Project Type: Legal Research and Writing
Fields of Law: Administrative Law and Family Law
Positions Available: 1-2 students
About the Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution
Based at Osgoode Hall Law School, the Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution is a vibrant center for research on innovation in dispute resolution, access to justice and the future of the legal profession. Their projects range from exploring the potential for human-centered design and legal technology to transform justice services, to innovation in ADR and dispute prevention, to new ways of thinking about the profession, legal education and empowerment.
Additionally, the Institute is closely tied in both mission and operation with the Osgoode Mediation Intensive Program and Clinic and its Small Claims Court Mediation Program. Since opening its doors in 2014, the Winkler Institute has become a leading voice in Canadian justice innovation and reform.
Project Details
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the Canadian civil justice system. Backlogs are greater than ever, and there are profound implications for parties looking to resolve disputes.
Students will work with the Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution in conducting a jurisdictional review to determine how court systems have adapted as we emerge from the pandemic and identify best practices. This information may then be disseminated through the Winkler Institute’s blog (and any other channels that they deem beneficial) and sent to governmental and decision-making bodies (like MAG, for example).
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
Students will conduct a jurisdictional review of how courts have adapted to the pandemic. Students will also identify models of innovation and collect a set of best practices. The research will be complied into a research memo and published on the Winkler Institue website.
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.
Supervisors will meet with the students at the beginning of their placement to explain the mandate of the Winkler Institute, what Alternative Dispute Resolution is, common issues faced by the populations that they serve, and the purpose of the database.
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?
Flexible as research will be done remotely.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
No, work is done remotely.
Requirements and Expectations
No, but being multilingual is an asset.