"I loved sitting in the middle of the courthouse where all the action took place. It allows you to interact with other lawyers and other court staff who are equally as important in the legal process." - Student from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law |
If you are interested in family law, public interest and community service, The Family Law Project (FLP) is a great opportunity to get involved at PBSC.
Family Law Project Upper Year Program
The main objective of the FLP Upper Year Program is to assist unrepresented clients prepare for their trial proceedings. FLP volunteers gain critical practical experience with trial procedures and advocacy, while providing a crucial service to the courts!
How does the upper year program work?
In collaboration with Osgoode Hall Law School, students are placed at three family courthouses (Brampton, North York or Toronto) to complete a 4-hour shift (morning or afternoon) once a week. Students work hand-in-hand with Advise Counsel, while interacting directly with clients to help draft court pleadings and other documents in preparation for trial.
As volunteers you will:
- Learn and practice skills applicable both in and outside of family law e.g. interviewing clients and legal drafting
- Gain a clear understanding of how the court system works
- Deal with concrete issues faced in the Family Courts
Time Line for Students
| Date | Events |
| September | Submit Applications
Training Sessions |
| October | Start Volunteering at the Courts |
| November | Attend Community Building Event(s) |
| December | Break for exams and holiday break |
| January | Recommence Volunteering at the Courts
Attend Community Building Event(s) |
| March | Submit Evaluations
Attend Final Appreciation Event |
| April | Break for exams and summer break |
How do I get involved?
If you are an upper year student and wish to get involved in the Family Law Project, download the application form (Word). Preference is given to students are currently enrolled or have taken Family Law. Once we have received your application, the FLP Coordinator will contact you directly.
Applications are due Tuesday, September 20th, 2012 at 5 p.m.
PBSC Family Law Rotation Project for First Year Students
The Family Law Project has been expanded to provide first year students interested in family law with the opportunity to work in the field and develop important networking contacts with leaders in Ontario family law.
How does the first year program work?
The program consists of two components: rotation and pro bono. During first semester, students will participate in a series of lunch sessions with five different organizations, where they will have the opportunity to interact with lawyers and gain insight into the different aspects of the family legal system. The aim is to provide students with a well-rounded and comprehensive family law experience in a family law firm, legal clinic, mediation practice, government agency, and family court. The rotation component will take place in October and November.
In second semester, students will participate in the pro bono component of the program. Students will take the knowledge that they have gained from the rotation component and apply it to a pro bono project, which will involve either working on pro bono files at a family law firm or delivering a Public Legal Education seminar to women's shelters in the GTA.
How do I get involved?
This is a unique and rewarding program for first year students interested in family law. Space in the program is limited to 4 dedicated students who are able to make a four-hour weekly commitment throughout the year.
If you would like to become involved in the Family Law Rotation Project, download the application form (the linked application form should remain the same). For more information about the program, please contact the FLRP Coordinator, Mariko Rivers, at pbsc.familylawrotation@gmail.com.
For application details please visit our website in August. Applications are typically due the third week of September.
Contact Information
Family Law Project Coordinator:
Laura Spaner
flp.toronto@probonostudents.ca
U of T PBSC Student Coordinators:
Natalie Lum-Tai and Meaghan Parry
probono.students@utoronto.ca
Tel.: 416-946-0397
