At the core of PBSC U of T is the Community Placement Program (CPP). The CPP places students back into the communities to work on valuable legal projects across the city. Students commit to volunteer for 3-5 hours per week, and are supervised by leading members of public interest organizations. Each student is also matched with a supervising lawyer, who reviews and provides guidance on the student's work.
What Types of Projects Can I Do?
There is a wide variety of legal projects that students can get involved with. Previous years' projects include:
- Preparing and presenting public legal education and legal information
- Providing assistance to counsel in legal proceedings or administrative hearings
- Researching legal issues and preparing legal memoranda
- Drafting manuals, policy papers, and submissions
- Preparing cases for pro bono lawyers
- Lobbying and advocating on behalf of organizations or clients
- Conducting initial and subsequent client interviews and intake
Where Could I be Placed?
PBSC U of T works closely with an expansive network of organizations across Toronto. Previous volunteer placements include:
- Canadian Civil Liberties Association
- The 519 Church Street Community Centre
- Centre for Equality Rights
- Health Professions Appeal and Review Board
- Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
- Pro Bono Law Ontario
Time Line for Students
| Date | Events |
| August - September | Submit Application
Training Sessions |
| Late Sept. - October | Begin work at Placement |
| November | Attend Community Building Event |
| December | Complete Mid-Year Evaluation
Break for Exams |
| January | Placements Start up
Attend Community Building Event |
| March | Complete project/final deliverable
Complete year-end evaluation
Appreciation event! |
| April | Break for Exams |
How do I get involved at CPP?
If you are interested in getting involved, click here to download the application form (Word). Once we have received your application form, the U of T Program Coordinators will contact you to set up a project.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about PBSC programs, please feel free to contact Program Coordinators using the information below.
Natalie Lum-Tai and Meaghan Parry
Student Program Coordinators
E-mail: probono.students@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-946-0397
Fax: 416-946-3744
