PBSC 2006: Darshana Patel

Donner Civic Leadership Fund Fellowship
Ontario Human Rights Commission

Darshana's work assignments were similar to those of articling students at the Commission.  Her assignments included drafting pleadings, research memos and motions and compiling disclosure materials and exhibit books.  Darshana's main function at the Commission involved assisting lawyers in preparing for hearings before the Human Rights Tribunal.  In particular, she aided in the preparation of claimants for examination and assisted in legal research to be used in arguments before the Tribunal.  At hearings, Darshana was able to aid counsel with the development of litigation strategy and was responsible for drafting the closing arguments for a high profile case before the Commission.

Darshana writes:  "I am extremely grateful for having been given the opportunity to work at the Ontario Human Rights Commission this past summer through the Donner Fellowship Program.  My highlight this summer was being given the opportunity to work with senior counsel on a high profile hearing before the Human Rights Tribunal.  In addition to attending the hearing over 5 days, I aided in research in preparation for the hearing and was also able to give my input on testimony given at the hearing.  One of my favourite moments at the hearing was hearing counsel cite my research in his submissions before the adjudicator.  It was very interesting and rewarding to see how my research tied into the hearing.  At the conclusion of the hearing, I was given the task of drafting the closing arguments for the case.  This was a wonderful opportunity for me to put my legal skills to work as I tied in various case law into the closing arguments while incorporating key testimony from the hearing.  Overall, I would not change the summer I had at the Ontario Human Rights Commission in any way.  Being given the opportunity to work with a group of people who are engaged in important human rights issues and who are so passionate about their work reminds me why I came to law school."