Haven Toronto - Drop-In Legal Assistance (3 Positions)

Area of law: Human Rights Law -- Clinics/Poverty Law -- Criminal Law

Haven Toronto provides a drop-in centre where elderly homeless, marginally housed and socially isolated men can feel safe, where they can form and cultivate friendships, and where they can become part of a community. To learn more about Haven Toronto, check out their website here: https://www.haventoronto.ca/

In this project, three student volunteers will provide legal information during the drop-in. The student will gather any legal questions and will spend the following 1-2 weeks researching the question. The lawyer supervisor will approve the accuracy of the information, and then the student will set up a phone call or in-person meeting with the client to deliver legal information only (likely this will occur on a subsequent drop-in session).

In addition, the student can deliver one presentation during the placement, on a legal issue to be chosen with the organization/drop-in clients. The student may produce written materials to be distributed to interested individuals who are unable to attend the sessions. If the students have time, they will create brochures or guides for commonly asked legal questions to be distributed at Haven. Staff will be present at the drop-in each week and available to attend all presentations to help the students effectively deliver their presentations to the audience. The lawyer supervisor will be available to hear a mock presentation and must be present during the actual presentation.

Time Commitment

Students will be scheduled for regular shifts based on their availability. Haven Toronto is able to be flexible with the shift when needed. Students are expected to attend the drop-in in-person. Other tasks, such as legal research, may be completed remotely. 

Required Training

In addition to the PBSC mandatory training, Haven Toronto will provide a training manual to students. This manual will discuss trauma-informed practice and substance use as it relates to the homeless population within the drop-in sector.

Number of Students and Prerequisites

  • How many students? 
    • Three student volunteers (students may be working with students from Lincoln Alexander School of Law)
  • Can first year law students volunteer? 
    • First year students are encouraged to apply!
  • Should you be bilingual?
    •  Bilingualism is not an expectation but is always nice to have
  • Any other expectations for this project? 
    • ​​Students should understand that the drop-in is a low barrier space; as such, clients may not be sober and may be experiencing mental health difficulties or other challenges during the session. Potential students should think carefully about whether they are able to volunteer in an unpredictable and client-facing environment. ​Preference for experience or interest in social justice, human rights field or criminal law, working with marginalized communities, particularly with people who use drugs. Experience navigating criminal justice system and accessing resources like legal aid and court support, experience with family law and child welfare would also be an asset.​