This is a joint project between Osgoode Hall & Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
Name of Organization: FCJ Refugee Centre
Website of Organization: www.fcjrefugeecentre.org
Organization's Mandate: The FCJ Refugee Centre has a mandate to assist refugees and other uprooted people in re-establishing their lives and integrating into Canadian society. With an open-door approach, the Centre offers an integrated model of refugee protection, settlement services and education, including shelter for women and children.
Project Name: Humanitarian and Compassionate Claims and Appeals Project
Project Type: Client services (court forms, shadowing, mock hearings, intake, legal clinic, etc.)
Project Delivery: Remote but students can come to FCJ if they would like.
Description of Project: The Humanitarian and Compassionate Claims and Appeals Project allows students to assist refugee claimants and non-status people by conducting research to complete Humanitarian and Compassionate Claims or Appeals. By filling out forms, conducting research and working on individual case files, the students will be given the opportunity to assist individuals who have been denied their refugee claim but are unable to return to their own country.
Role of Student Volunteers: Students will complete legal research on the topics of refugee and immigration law and to assist clients. Students will focus their work assisting clients with completing their Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations applications. Students may also be asked to assist in drafting appeals, which will be finalized and cleared by the lawyer supervisor. The FCJ Centre will provide a case file and all background information to the student in order for them to complete the Humanitarian and Compassionate Claims or Appeals. Student volunteers are not permitted to offer legal advice. Any questions of a legal nature will be referred to the clinic’s staff lawyers for follow-up.
Role of Supervising Lawyer(s): The Supervising Lawyer will oversee the student’s work, such as Humanitarian and Compassionate Claims or Appeals. The supervisor will also review and approve any final deliverables prior to use by the clients and completing check-ins with the students. Any questions of a legal nature will be referred to the clinic’s staff lawyers for follow-up.
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: 8 students. A mix of 1l, 2L, and 3L students with a preference to upper year students.
Hours per week the student volunteer(s) will be expected to work: 3-5 hours/week
Regular shifts or a flexible schedule: Flexible as students will complete research remotely but will be required to schedule shifts at the start of their placement if application assistance is permitted. However, there is opportunity for on-site shifts if necessary. This will be discussed and determined between the student and the organization.
Is there a workspace provided for the student at the Organization: Students can visit if they would like.
Devices and technologies the students will be required to have: Computer, Internet, Phone, MS, Office.
Is there an expectation for the student(s) to be bilingual: No expectation but other languages are an asset. Spanish specifically.
Law School Pre-Requisites: N/A
Other Requirements or Expectations: Preference will be given to students who demonstrate an interest in immigration or refugee law. Students are expected to be committed to their role as they are dealing with time-sensitive and important matters to the client.