This is a joint project between Osgoode Hall Law School, the University of Toronto, and Lincoln Alexander
Project Type: Client Intake and Assistance
Fields of Law: Family law, with some intersecting issues in immigration and criminal law
Positions Available: 3 students (1 from each school)
About the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
The Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic offers legal services and representation, trauma-informed counselling and multilingual interpretation to diverse women (self-identified), nonbinary, intersex, and Two-Spirit people who have experienced violence. We cultivate skills and resilience by fostering safety, dignity and equality and we amplify voices to create individual and collective change. Together with our donors and volunteers, we are active in changing the conditions that create environments of violence and oppression. The Clinic’s Legal Department provides services in family and immigration law, and independent legal advice to survivors of sexual assault.
Project Details
Students will be required to remotely attend a mandatory Clinic orientation session at an arranged time before their Clinic placement begins.
The Family Court Support Program is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Ordinarily Clinic staff are Court-based 4 days per week and meet with clients to provide legal information, referrals, safety planning and support at the three Toronto family courts (311 Jarvis, 361 University, 47 Sheppard). The Clinic administers the English-language Court Support Program in Toronto and makes referrals to the French language Court Support Program (OASIS). The Family Court Support Workers work with family lawyers, duty counsel, Legal Aid Ontario, shelters, Victim/Witness Assistance Workers, and court staff and other external service providers. Court accompaniment is also sometimes provided.
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
PBSC students will assist the BSCC Court Support Workers, including during intakes, assessments, and safety planning. Students will complete other tasks under the direct supervision and guidance of the BSCC Court Support Workers, including:
- Supporting with client intakes;
- Assisting with follow-up calls to clients;
- Supporting Family Court Support Workers with writing up and organizing client notes;
- Researching referrals to specialized services and community supports; and,
- Supporting Family Court Support Workers with client court accompaniments, including, where appropriate, meetings with lawyers.
Students will not provide legal advice or assistance with pleadings but will be exposed to the court system and where appropriate provide court accompaniment which typically involves the opportunity to sit in on legal proceedings and take notes.
Students will be asked their availability for attending weekly shifts between the hours of 9AM-5PM at one of the 3 Toronto courthouses at the beginning of each semester.
The family courts are providing services both in-person and remotely. Student work may involve both in-person and remote court attendance for scheduled proceedings.
It is possible that court attendance will not be possible every day throughout the placement. In the alternative, students may be asked to attend work with their assigned Court Support Worker at the Clinic’s offices.
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
No.
What Type Of Training Will the Organization Provide?
Note: All first year PBSC volunteers and all volunteers working on research projects must also attend a PBSC/Thomson Reuters legal research strategies workshop.
The following training activities are mandatory for student volunteers and will be provided by BSCC staff:
- Introduction to the Clinic.
- Introduction to family law.
- Risk assessment and safety planning.
- Working with trauma survivors.
- Services in family court.
How Many Hours Per Week Will the Student Volunteer(s) Be Expected to Volunteer?
3-5 hours per week.
Will The Student(s) Be Expected To Show Up For Regular Shifts Each Week?
Based on student schedules, a regular weekly work schedule will be determined with the Family Court Support Program Coordinator. Students will be assigned to a Court Support Worker one day each week to assist with court and client work. Students are not expected to attend court during the exam period. Students should advise the Coordinator of any absences in advance or as soon as possible.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
Yes, when needed. For the Family Court Support Program, student placements will generally occur at Toronto courthouses, subject to public health policy and university/faculty directives. If court attendance is not possible, attendance at the Clinic may be arranged.
Requirements and Expectations
Family law knowledge is preferred, but not necessary. Past work with survivors of violence would be an asset.
Students enrolled in University of Toronto Law School’s Barbra Schlifer Clinical Program and students enrolled in the Osgoode Hall Law School Feminist Advocacy Program are not eligible for this placement.