Each year, the Students' Law Society (SLS) sponsors two first or second year law students to gain experience working with a public interest organization. Students identify an organization doing work that aligns with their interests, and then obtain the organization’s support for a summer project. The Pro Bono Students Canada Office and the Career Development Office can help students identify organizations doing work in their areas of interest.

Where have Previous SLS Fellows Worked?

In the past, successful students have spent their summer working at a broad range of public interest organizations, including:

Who Can Apply?

SLS Fellowships are open to students in first and second year who wish to work at any public interest organization in Canada. Fellowships will be awarded by the selection committee on the basis of:

  • the applicant's demonstrated commitment to public interest law
  • the merit of the host organization, including the availability of legal supervision
  • the rigour of the proposal and the merit of the project, including the legal and public interest aspects of the project 
  • the benefit to the organization of the proposed project

Note: Financial need is not a consideration for the Students' Law Society Public Interest Advocacy Summer Fellowship.

How to Apply

Students may apply for the SLS Fellowship as part of the Faculty Unified Hiring Process, which takes place during winter term. To apply, you will need to submit the following documentation through UTLC, the Career Development Office's online platform:

  1. An up-to-date résumé;
  2. A cover letter describing your interest in the organization/project and any relevant experience or coursework; and
  3. A description of the project you intend to carry out over the summer signed by a member of the organization where you propose to work.  If the member of the organization is not a practising lawyer, your project description must also be signed by the lawyer supervisor, confirming that they can speak or meet with you weekly during the fellowship term and as needed.

For more information, please review the Fellowships resources in the UTLC Resource Library.

Contact Us for More Information

Please send questions or concerns to:
Students’ Law Society
Tel: (416) 978-5016
E-mail: sls.law@utoronto.ca

Career Development Office

Waleska Vernon
Career Development Counsellor
416-978-2708
Email: waleska.vernon@utoronto.ca