This is a joint project between the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Osgoode Hall & University of Toronto Faculty of Law.
Name of Organization: Muslim Legal Support Centre
Website of Organization: https://muslimlegalcentre.ca/about/
Organization’s Mandate: The Muslim Legal Support Centre is a non-profit organization that defends the rights of Muslims in Ontario. To promote fair treatment and access to justice for Muslims of limited means in Ontario through legal services, education and advocacy.
Project Name: Client Intake & PLE Assistance
Project Type: Public Legal Education (presentations, workshops, podcasts, brochures, blogs, etc.) & Client services (court forms, shadowing, mock hearings, intake, legal clinic, etc.)
Project Delivery: Remote
Description of Project: Students will assist MLSC by connecting potential clients with lawyers who specialize in their specific area of concern, coordinating their sessions, and maintaining updated case statuses and client data.
Role of Student Volunteers: Assisting with Legal Clinics: Volunteers will actively participate in legal clinics organized by the MLSC. They will support the smooth functioning of the clinics by helping with administrative tasks, ensuring proper documentation, and providing general assistance to clients and lawyers.
Connecting Potential Clients: Volunteers will engage with potential clients who approach the MLSC seeking legal help. They will listen to their concerns, gather relevant information, and assess the nature of their legal needs. Based on this information, volunteers will connect clients with appropriate lawyers from the MLSC’s network. Once clients are connected with lawyers, volunteers will be responsible for coordinating their sessions. This includes scheduling appointments, arranging meeting locations (in-person or virtual), and ensuring both parties are well-informed about the session details.
Updating Cases and Client Data: Volunteers will maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client cases. They will track the progress of each case, record any changes or developments, and ensure that client information remains confidential and secure.
Role of Supervising Lawyer(s): The lawyer supervisors will provide guidance and feedback to the students as they complete intakes. They will be available as needed to provide support and oversee any deliverables produced by the students. No student is expected or permitted to give legal advice.
Type of Law: Family law, immigration law, human rights law, and employment law among many others.
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: 3-4 students
Hours per week the student volunteer(s) will be expected to work: 3-5 hours/week
Regular shifts or a flexible schedule: Shift work ideal (i.e. every Tuesday for 3 hours). Can accommodate flexibility where needed.
Is there a workspace provided for the student at the Organization: No
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 it is an asset.
Law School Pre-Requisites: Experience in family, immigration, employment law an asset.
Other Requirements or Expectations: Prior experience conducting intake, or workshop administration an asset. Preference for Muslim students or those with lived experience of race-based discrimination that can appreciate the unique issues Muslim clients at the MLSC face.