

Number of students

4-6

Who can apply?

All law students

Language of the project

English. 

Prerequisites and Assets

While some knowledge of administrative and/or immigration/refugee law is of assistance it is not a requirement. Experience/interest in human rights, social justice, and equality issues would be an asset.

The following qualities are expected:

• Keen interest in research and writing

• Ability to work independently to meet deadlines

All work can be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Immigration Section participates in dialogue and advocacy with various government and judicial stakeholders in the fields of immigration, citizenship and refugee law. The Section regularly meets with stakeholders and comments on proposed policy amendments, statutory changes and other activities being undertaken by various government departments, tribunals, and courts.

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing.

The Project

The Federal Court of Canada is creating an online platform for the submission and distribution of court and party documents. The Immigration Section of the CBA is concerned with the confidentiality and distribution of these documents, as the files will contain personal information that could lead to security concerns. For example, refugee claimants have in camera (private) proceedings, yet when their cases are challenged to the Federal Court the matter becomes public. This could permit online access to the refugee claimant’s file and personal information (I.e., allegations, identity documents, contact details) about the claimant and family members (both inside and outside of Canada), and private information about third parties.

Balanced against confidentiality and the security of the applicant is the ‘open court principal’, which is protected by the Charter. Students will research, produce memorandums, and assist counsel to research how other jurisdictions (inside and outside of Canada) have developed online document platforms for courts, and research into jurisprudence and legislation (inside and outside of Canada) addressing potential restrictions to this ‘open court’ principal.

The research will include:

• Comparing how provincial superior courts handle sealed files pursuant to provincial legislation: young offenders, child protection, adoptions, (refugees) where no sealing motions are required vs federal court where motions for confidentiality are required.
• Researching decisions at the provincial level, federal SCC Canada level, and foreign jurisdictions on the tension between confidentiality of files and access to information by the press and academics.
• Researching examples where the right to dignity, privacy or other rights prevailed over access.
• Researching examples of foreign jurisdictions spying on Canadian institutions (example universities, journalists).
• Researching examples of refugees facing harm due to lack of protection of personal data online.

Number of students

2-3 students

Who can apply?

All law students

Language of the project

English. Bilingualism is considered an asset but not required.

Prerequisites and Assets

No prerequisites are required, but a demonstrated interest in constitutional law, admin law, and immigration law will be considered an asset.

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access

The Organization

CCLA fights for the civil liberties, human rights, and democratic freedoms of all people across Canada. We are an independent, national, nongovernmental organization, working in the courts, before legislative committees, in classrooms and in the streets, protecting the rights and freedoms cherished by Canadians and entrenched in our Constitution.

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing

The Project

Students will be asked to conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on various topics by the CCLA’s Program Directors. This may include case briefs, reviews of draft or proposed legislation, policy reviews and research memoranda on fundamental freedoms, police powers, national security, privacy, criminal law reform, and equality. Students may periodically be asked to conduct social science research as well, used to inform CCLA’s advocacy and education work.

Number of students

1 student

Who can apply?

Upper years

Language of the project

English

Prerequisites and Assets

Students should be engaged and interested in current events as they impact on civil liberties, government accountability, and the CCLA’s various program areas. An interest in or commitment to social justice is an asset.

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The Canadian Criminal Justice Association (CCJA), founded in 1919, is an independent, national, voluntary sector organization working for an improved criminal justice system in Canada. The organization exists to promote rational, informed, and responsible debate in order to develop a more humane, equitable, and effective justice system.

Type of Project:

Legal Research and Writing

The Project

The CCJA Legal Research and Policy Analysis project will involve the participation of students to develop memoranda, briefs, and/or letters regarding the CCJA’s position on topical matters of criminal justice policy. The content produced will be for CCJA’s internal use, and may be utilized by the CCJA in preparing their communications to the federal and/or provincial-territorial governments, the Parliament of Canada, and members of the public.

There are several current topics of interest to the CCJA from which the student(s) can choose one or more topics, according to their own research interests. These topics include:

• The overuse of incarceration in Canada, (a) pre-trial custody and/or (b) sentenced offenders
• C-48 (44^th Parliament, 1^st session) An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform)
• Intimate partner and domestic violence – legislative and program responses (for example, see Bill S-249 (44^th Parliament, 1^st session) An Act respecting the development of a national strategy for the prevention of intimate partner violence
• Extradition reform (e.g., the Diab and Meng Wanzhou cases)
• The extent and appropriateness of incarceration by the criminal justice system of individuals who suffer from mental illness
• A project researching legal, program, and policy responses to the opioid crisis in Canada
• A research project on the law relating to Indigenous Peoples in Canada, including responses to over-representation in the Canadian criminal justice system
• A research project on the state of legal aid in Canada
• Participate in the drafting of a CCJA brief on a federal criminal justice bill currently before Parliament. For example, see Bill S-12 (44th Parliament, 1st session)An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act. (i.e., amendments proposed to implement the recent SCC decision on the Sex Offender Registry and to codify the process for modifying and revoking publication bans)

Once students have selected their topic of interest, CCJA will provide them with guidance and questions to answer in completing their project.

Number of students

2

Who can apply?

All years

Language of the project

English. Bilingualism is an asset

Prerequisites and Assets

The following courses must either have been completed or in progress:

• Criminal law,
• Public and Constitutional Law

The following courses will be considered an asset:

• Administrative Law,
• Correctional Law

All work can be done remotely but a workspace will also be provided for an in-person option. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The Canadian Environmental Network  (RCEN) is an independent, non-partisan organisation. RCEN's primary role is to support environmental NGOs (ENGO) by providing them with valuable networking and communication services. RCEN also provides opportunities for ENGO representatives to participate in national and international meetings, conferences, workshops and consultations on environmental law and policy issues through a transparent, bilingual, and democratic delegate selection process.

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing

The Project

In December 2022, the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which lays out 4  global goals and 23 targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and set the world on a path to living in harmony with nature by 2050. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is presently leading the development of Canada's 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy which will establish a shared vision for halting and reversing biodiversity loss in Canada, reflect Canada’s domestic priorities for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, and guide how Canada implements the GBF domestically. ECCC anticipates having a draft Strategy ready for review by the end of 2023.

The RCEN Biodiversity Caucus will be involved in both processes and requires legal research assistance on topics that should be addressed in the National Biodiversity Strategy and the proposed national biodiversity law. The student will work on a series of briefs (2 to 3 briefs, 5-10 pages each) on relevant issues under the oversight of the lawyer supervisor and with the input of members of the RCEN Biodiversity Caucus.

Possible Issues for Examination:

• Framework biodiversity legislation
• Integration of the right to a healthy environment
• Rights of Mother Earth/Rights of Nature
• Non-human rights
• Access and benefit-sharing from genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge
• Traditional knowledge, innovations and practices and sustainable customary use of biological resources
• Alignment with Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (6, 14, 15)

Number of students

1-2

Who can apply?

All law students

Language of the project

English. Bilingualism would be considered a strong asset.

Prerequisites and Assets

No prerequisites are required, but a familiarity with environmental law would be a strong asset.

The following expectations are required:

• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively
• Good writing and communications skills
• Interest in environmental and constitutional law

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The Canadian Health Coalition is a public advocacy organization that has been working for forty years to protect and expand public health care in Canada. They are comprised of unions, health care workers, community organizations, faith-based organizations and academics, as well as affiliated coalitions in the provinces and 1 territory.

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing.

The Project

Students will be asked to research legislation, bills, agreements, and policies at the federal and provincial level to assist the Canadian Health Coalition in developing a better understanding around the following research topics:

1. Students will build on/update the Canadian Health Coalition’s previous research on barriers to health care access based on immigration status (migrant worker, refugee and international student). A focus could be how do provincial policies that exclude people based on immigration status contravene their own laws or the Canada Health Act.
2. Students will conduct research into the Canada Health Act and the implications it has on provincial health care delivery and charging user fees for services. Additionally, students will conduct research into any relevant case law or legal actions that have been initiated in provinces regarding the implementation of the Act.

Students will be able to choose their preferred research topic in consultation with the organization. Students will produce a research report for the Coalition as their final project deliverable.

Number of students

2

Who can apply?

All law students

Language of the project

English. Bilingualism is an asset.

Prerequisites and Assets

Health Law, immigration and refugee law, and Public and Constitutional Law will be considered assets.

The following are strongly desired skills for this project:

• Research and writing skills
• The ability to work independently
• Self-starter

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The Ontario Legal Information Centre (the Centre) offers a free 30-minute meeting with a lawyer to any Ontario resident or any person faced with a legal situation in Ontario. The Centre is a safe space that allows clients to receive essential legal information, to know their options and to establish an action plan to solve their legal issues.

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing

The Project

The Ontario Legal Information Centre provides free legal information and referral services to individuals, regardless of their income or legal problem. As a result, lawyers at the Centre are required to answer questions in all areas of the law and must be aware of changes or developments in the law.

Sometimes lawyers are faced with more complex issues that require additional research. In these cases, lawyers are committed to following up with clients to provide to provide additional legal information to clients. The lawyers at the Centre are therefore looking for a law student who is able to conduct a variety of legal research to answer questions posed to the Centre. The types of law covered will vary depending on the client's questions, and the student will not attend client meetings.

In addition, the Centre is developing resources to facilitate access to justice for the general public. These resources cover various areas of law based on the needs of the Centre during the course of the project. For example, the Centre's lawyers are looking for a law student to develop a tool, written in plain language, to assist litigants.

The tool will be in the form of an infographic designed to make it easier for litigants to understand a particular area of law or legal procedure.

Number of students

1

Who can apply?

Upper years in the French Common Law Program

Language of the project

French

Prerequisites and Assets

• Strong research skills
• Have an excellent sense of initiative
• Requires a minimum of supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills (customer service experience is an asset)

Students will be able to choose one day or half-day a week (between Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays) to work in person at the organization's office, located at 1400-85 Albert Street. Bi-monthly meetings will be arranged with the lawyer supervisor.

The Organization

Centre Novas is a feminist organization run by and for women. It offers specialized services to women, victims and survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Centre Novas' mission is to prevent and raise community awareness of these issues, and to fight for women's equality and rights.

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing and public legal education.

The Project

Students will research and create a brochure or infographic explaining the steps involved in filing a sexual assault complaint, the following legal process, and victims' rights.

Specific steps in the design of this project are as follows:

1. Steps in filing a sexual assault complaint: students will explain, in plain language, the steps a person can take to report a sexual assault.
2. The legal process: students will explain, in plain language, how the legal process works when a sexual assault is reported. This will also include all the steps beyond reporting, including what happens during the legal process. It's also important to include information on the legal definition of consent. Women need to know what this procedure entails so that they are ready and aware when/if they decide to report their assault to the police.
3. Victims' rights: the resource will also include information on victims' rights during the legal process and when reporting a sexual assault.

Number of students

2

Who can apply?

All law students

In keeping with a trauma-informed approach, preference will be given to women-identifying individuals.

Language of the project

French

Prerequisites and Assets

The following are considered assets:

- Experience and skills in writing in plain language
- Experience working in a community setting
- Knowledge of and interest in feminist legal theory

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

CliquezJustice.ca offers content targeted at Francophone minority communities outside of Québec. Their mandate is to inform the public clearly and simply about their rights and obligations in different contexts that are relevant to every day life.    

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing

The Project

The project will involve legal research and writing to popularize legal concepts in plain language for the general public to use as content for the ClickJustice.ca website. In the past, students have created content for the website and written plain language materials. The area of law will depend on the needs of the organization and the interests of the student. Students should confirm topics in October. At no time will the student provide legal advice.

In the past, students have chosen topics based on their interests. Some of these research topics may be: housing, private law, environmental law, federal law, discrimination, and more.

Number of students

1 student

Who can apply?

Upper years in the French Common Law Program

Language of the project

French

Prerequisites and Assets

Strong writing skills in French are required.

The following are strongly desired skills:

• Ability to work independently
• Strong research skills
• Strong communication skills

The following classes are beneficial:

• Family law
• Housing Rights
• Employment law
• Environmental Law

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The Caring Society works to ensure the safety and well-being of First Nations youth and their families through education initiatives, public policy campaigns and providing quality resources to support communities. Using a reconciliation framework that addresses contemporary hardships for Indigenous families in ways that uplift all Canadians, the Caring Society champions culturally based equity for First Nations children and their families so that they can grow up safely at home, be healthy, achieve their dreams, celebrate their languages and culture and be proud of who they are.

Type of Project

Public Legal Education.

The Project

The project will be a combination of legal research and public legal education related to the case on First Nations child welfare and Jordan’s Principle at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT)

The student will translate legal decisions and information into plain language resources targeted at First Nations leadership, technicians, child welfare agencies, families, and youth. The student will also undertake legal research on other relevant case law, depending on the time available and upon discussion with the lawyer supervisor, and provide clear, concise case summaries to the lawyer supervisor. The final public legal education resources may be in the form of info sheets or infographics. The format will be decided between the student, the organization contact, and the lawyer supervisor based on the most effective format for the target audience. The student may also assist with public legal education on other matters related to First Nations child welfare, including Bill C-92: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.

Number of students

1 student

Who can apply?

All students are invited to apply to the project, but preference will be given to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.

Language of the project

English. Bilingualism will be considered an asset.

Prerequisites and Assets

An interest in human rights law, constitutional law, administrative law, Indigenous law, and child welfare law.

The student must have the following skills and values:

• Commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of First Nation children
• Share the values of the Caring Society: love, respect, honesty, transparency and integrity in our work and relationships
• Excellent writing skills (especially in terms of adapting legal information into plain language text)
• Hard-working and reliable
• Can effectively and accurately convey a good understanding of the history and experience of First Nations in Canada, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action relating to education, child welfare, Jordan’s Principle, and children’s health

The student can complete most work remotely and independently but will arrange to meet the organization contacts for several in-person meetings. The student will need a computer and access to the internet.

The Organization

Friends of the Earth is a campaigning environmental organization and the Canadian member of the world’s largest grassroots environmental network, Friends of the Earth International.  Climate and energy, biodiversity, water and plastics, and environmental justice are the key areas of work. Activities include research and education, policy development and advocacy, interventions, and litigation.

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing.

The Project

The project will analyze cosmetic pesticide bans and their compliance promotion and enforcement measures.

The project’s goal is to establish a benchmark against which to assess the efforts of provinces and municipalities in enforcing cosmetic pesticide bans and to apply it to a selection of jurisdictions. While the earliest and most well-known ban is that of Hudson, Quebec in 1991, most cosmetic pesticide bans were put in place between 2000 and 2010.  The project will consider measures of success reported by jurisdictions following the implementation of their bans (water quality testing, media coverage and reports, surveys, etc) and on-going compliance promotion and enforcement initiatives appropriate for assessing the on-going success of the bans (public education, compliance promotion with the trades, warnings, violations, prosecutions, tracking of compliance trends, etc).  The work products include an activity report, a benchmark and the results of its first application to be used in a media campaign, and the development of a retailer audit to be delivered by volunteers following the conclusion of this project.

The jurisdictions to be surveyed will be determined between the student, organization supervisor, and the lawyer supervisor. The scope of the project will be set appropriately to accommodate students working 3-5 hours per week and will not exceed 5 hours.

Number of students

2-3

Who can apply?

Upper years

Language of the project

English

Prerequisites and Assets

The following are considered assets: Environmental Law, previous work or studies addressing pesticides

The students can complete most work remotely and independently but will arrange to meet the organization contacts for several in-person meetings. The students will need a computer and access to the internet.

The Organization

Hakili is a Canadian non-profit organization born in Calgary, Alberta. The leadership team at Hakili works alongside local community members to tackle the complex problem of poverty in Canada. Although the organization was born in Calgary, they respond to local needs in communities across Canada to provide support and resources to individuals and families experiencing poverty.

Type of Project

Legal research and writing

The Project

Hakili supports many families with young school-age children. Hakili also supports racialized and newcomer communities. Hakili has seen a trend of families reporting that their children are facing instances of discrimination at school. These families have expressed challenges when trying to navigate the system to follow up on these complaints for their children.

The organization would like to understand children’s and parent’s rights when instances of discrimination occur in the school system (elementary and secondary). Students will conduct research into legislation governing human rights and discrimination complaints in schools in Ontario. If the students have the capacity, they will conduct similar research under Alberta jurisdiction. Students will also research reports, statistics, and other relevant information from the Ontario Human Rights Commission on school discrimination. Students will not provide any legal advice as to the steps that should be taken to follow up on a discrimination complaint. Students will only provide legal information on the current state of legislation, policies, administrative processes, and any relevant case law.

Number of students

2

Who can apply?

All Students

Language of the project

English.

Prerequisites and Assets

No prerequisites are required. However, an interest in human rights and constitutional law will be an asset.

All work will be completed remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access. 

The Organization

As Canada’s voice for animal welfare, Humane Canada drives positive, progressive change to end animal cruelty, improve animal protection, and promote the humane treatment of all animals.As the convener and representative of the largest animal welfare community in Canada, Human Canada advances the welfare of animals with a strong national voice, promoting animal welfare interests, and concerns to government, policy makers, industry, and the public.

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing

The Project

Students will use the NCPAC database to summarize cases regarding animal abuse. At the beginning of October, students will reach out to Hannah to receive a brief orientation on how to access the database and summarize the cases. It is expected that students complete one case summary per week. Please note that this project deals with sensitive content regarding animal cruelty and this will be made clear to students when applying for the placement. Examples of case analysis from the case law database can be found here: http://caselaw.ncpac.ca/r-v-d-l-w-2016-scc-22, http://caselaw.ncpac.ca/r-v-aubrey-lafreniere-2018-o-j-no-5589, http://caselaw.ncpac.ca/d-r-2019-o-j-no-4177/

Disclaimer: Many of the cases that students will be required to read describe animal abuse

Number of students

1-2

Who can apply?

All law students

Language of the project

English

Prerequisites and Assets

Useful attributes include experience of summarising/digesting of cases previously and experience using WordPress.

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access. 

The Organization

The City of Ottawa Catherine Street Community Service Hub, located at 370 Catherine Street, is a safe resting space where residents can access City and community social supports in one location. The Hub offers services by a team of Employment and Social Services and community partner agency staff. The ID Project at the Catherine Street Hub will assist community members in accessing necessary documentation. Documents that may be needed include birth certificates, health cards, permanent resident cards, and Ontario photo ID cards. Without official documentation, individuals cannot access many community services and programs.

Type of Project

Client assistance and intake.

The Project

The ID project is supported by BLG. The ID Project is designed to address the challenge of helping the homeless, marginally housed, and newcomers obtain IDs so they may be able to participate in services around the city.

The lawyer will be paired with the PBSC students to assist in interviewing clients and filling out the relevant documentation. PBSC students speak to clients, informing them of the program, how it works, and whom they can speak with to obtain the documents they require. When clients ask to speak with a lawyer to fill out the appropriate documentation, PBSC students make the introductions, sit in on the consultation with the lawyer, and help fill out the applicable forms. Volunteer lawyers then confirm eligibility requirements with the client and begin filling out either the “Ontario Photo Card -Address Requirement for the Homeless or Marginally Housed Applicants” for photo identification, or the “Agency Assistance Form and Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage” for health coverage.

It is expected that a diverse range of other legal issues may arise during the course of interviewing clients. Volunteer lawyers and PBSC students are encouraged to make the appropriate referrals and to look into other resources for clients as appropriate. In addition to working at the clinic, students will spend time between shifts on assigned tasks related to running the clinic such as file management, developing a referral guide, researching fee waiver options, and exploring expansion options for the project.

Number of students

2 students

Who can apply?

Upper year students

Language of the project

English. Preference will be given to bilingual students.

Other languages may be an asset: Arabic, Turkish, Spanish, Ukrainian, etc.

Prerequisites and Assets

The following expectations are required: Ability to work well independently and as a team, good written and communications skills, interest in human rights and immigration

All work will be done in-person.

The Organization

This project is a collaboration between PBSC, the Ottawa Mission, Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG), and Connecting Ottawa.

The ID Project helps the homeless and marginally housed obtain essential identification documentation such as birth certificates, health cards, permanent resident cards, and Ontario photo ID cards. Without official documentation, individuals cannot access many community services and programs. This barrier can create a domino effect that makes it increasingly difficult to address the conditions that lead to homelessness.

Type of Project

Client assistance and intake

The Project

The ID Project is designed to address the challenge of helping the homeless, marginally housed, and newcomers obtain IDs so they may be able to participate in services around the city. The ID Project’s client intake operates on the third and fourth Thursday of every month. 

The lawyer will be paired with the PBSC students to assist in interviewing clients and filling out the relevant documentation. PBSC students speak to clients, informing them of the program, how it works, and whom they can speak with to obtain the documents they require. When clients ask to speak with a lawyer to fill out the appropriate documentation, PBSC students make the introductions, sit in on the consultation with the lawyer, and help fill out the applicable forms. Volunteer lawyers then confirm eligibility requirements with the client and begin filling out either the “Ontario Photo Card -Address Requirement for the Homeless or Marginally Housed Applicants” for photo identification, or the “Agency Assistance Form and Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage” for health coverage. Once the forms have been completed, PBSC students are responsible for making copies of the completed documents and providing them to Ottawa Mission staff at the end of the evening.

It is expected that a diverse range of other legal issues may arise during the course of interviewing clients. Volunteer lawyers and PBSC students are encouraged to make the appropriate referrals and to look into other resources for clients as appropriate. In addition to working at the clinic, students will spend time between shifts on assigned tasks related to running the clinic such as file management, developing a referral guide, researching fee waiver options, and exploring expansion options for the project.

Number of students

2 students

Who can apply?

Upper year students

Language of the project

English

Prerequisites and Assets

The following expectations are required: Ability to work well independently and as a team, good written and communications skills, interest in human rights and immigration

All work will be done in-person.

The Organization

Innocence Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to wrongful conviction advocacy, education and legal reform. Over the past 30 years, we have championed the exonerations of innocent individuals across the country who have been wrongfully convicted of serious offences, particularly homicides. We are also a national leader in public education and legal reform, regularly lending our expertise to academic institutions, the criminal justice system, government bodies, legal entities, media outlets, and everything in between.

Type of Project

Public Legal Education

The Project

The first step to preventing wrongful convictions it to understand how and why they happen through public education. The law students of today will one day be running our criminal justice system, so it is critical that they be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of wrongful convictions. This project will help create awareness on wrongful convictions, thereby increasing access to justice in the long term.

To support this educational initiative, innocence Canada is thrilled to launch our Ambassadorship Pilot Program in partnership with PBSC! The program will be launching at a few select law schools from coast to coast. Our student ambassadors will have the unique opportunity to assist us with the development and expansion of our education portfolio across the country. Specifically, each ambassador will help with our local educational initiatives in their law school / province. This may include but is not limited to: event planning, research, presentations, outreach, etc. Ambassadors will also have the opportunity to connect with our other ambassadors across the country at meetings we will be holding on a regular basis.

Number of students

1

Who can apply?

All law students

Language of the project

English

Prerequisites and Assets

Below are the preferred qualifications. For those candidates that do not have some / all of these qualifications, we do still encourage you to apply, and suggest that you use this section to write a small blurb on why you think you would be a great fit for this position!

- Demonstrated awareness and a passion for wrongful conviction advocacy
- Demonstrated experience in wrongful convictions, ie. completion of a wrongful conviction course, volunteer work, internship / placement, etc.
- Advanced criminal law related courses, including evidence, criminal procedure, etc
- Excellent written communication skills
- Excellent oral communication skills
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in small team environment

All work will be completed remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

Kind Space gives people personal and peer support to understand and inhabit their particular identities with confidence and courage,whatever kind of identity it is.They often do so when these people experience emotional crises and are most vulnerable physically and mentally.

Type of Project

Client intake and public legal education

The Project

This project has two components—a clinic and public legal education component.  The first component of this project involves the operation of a Trans ID Clinic. The Clinic will mainly operate virtually over a secure videoconferencing platform. The Clinic will be opened to assist with the process of updating personal identification. The students and Lawyer Supervisor will provide support and information on the process of requesting a name change.

The second part of the project involves public legal education produced content. If there is down time during the drop-ins, students are encouraged to ask questions and receive mentorship from their Lawyer Supervisor. Students will also work on their public legal education research during downtime. The public legal education component will be a one-page education document about the legal name changing process.

Number of Students

2 students

Who can apply?

Upper years

Language of the Project

English

Prerequisites and Assets

No pre-requisites, but preference will be given to third year students.

This project will be mainly completed remotely with some requirements to be in-person. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

Founded in 2004, Level is a Canadian charitable organization that levels barriers to justice by building empathy, disrupting prejudice, and advancing human rights. We pursue our mission through outreach and public legal education initiatives, human rights research and events, and through specialized mentorship programs.

We believe that if stakeholders are empowered to understand, shape, and use the law, they can become active participants in breaking down barriers to justice. We also believe that if our legal professionals have empathy and cultural humility, we can create a justice system that serves the people who need it the most.

Type of Project

Public Legal Education.

The Project

The project will involve support for online/remote or in-person justice education sessions for Level’s Indigenous Youth Outreach Program (IYOP).This project will feature two components: (i) assisting in the facilitation and delivery of mock trials for youth, and (ii) researching and drafting new mock trial scenarios.

Part I: The project will involve support for Level’s online/remote or in-person justice education sessions for Level’s Indigenous Youth Outreach Program (IYOP). 

IYOP is a justice education and mentorship program for First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth aged 11-14 where youth work with justice sector volunteers on fun and engaging activities that teach them about the Canadian criminal justice system, while incorporating Indigenous pedagogy including smudging, feasting, Elder teachings, and a focus on restorative justice.

Level launched IYOP in Toronto in 2012, and at that time, served 25 youth and engaged 12 justice sector volunteers. Since then, the program has grown to serve over 300 youth and work with over 125 justice sector professionals from Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

Typically, IYOP runs 6-10 justice education session with Indigenous students in a particular school location. Volunteer students will be involved in relationship-building exercises, identity work, and justice education games and experiences with the program participants.

Part II: IYOP relies on a mock trial handbook to ensure smooth delivery of sessions. These handbooks contain mock trial scenarios for use by volunteers in the program. During off times (i.e. durations where students are not supporting with mock trials), student volunteers will be expected to conduct legal research for use by the partner organization, pending review and approval by the supervising lawyer.

Student Volunteers will be in charge of:

• Leading small justice education group activities during program sessions
• Partnering with students to prepare them for a mock trial and sentencing circle activity
• Providing education on different career paths in the justice system
• Ensuring that they are present at all scheduled justice education sessions they are involved in

If interest is expressed, other potential tasks the volunteer may be in charge of are:

• Recruitment of a Judge for the youth mock trial activity
• Recruitment of Lawyer volunteers
• Contacting and coordinating with courthouses where the youth mock trial can take place
• Contacting and coordinating with law firms where a youth field trip can occur

Number of students

4-6

Who can apply?

All law students.

Language of the project

English

Prerequisites and Assets

An interest in or completion of Indigenous Law, Indigenous Legal Traditions, and Canadian Criminal Law will be an asset.

Given the nature of clientele served (youth), student volunteers should possess comfort working with youth, and a high degree of humility.

The placement will be hybrid. The students can complete prep work remotely and independently but youth workshops will be delivered in-person. Students will require a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The Millhaven Lifers Liaison Group (MLLG) is a grassroots volunteer group that has established a connection with the Millhaven Lifers Group (MLG), which is comprised of men serving a life sentence at Millhaven maximum security institution. Our objective is to serve as a bridge between the community and the prisoners, with a view to supporting them & their eventual release. The MLLG’s mission is to maintain a positive, ongoing relationship with the Millhaven Lifers Group in order to support successful releases through joint projects.

Type of Project

Legal Research and Writing

The Project

The Millhaven Lifers Group (i.e. men serving the first portion of their life sentence at Millhaven maximum security institution in Bath ON) are interested in learning about their rights in regards to accessing their personal information/files.

MLLG has completed a preliminary scan of resources that currently exist that explain how incarcerated individuals can access their personal files and information. However, there are many gaps in the resources that are available and there is a need to research current legislation, guidelines, and processes that control the process of accessing personal files.

The students’ research will investigate the following:

• The rights of incarcerated individuals to be able to access their personal information and files. This includes looking into the below questions:
  • What is included in an individual’s file (are there any achievements in there)?
  • What is the proper process for adding something to one’s file, and for informing individuals when something is added to their file?
  • Can an individual appeal something that has been added to their file or amend an entry, etc.?
• Correctional services of Canada policies or guidelines that outline the process for accessing information for incarcerated individuals as well as any relevant case law discussing this issue.
• Highlight key rights for people behind bars, and pieces of legislation/policy/regulations that enshrine these rights in terms of accessing their own information.
• Outline the steps that can be taken to access personal files or inquire about appealing or amending something that is in a personal file.

Based on this research, students will produce a digestible, plain language document to distribute to the MLG and other incarcerated individuals that will outline their rights and their research findings. A research memo, chart, or legal memo may be used to present all information. There is a need to have the information presented in both English and French and therefore students who are fluently bilingual will be prioritized. Members of the MLLG will be sure to discuss the context and purposes of this project with the students and the lawyer supervisor so that they can all bring their ideas and perspectives for a stronger final product.

Number of students

2-3

Who can apply?

All law students

Language of the project

English. Bilingualism will be a strong asset as there is a need to create the deliverable in both English and French.

Prerequisites and Assets

The students must be:

• Pro-active, self-starters
• Effective & resourceful (in terms of research) 
• Excellent written communicators (especially in terms of adapting legal information into plain language text)
• Personable and professional
• Have an interest in prison law, criminal law, human rights
• Value the inherent worth of all human beings

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The mission of The National Associations Active in Criminal Justice (NAACJ) is to enhance the capacity of Members to contribute to a humane, fair, equitable and effective justice system.  It does this by contributing to their education, knowledge and expertise, and by facilitating both professional networks with federal government, and collective support for Members’ activities within social and criminal justice where possible.

Type of Project

Legal research and writing

The Project

The NAACJ is currently monitoring several pieces of proposed legislation that could have a large impact on the criminal justice system in Canada. The students will be conducting research and monitoring the progress of these Bills in the legislative process. The research will also include understanding the motivations and context surrounding the proposal of these bills. The research and project will be partially dependent on the state of the Bills when Parliament begins in the fall. However, the below topics are examples of proposed legislation that will be monitored:

• Clare’s law – proposed legislation that focuses on victim’s and accused’s rights in the context of domestic assault and access to information/privacy. 
  • This Bill is currently not in Parliament, but is expected to be proposed per the Mandate letter to the Minister of Public Safety Canada.
  • Clare’s law is in place in some of the provinces & territories, and is being proposed in other jurisdictions. 
  • NAACJ is interested in learning from the legislation, policy and *practice* of Clare’s law in these P/Ts in order to inform balanced, evidence-based federal legislation and policy that respects the human & privacy rights of both perpetrators and victims of domestic assault.
• Any proposed legislation in relation to the recent transfer of Paul Bernardo from a maximum-security institution – the proposed legislation will be looking at practices around prisoner transfers.
  • If this legislation is in Parliament in the fall, we will be interested in a research brief on the government bill and any Private Members Bills, which might include international comparisons in terms of maximum-security classifications for life-sentenced prisoners.
  • At the time of writing, the Minister of Public Safety is suggesting that victim’s perspectives be at the centre of transfer decisions. We would be interested in knowing the benefits and concerns of this approach to policy.
  • The official opposition has introduced proposed legislation PMB C-342 (max security), which could also be studied as part of this legal research project.
• Any proposed legislation that targets the bail regime and the process for serious offenders when seeking bail
  • The government has proposed Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform),EN | FR .
  • We are interested in legal research about the Bill, including a review of available data on the use of bail/remand.  Does the proposed legislation address issues with bail, or will it increase pre-trial detention beyond already high levels? Evidence-based research and policy recommendations for bail reform should be included as part of this brief. 

The project deliverable will be legal research memos or briefs on the proposed pieces of legislation and may include case law where applicable.

Number of students

2-3

Who can apply?

All law students

Language of the project

English. Bilingualism is an asset in order to access legislation and information that may only be accessible in French, e.g. Quebec laws & policies.

Prerequisites and Assets

Human rights and criminal law.

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

Nelligan O’Brien Payne is a multi-practice law firm, with a team of over 50 lawyers and over 80 business and support staff. They are unique in the breadth of services they offer as well as the expertise and specialization. Their size allows us to ensure the right fit and optimal service levels for our clients.

Type of Project

Public Legal Education

The Project

The students will collaborate to work on a public legal education project that will build on the work that was done last year. Students will meet with the lawyer supervisor at the beginning of October to discuss the work that was completed last year and any gaps that exist in the research and in completing the final online resource. Students will then work with the lawyer to develop the presentation of the research.

The work will focus on the below issue:

• Many clients do not understand the process of completing financial statements and why financial disclosure is necessary in family law. Students will conduct research and develop a plain language instructional document that would help the public on completing their financial statement and the requisite financial disclosure in family law.

Students will continue developing the free online resource that guides self-represented individuals in completing financial statements for family law matters. The online resource also provides guidance to people needing further assistance. Students will then present this resource in the community. The goal is to present the resource at the University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic family law division so that student caseworkers and the review counsel can refer legal aid clients to this resource. The resource is free for everyone in the community.

The students will be responsible for creating a product that can reach vulnerable people within the targeted community and is accessible to all. Students will not be providing legal advice.

Number of Students

3-4

Who can apply?

All law students

Language of the Project

English

Prerequisites and Assets

No prerequisites are required, but a background in family law and advocacy will be considered assets.

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

Through the Justice sur mesure PANDC+ project, AJEFO aims to strengthen access to justice for Indigneous people, Black people and people of color. The project consists of strengthening access to justice for racialized communities through the creation of legal information resources, as well as reinforcing the capacity of the legal and community milieu to offer them legal services through the creation of resources and the organization of training sessions.

Type of Project

Legal research and writing

The Project

The student will help develop resources for the general public, lawyers and community workers. The student will conduct legal research, write legal summaries, inventory community resources and catalogue online tools for lawyers.

Depending on the student's interest and experience, they may be required to write content for online resources aimed at the general public, lawyers or community workers.

Topics may include immigration law, Aboriginal rights and criminal law as they relate to racialized communities.

At no time will the student provide legal advice.

Number of students

1 Student

Who can apply?

All years

Language of the project

French

Prerequisites and Assets

- Experience in plain-language writing
- Experience working in a community setting
- Knowledge of the needs and challenges of racialized communities

The majority of the project work can be done remotely. The student will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

The Association, RCMP Veterans, came into being out of a recognition that the training, experience and comradery that members had obtained/developed during their active service, could still be put to very meaningful use in individual and collective service to Canada, the Force and other former members (or members of their immediate families and their dependents).

Type of Project

Legal research and writing

The Project

RCMP Veterans is a Not-for-Profit organization, mainly comprised of volunteers that are retired veterans. As a Not-for-Profit, there are certain parameters around what the organization is able to do (ie. fundraising, taking on new projects, etc.). The organization is looking to become more involved in the community, assisting veterans, diversifying, and educating against biases that may exist.

Students will research existing guidelines and regulations that govern non-profit fundraising. The research will include information on activities that can and cannot be done as fundraising for a non-profit. Students will review legal sources including legislation, CNCA, ONCA, The Guide to the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, and the Not-for-Profit Incorporators Handbook. The students will also conduct research into current fundraising practices of other similar sized non-profit organizations.

The students will not be providing legal advice. The final project deliverable will be an internal research report for the organization to consult regarding the current state of the law on fundraising for non-profits. The document will not be used as a policy for the organization. At no point will the students be asked to review, update, or draft policy manuals and/or by-laws for the organization.

Number of students

1-2

Who can apply?

All law students

Language of the project

English. Bilingualism is an asset.

Prerequisites and Assets

No courses required, Charities and Non-Profit Organizations Law is considered an asset

All work will be done remotely. Students will need a computer and internet access.

The Organization

ABLE2 is an organization whose programs and services empower persons of all ages across the disability spectrum and their families to build meaningful lives as valued members of the community. One of its programs is the Reach Legal Programs (formerly Reach Canada which amalgamated with ABLE2 in January 2023). The Reach Legal Programs provide an independent legal referral service and regular legal educational seminars. Reach maintains a list of lawyers, paralegals and mediators who have agreed to provide up to 3 hours of free legal advice for clients with disabilities.

Type of Project

Client Assistance and Intake

The Project

Students will assist with the operations of Reach’s legal referral service by answering phone calls and speaking to individuals with disabilities (or their family member or frontline worker) who require legal assistance. During phone calls with clients, students will ask the individual relevant questions to gather information to determine whether the matter should be referred to:

a) Non-legal agencies;

b) Community legal agencies; or

c) Private legal practitioners, who volunteer to participate in REACH’s legal referral service, who are better suited to meet the client’s needs.

Students may also have the opportunity to participate in the now virtual Legal Referral and Educational Clinics, as well as other grant-based programs, that are organized by Reach taking place in collaboration with partner organizations.

Number of students

8-10

Who can apply?

Upper years

Language of the project

English and French- Priority will be given to bilingual students with strong communication skills.

Prerequisites and Assets

• Excellent interpersonal skills (confidence in answering phone calls; speaking with clients about sensitive issues; speaking to legal professionals)
• Customer service experience is an asset
• Sensitivity to people with disabilities
• Professionalism
• Experience working with vulnerable populations is an asset

The return to the office will only take place when it is safe to do so and the organization has decided to resume its activities on site. If work resumes in the office, students will not be required to go to the office, but will be given the opportunity to do so if staff are working in the office.

The Organization

The mandate of St. Leonard’s Society of Canada (SLSC) is to promote humane and informed justice policy and responsible leadership to foster safe communities.

Type of Project

Public Legal Education.

The Project

The student will be completing a public legal education resource for the organization based on research on life sentences that was completed last year.

The project will focus on educating the public on life sentences. The resource will touch on the following topics:

• Implication of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms on prisoners’ rights in the context of receiving and serving a life sentence
• Rules and regulations about parole eligibility for individuals with a life sentence
• Providing information on the reality of where and how individuals can serve their life sentence

Students will be using research that was initiated last year, but may also need to conduct additional research for the resource. Students will also be required to monitor proposed legislation before the House of Commons to understand common narratives around life sentences. The resource will be used to provide accurate information about individuals serving a life sentence that is based on the rule of law, the Canadian Charter, and relevant case law.

The format for the final produced education resource will be determined in consultation between the student, the organization, and the lawyer supervisor. The goal is to create content that will be engaging and informative for the public (ex. social media posts, a video, an infographic). The final produced conduct will NOT be in the form of an essay, legal brief, or legal report.

Number of students

1 student

Who can apply?

Upper year students

Language of the project

English and French

The student should be conversationally bilingual. This is a joint project with the Civil Law Chapter and there is a need to be able to communicate in French with the other student. 

Prerequisites and Assets

The following are strongly desired skills:

• Ability to work independently
• Strong reading comprehension
• Strong writing skills, including writing in plain language for a broad audience

The placement will be hybrid. The student can complete most work remotely and independently but will arrange to meet the organization contacts for several in-person meetings at SLSC throughout the year. The student will need a computer and access to the internet.

The Organization

The Youville Centre is committed to providing a wide range of services to young mothers and their children while assisting them in completing their high school education.

Type of Project

Public Legal Education.

The Project

At the beginning of the placement, students will work with the organization to develop a survey for clients to provide input on topics that they would like to learn more about. The below topics have already been flagged as likely to be of interest to clients at the Centre, and are examples of the possible research areas:

1. Custody Rights: Some of the Youville Centre’s clients are navigating the family law system regarding child custody arrangements. Students will conduct research and create a brochure or plain language document that provides clients with legal information about custody arrangements. The document should focus on how to begin the legal process of custody arrangements, legal rights when custody arrangements have been violated, resources available to help with custody issues, etc. Students should study legislation and court rulings around custody arrangements as well as the court process for establishing custody agreements. Students will not be providing any legal advice for clients. The deliverable will be legal information on the current state of the law surrounding custody and parenting rights.

2.  Tenant rights: Some of the Youville Centre’s clients would benefit from information on tenant rights. Students will conduct research and create a brochure or plain language document containing legal information on tenant rights and the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). The resource will include tenant rights as well as landlord responsibilities as established in the RTA. The resource will also include a brief overview of the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario and the role that the tribunal plays in landlord/tenant disputes. Students will not be providing any legal advice for clients. The deliverable will be legal information on the current state of the law surrounding the RTA, tenant rights, and the tribunal.

The students will choose one topic to research based on the response to the survey.  

Number of students

2

Who can apply?

Upper year students

Due to the lived experiences of the clients at the Youville Centre, and in keeping in line with a trauma-informed approach, only female identifying student volunteers will be selected for this project.

Language of the project

English

Prerequisites and Assets

Family law would be a strong asset. Property law and tenant law would be a strong asset.

Other skills include: professionalism, respect of the lived experience of the clients of the Centre, and prior experience working or volunteering in a social services organization would be helpful.

The placement will be hybrid. The student can complete most work remotely and independently but will arrange to meet the organization in-person at the beginning of the placement.