Willowdale Community Legal Services: Immigration Law Placement (1 Position Available)

Area of Law: Poverty Law -- Immigration & Refugee Law -- Constitutional Law

Willowdale is a not-for-profit community-based organization which provides legal services for low income populations in a geographic area that includes parts of North York. Our services include legal representation, advice, legal education and outreach in areas of law such as housing, immigration/refugee, ODSP/Ontario Works, and others. To learn more about Willowdale Community Legal Services, check out their website here: https://www.willowdalelegal.com/

For this project, students are requested to make a two-year commitment to this project, which aims to increase the clinic’s outreach and PLE activities and student involvement in the clinic. (In recognition of the volunteer nature of the commitment we acknowledge that this is a request and not a requirement).

First Year: One student will provide research for case-files or participate in client intake meetings. If needed, the student will work and perform supervised outreach and Public Legal Education (PLE) seminars on topics related to Immigration. Students are encouraged to communicate with WCLS about any interests they would like to pursue in terms of Immigration, such as research or outreach. 

Second Year: Up to two students (continuing from first year) will provide research support and/or other file work (i.e. helping to fill out forms/documents) under the close supervision of lawyers. If a student is acting as a conduit for the lawyer, by meeting with a client to provide information specific to the client’s case, all answers will be scripted by the lawyer who will be on-site. Should any questions arise necessitating follow-up, they will be referred to the supervising lawyer. Students may also have the opportunity to shadow a lawyer representing a client before an administrative tribunal.

Time Commitment

Students will expected to volunteer on average 2-3 hours per week, with a maximum of 5 hours. WCLS is flexible with remote work, however the clinic currently provides in-person service and students will be allowed to attend the clinic in-person to gain exposure and provide client support. 

Required Training

In addition to the PBSC mandatory training, WCLS will provide a basic 8 hour training on clinic immigration law.

Number of Students and Prerequisites

  • How many students?
    • 1 returning student volunteer and 1 new student volunteer
  • Can first year law students volunteer?
    • First year students are encouraged to apply!
  • Should you be bilingual?
    • While not a requirement, the ability to speak Farsi, Arabic, Cantonese, and/or Mandarin is an asset.
  • Any other expectations for this project?
    • It is requested that prospective volunteers make a two-year commitment to this project. As such, priority will be given to 1Ls and 2Ls.