Law Society of Ontario (LSO): Internship Project - Litigation Services (1 position)

Area of law: Administrative Law

Created by an act of the Legislative Assembly in 1797, the Law Society of Ontario governs Ontario's lawyers and paralegals in the public interest by ensuring that the people of Ontario are served by lawyers and paralegals in the public interest by ensuring that the people of Ontario are served by lawyers and paralegals who meet high standards of learning, competence and professional conduct. The Law Society has a duty to protect the public interest, to maintain and advance the cause of justice and the rule of law, to facilitate access to justice for the people of Ontario, and act in a timely, open and efficient manner. The Law Society regulates, licenses, and disciplines Ontario's more than 57000 lawyers and over 10000 licensed paralegals pursuant to the Law Society Act and the Law Society's rules, regulations and guidelines. To learn more about the LSO, check out their website here: https://lso.ca/home

In this project, students will research and review case law and secondary sources for various subject matters related to professional regulation and discipline and organize these resources for the Law Society's Litigation Services Sharepoint site. Some of the topics the student would be researching and reviewing include misconduct related to particular Rules of Professional Conduct, Paralegal Rules of Conduct and Law Society By-Laws. The student may also conduct research regarding particular types of proceedings, for example abuse of process or interlocutory suspension motions. Organizing the Sharepoint will encompass no more than 10% of the volunteers time. 

Time Commitment

Students will volunteer 3-5 hours per week. The student can have flexibility with arranging the weekly hours, however the student should notify the lawyer supervisor of when the student will be completing those hours during the week. The student should provide the lawyer supervisor with a brief update on the scheduling of these hours at the start of each month (i.e., for x month, the student will be completing the hourly shifts every Tuesday). All of the work can be completed remotely. 

Required Training

In addition to the PBSC mandatory training, the student will have standard employee training with respect to the Litigation Services Department and the Law Society of Ontario and orientation. Further training will be arranged by the supervising lawyer that is specific to the project. 

Number of Students and Prerequisites

  • How many students? 
    • One student 
  • Can first year law students volunteer? 
    • First year students are encouraged to apply!
  • Should you be bilingual?
    •  No, however fluency in both English and French is an asset. 
  • Any other expectations for this project? 
    • Administrative law knowledge is an asset. Proficiency with technology and strong research skills are both assets.