This is a joint project between Osgoode Hall, University of Toronto Faculty of Law & Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
Name of Organization: Mahdi Weinstock LLP
Website of Organization: N/A
Organization’s Mandate: Mahdi Weinstock LLP is a full-service Immigration and Refugee law practice aimed at providing reliable, tailored and cost-effective legal services.
Project Name: Immigration & Refugee Project
Project Type: Client services (court forms, shadowing, mock hearings, intake, legal clinic, etc.)
Project Delivery: Remote
Description of Project: Mahdi Weinstock LLP is a full-service Immigration and Refugee Law practice aimed at providing reliable, tailored and cost-effective legal services. The firm is dedicated to providing law students with real and practical hands-on experience in the areas of immigration and refugee law.
The project involves working on a variety of pro bono immigration and refugee files, including sponsorship, humanitarian work, Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA), refugee and immigration appeals, express entry, and applications for judicial review. All work produced by the students will be remote and reviewed by the lawyer supervisor. There is also the potential to have students involved with remote client intake through preparing questions and observing client calls.
Students who display the interest and ability may have the additional opportunity to observe hearings conducted by staff lawyers. Students who opt to take on this opportunity may be able to offer additional assistance by preparing disclosure packages, under supervision.
Role of Student Volunteers: Students are expected to complete remote work weekly for the 4-hour shift and provide assistance to staff lawyers with legal research, client communication, and letter drafting under strict supervision. All students are closely supervised during all tasks and are given regular feedback on their performance. Shifts must be scheduled Monday-Thursday as Friday shifts are not available.
Role of Supervising Lawyer(s): The Supervising Lawyer will provide training and orientation to students, will oversee the research submitted by the student and will provide guidance if questions arise. The lawyer supervisor will review and approve all final deliverables prior to use by the partner organization.
Type of Law: Immigration and Refugee Law.
Main Project Deliverable: Creating produced content (e.g. research memos, brochures, podcasts, etc.)
Number of Student Placements: 5 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 work will be remote in nature and students can choose their shift schedule per term, but shifts are to be scheduled Monday-Thursday and not on Fridays.
Is there a workspace provided for the student at the Organization: Yes
Devices and technologies the students will be required to have: Computer, internet, Microsoft office, telephone, access to legal databases.
Is there an expectation for the student(s) to be bilingual: No, though any additional spoken languages are considered an asset. Arabic will be an asset.
Law School Pre-Requisites: None but candidates who have taken, or are taking, courses in immigration or refugee law will be given preference.
Other Requirements or Expectations: A demonstrated interest in immigration and refugee law is an asset.