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: Civil Litigation (Small Claims)
Positions Available: 1 student
About the ODJA
The Ontario Deputy Judges Association serves the needs of the Ontario Deputy Judges of the Small Claims Court of Ontario.
Project Details
Component 1:
The ODJA provides their members with resources to assist in decision-making. There are two resource lists that are out of date: 1) Caswell Seminar materials and documents, and 2) research memorandums created by Student Volunteers from previous years. The ODJA is requesting one
Student Volunteer to assist with updating these lists to ensure the resources are relevant and on point. Therefore, this project will consist of:
- Legal research and writing
- Legal analysis
- Organizing and increasing efficiency in the user experience of these resources
Component 2:
Students will assist Deputy Judges in Ontario as members of the ODJA in specific areas as
requested. Research topics from various areas of procedural and substantive law may arise,
including:
- Costs
- Contempt
- Powers of judges
- Damages
- Medical malpractice - Product liability
- Limitation periods
- Constructive trust
- Quantum Meruit
All research, papers, resources, and research results (“work product”) will become property of ODJA, who retains the benefit of all work product. The student will be introduced to the Deputy Judge who made the research request via email. The student will submit the work products directly to the Deputy Judge who requested it and inform the lawyer supervisor that the task is complete. The lawyer supervisor will be available to answer questions and provide mentorship as needed through this process. The student will have the opportunity to receive feedback from the involved Deputy Judge on their research memoranda by telephone or email. The student is responsible for requesting feedback from the Deputy Judge, but the lawyer supervisor will be available to help facilitate this process if necessary.
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
Students will complete legal research and assist with client support under the supervision of a lawyer or legal support worker. Students will also assist
Component 1: Update the two master lists of resources (as outlined above) used by Deputy Judges in Ontario to assist in decision-making in matters heard at Small Claims Court.
Component 2: Respond to research opportunities as they arise and produce legal memorandum to be utilized by ODJA members.
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.
No additional training will be offered, however, consultation on work product will be given throughout the process, as outlined above.
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?
Schedule is flexible.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
No.
Requirements and Expectations
None, but an interest in Small Claims Court matters and judicial internships would be preferred. Experience and/or interest in civil litigation would be an asset.