This is a joint project between Osgoode Hall, University of Toronto Faculty of Law & Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
Name of Organization: Matthew House
Website of Organization: www.matthewhouse.ca
Organization’s Mandate: Matthew House is a nationally recognized leader in welcoming, assisting, and resettling newly arrived refugee claimants who would otherwise be homeless. Since 2013, Matthew House Toronto has been offering a “simulation” of Refugee Hearings, which completely mirrors the process that takes place at the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). To date, close to 1000 refugee claimants have participated in the program.
Project Name: Refugee Hearing Preparation Program
Project Type: Client services (court forms, shadowing, mock hearings, intake, legal clinic, etc.)
Project Delivery: Remote
Description of Project: The Matthew House Refugee Hearing Preparation Program’s goal is to support individuals prepare for their Refugee Hearing to increase the chances of a successful outcome. The program is run by well trained volunteers many of whom are lawyers and even retired IRB members. These volunteers play the role of “Board Members” and question the claimants based on their actual Basis of Claim (BOC) narrative submitted several weeks earlier. While there is no “counsel” present, a Hearing Supervisor sits in the room during the simulation and serves as a liaison between the volunteer adjudicator and the claimant and facilitates the feedback and interaction.
In 2022, the RHP conducted 204 hearings which impacted 421 claimants. Before COVID-19, in 2019 the RHP conducted 330 hearings.
Role of Student Volunteers: Students will observe client mock hearings, liaise with the adjudicator, provide information to clients about the hearing process, and to assist in the expansion of the mock hearing service offered by Mathew House across various Canadian cities. In particular their duties will include:
- Being the voluntary supervisor at hearings
- Walking a claimant through the process step by step
- Providing information about the court process to clients
- Expanding the project virtually to other cities and what that would involve for students
Students will act as volunteer supervisors at the beginning stages of their placement. Supervisors are asked to observe three sessions before leading a session on their own. Students are expected to transition into volunteer adjudicators for at least one session at the end of their placement. They will be responsible for facilitating the session.
Role of Supervising Lawyer(s): The role of the Supervising Lawyer will be to oversee the work conducted by students, provide students with coaching and guidance when needed, and approve final materials prior to use by the organization. Their on-site supervisor is a paralegal and will schedule the students’ time. The students’ mentoring and evaluation will be completed by one of the RHP volunteer lawyers.
Type of Law: Immigration and Refugee Law.
Main Project Deliverable: Completing client intake and assistance (e.g. completing client intake, providing client referrals, helping clients with their ID documents, etc.)
Number of Student Placements: 6-8 students
Hours per week the student volunteer(s) will be expected to work: 3-5 hours/week
Regular shifts or a flexible schedule: There will be a set schedule for students to attend the mock hearings and it will be agreed upon by the students and the organization at the start of the placement.
Is there a workspace provided for the student at the Organization: Yes, if students are able to attend hearings in-person they will be provided a workspace. However, the project will likely take place virtually.
Devices and technologies the students will be required to have: Computer, internet access, telephone.
Is there an expectation for the student(s) to be bilingual: No
Law School Pre-Requisites: N/A
Other Requirements or Expectations: As this project allows students to work closely with clients, it is essential for student volunteers to be personable, engaging, and genuinely committed to the project. Strong communication skills are important to ensure the success of the placement.