This is a Special Project, monitored by PBSC National
Project Type: Legal Research and Writing
Fields of Law: Constitutional law, public law, administrative law, criminal law, human rights law Law
Positions Available: 1 student
About The Canadian Civil Liberties Association
CCLA is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization that 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.
Project Details
Legal research in support of CCLA’s litigation, advocacy and public engagement work to protect and promote fundamental rights.
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
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.
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
No.
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.
A mandatory orientation and training (3 hours) will take place on a date to be determined for students from all chapters participating in this project. The chapters are asked to work with CCLA to assist in finding a Friday morning in late September when training could take place. Students should be advised to hold the date and time and that they are required to attend the orientation.
How Many Hours Per Week Will the Student Volunteer(s) Be Expected to Volunteer?
Up to a maximum of 5 hours per week.
Will The Student(s) Be Expected To Show Up For Regular Shifts Each Week?
The Program Director supervisors will work with students to determine either regular shifts or to allow for flexible work. Generally, flexibility should be possible.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
While many students will be working remotely (out of town) those who are located in Toronto can work in our office and will be provided with workspace. In-person volunteering will be subject to public health policy and the respective policies and directives of the various faculties of law.
Requirements and Expectations
French fluency is an asset but not a requirement.
CCLA is looking for upper year students who have completed a course on constitutional/public law, and who have expressed an interest in CCLA and/or civil liberties/human rights work.