This is a joint project between the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Osgoode Hall & Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
Name of Organization: Haven Toronto
Website of Organization: https://www.haventoronto.ca/
Organization's Mandate: A drop-in centre where elder homeless, marginally housed and socially isolated men can feel safe, where they can form and cultivate friendships and become part of a community.
Project Name: Drop-In Legal Assistance
Project Type: Public Legal Education (presentations, workshops, podcasts, brochures, blogs, etc.)
Project Delivery: Hybrid. Attendance at the drop-in must take place in person. Other tasks, such as legal research, may be completed remotely.
Description of 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.
Role of Student Volunteers: Student volunteers will complete the tasks as outlined above.
Role of Supervising Lawyer(s): The lawyer supervisor will be available to meet students on a weekly basis. They will approve the accuracy of the information put together by the students, including any written materials. If the students deliver a PLE session, the lawyer supervisor will attend a mock presentation to provide guidance and feedback. The lawyer supervisor will also attend the actual presentation to support students and ensure students do not give any legal advice.
Type of Law: Human Rights Law; Clinics/Poverty Law; Criminal Law
Main Project Deliverable: Presenting public legal education (e.g. in-person or virtual presentations, workshops, training sessions, etc.)
Number of Student Placements: 3 students.
Hours per week the student volunteer(s) will be expected to work: 3-5 hours/week
Regular shifts or a flexible schedule: Regular scheduled shifts based on volunteer availability but able to be flexible, as needed.
Is there a workspace provided for the student at the Organization: Yes
Devices and technologies the students will be required to have: Computer, Internet access, telephone, Zoom.
Is there an expectation for the student(s) to be bilingual: No, but would be nice to have.
Law School Pre-Requisites: N/A
Other Requirements or Expectations: 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.