This is a joint project between Osgoode Hall Law School, the University of Toronto, and Lincoln Alexander
Project Type: Legal Research and Writing
Fields of Law: Human Rights Code.
Positions Available: 1 student
About the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC)
Established in 2017, the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) is an independent not-for-profit community legal clinic, funded by Legal Aid Ontario, that combats individual and systemic anti-Black racism by providing free legal services, conducting research, developing public legal education materials, and engaging in test case litigation and law reform.
Project Details
BLAC regularly receives more requests for assistance with Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) applications than the clinic can fulfill. The goal of this project will be to allow clients to help themselves, even if BLAC does not have the capacity to represent them.
The student will create a resource which will help clients complete applications regarding discrimination, specifically anti-Black racism, in services, accommodation (i.e. housing, occupancy), contracts, and employment. The resource should allow clients to answer relatively straightforward/plain language questions and receive a completed form which is ready to be reviewed by BLAC and/or filed at the HRTO.
The student will investigate potential tech solutions for this resource, such as a more simple pdf/fillable form or more complex AI/wizard. The student can look at other examples of similar tools (Steps to Justice, Human Rights Legal Support Centre, etc.) or see if there is a software engineer/tech company willing to volunteer to help.
Additionally, the student will research how the HRTO may be using administrative processes (notice of intent to dismiss) to unjustly dismiss applications on the basis that they “fall outside their mandate,” and try to address this through the resource. For example, the resource should ask specific questions to try and find the nexus between the ‘unfairness’ the person is experiencing and the related ground of discrimination.
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
Create a step-by-step resource which clients can use to produce a completed form which can be reviewed by BLAC and/or filed at the HRTO, as discussed above.
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
Yes.
If yes, the student(s) must reach out to the lawyer supervisor, draft a work plan, and submit it by email to the Program Coordinator and the lawyer supervisor by November 1st at the latest. Please note that workplans are required for all legal research and writing projects.
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.
All students will be invited to participate in staff internal training workshops relating to the research topic and other related areas of law.
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?
No regular shifts. Schedule is flexible.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
Most of this work can be done remotely. However, BLAC does have laptops, desks, and printers that students can use, if needed. We generally are at the office on Thursdays between 9 to 6.
Requirements and Expectations
- Understanding of provincial human rights system
- Ability to translate complex legal processes and issues into plain language
- Background in adult education is an asset
- Familiarity with technology an asset