1111 Pro Bono Students Canada UBC PBSC Project Descriptions 2014-2015 Placement Areas of Law Aboriginal Law: West Coast Environmental Law- Environmental Protection Research (Page 18) Civil Litigation: Access Pro Bono- Civil Chambers Project (Page 4) Access Pro Bono- Woodlands Class Action Lawsuit (Page 5) Criminal Law: AIDS Vancouver- Position Paper on Criminalization and Non- Disclosure of HIV (Page 5) Atira Women s Resource Society- Front Line Legal Advocacy, Intake, Support and Research (Page 6) Pivot Legal Society- Policing Affidavit Project (Page 14) Pivot Legal Society- Strategic Litigation Assistance Project (Page 15) Pro Bono Lawyer- Assisting Pro Bono Lawyer with Legal Research for Murder Trial (Page 15) Territorial Court of Yukon- Court Policy Development (Page 16) VLM Multicultural Family Support Services Society- Family Law/Criminal Law Public Legal Education (Page 17) Constitutional Law: BC Civil Liberties Association- Protest Rights Research Project (Page 7) BC Civil Liberties Association Ongoing Litigation Support (Page 8) Canadian Civil Liberties Association- Rights Watch Blog (Page 9) West Coast LEAF- Legislative Monitoring (Page 19) West Coast LEAF- Litigation Monitoring (Page 19) Contract Law: Artist s Legal Outreach- Online & Print Resources Revision (Page 6) VLM Multicultural Family Support Services Society- Legal Writing (Page 17) Disability Law: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada- Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program (Page 12) Wilson Heights United Church Advocacy- Welfare and the Law in BC (Page 20) Elder Law: Canadian Centre for Elder Law- Older Women s Dialogue Project (Page 9) 1
Pro Bono Students Canada Employment Law: Chimo Community Services- Outreach & Advocacy (Page 10) Community Legal Assistance Society- Community and Poverty Law Assistance (Page 10) West Coast Domestic Worker s Association- Migrant Workers Access to Justice (Page 18) Entertainment Law: Artist s Legal Outreach- Online & Print Resources Revision (Page 6) Environmental Law: Fisheries law Centre- Global Mapping Project (Page 11) West Coast Environmental Law- Environmental Protection Research (Page 18) Family Law: Battered Women s Support Services- Assessing the Dynamics of Power and Control after Separation (Page 7) Legal Services Society- LiveHelp (Page 11) VLM Multicultural Family Support Services Society- Family Law/Criminal Law Public Legal Education (Page 17) Health Care Law and Consent: Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry- Consent Rights for Health & Personal Care (Page 12) Human Rights/Civil Liberties: AIDS Vancouver- Position Paper on Criminalization and Non- Disclosure of HIV (Page 5) BC Civil Liberties Association- Protest Rights Research Project (Page 7) BC Civil Liberties Association Ongoing Litigation Support (Page 8) Canadian Civil Liberties Association- Rights Watch Blog (Page 9) Pivot Legal Society- Policing Affidavit Project (Page 14) Pivot Legal Society- Strategic Litigation Assistance Project (Page 15) Society for Children and Youth of British Columbia- UNCRC General Comments (Page 16) Immigration Law: Chimo Community Services- Outreach & Advocacy (Page 10) VLM Multicultural Family Support Services Society- Family Law/Criminal Law Public Legal Education (Page 17) 2
3333 West Coast Domestic Worker s Association- Migrant Workers Access to Justice (Page 18) Legal Referral: People s Law School- Legal Referral Service Publication Update (Page 13) Liability: People s Law School- Volunteers and the Law (Page 13) VLM Multicultural Family Support Services Society- Legal Writing (Page 17) Pro Bono Legal Service: Access Pro Bono- National Law Firm Pro Bono Guide (Page 4) Property and Residential Tenancy Law: BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support- Elder Finance and Property Assistance Guides (Page 8) Wilson Heights United Church Advocacy Program- Tenants Rights and Obligations (Page 19) Chimo Community Services- Outreach & Advocacy (Page 10) Public Law: Wilson Heights United Church Advocacy Program- Canadian Law 101 (Page 21) Tort Law: People s Law School- Personal Injury and Consumer Law Publications (Page 14) Women s Rights: Atira Women s Resource Society- Front Line Legal Advocacy, Intake, Support and Research (Page 6) Canadian Centre for Elder Law- Older Women s Dialogue Project (Page 9) West Coast LEAF- Legislative Monitoring (Page 19) West Coast LEAF- Litigation Monitoring (Page 19) Welfare Law: Community Legal Assistance Society- Community and Poverty Law Assistance (Page 10) Wilson Heights United Church Advocacy- Welfare and the Law in BC (Page 20) 3
Pro Bono Students Canada Project Descriptions Access Pro Bono Civil Chambers Project About Access Pro Bono: Access Pro Bono promotes access to justice in BC by providing free legal services for people and non- profit organizations of limited resources. Access Pro Bono s vision is to create a justice system in which having limited means is not a barrier to obtaining quality legal services. Area of Law: Civil (non- family) Litigation Type of Work: Client Intake, Memo Drafting, Legal Research Preferred Experience: Knowledge of Civil Procedure, Evidence, Legal Research, and second language abilities, are assets. Number of Student(s): 8 Description of Project: The Civil Chambers Program provides free legal assistance and representation services to low- and modest- income individuals engaged in civil (non- family) chambers litigation matters before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal in Vancouver. Each Service Day (Tuesdays and Thursdays), volunteer lawyers ( Duty Counsel ) from Vancouver- area law firms provide pro bono legal assistance and representation to otherwise unrepresented chambers litigants. Student volunteers directly assist Duty Counsel by putting together client files, conducting legal research on client matters obtaining court documents from the Court Registry, drafting background memos, and sitting in chambers to take notes on client appearances. Student volunteers also assist the Program Manager with client intake and assessment. Additional Information: Students are required to attend at least one service day per month at the Vancouver Courthouse. Service Days are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. 1Ls please note that classes run all day Tuesday and Thursday and that these court appearances are imperative to assisting on cases. The volunteer day (Tuesday or Thursday) that a student signs up for each month can change, and the schedule is flexible from month to month. Access Pro Bono National Law Firm Pro Bono Guide About Access Pro Bono: Access Pro Bono promotes access to justice in BC by providing free legal services for people and non- profit organizations of limited resources. Access Pro Bono s vision is to create a justice system in which having limited means is not a barrier to obtaining quality legal services. Area of Law: Pro Bono Legal Services Type of Work: Survey Collection, Report Drafting Preferred Experience: Strong commitment to pro bono ethic. Strong research and writing skills, and ability to work independently. Description of Project: The student will develop a basic pro bono report card that assesses the pro bono commitment of all law firms in B.C. The student will survey law firms and gather data for the 4
5555 report card. The guide will allow law students who are committed to pro bono to make an informed decision about employment as well as to provide law firms with an incentive to enhance their pro bono commitment. Additional Information: The student may be requested, but will not be required, to continue with the project in some capacity the following year. Access Pro Bono Woodlands Class Action Lawsuit About Access Pro Bono: Access Pro Bono promotes access to justice in BC by providing free legal services for people and non- profit organizations of limited resources. Access Pro Bono s vision is to create a justice system in which having limited means is not a barrier to obtaining quality legal services. Area of Law: Civil Litigation, Class Action Proceedings Type of Work: Client Intake, Memo Drafting, Case Law Research Preferred Experience: Strong commitment to pro bono ethic. Strong research and writing skills, and ability to work independently. Sensitivity to clients with limited cognitive capacities. Number of Student(s): Up to 6. Description of Project: Woodlands was a residential institution run by the Province of British Columbia for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. The institution, which was located in New Westminster, B.C., was closed in 1996. There had, for many years, been allegations of physical, psychological and sexual abuse of Woodlands residents. In 2005, a class action was certified for the former residents of Woodlands (Richard v. HMTQ, 2005 BCSC 372). In 2009, the Province agreed to a class action settlement, which provides compensation to former residents who can establish that they suffered abuse while at Woodlands. If a claim is established, compensation ranges from $3,000 to $150,000 depending on nature of the abuse and injury. Over 800 class members have come forward to make claims under the class action settlement. To date, more than 100 claims have been submitted. However, at the present pace, it will take at least 5 more years to process the remaining claims. Access Pro Bono can help former Woodlands residents by providing lawyers and law students who can work on claims in concert with the Vancouver law firm Klein Lyons to get them filed and resolved more quickly. Students will work with Klein Lyons lawyers on case files and advancing claims. Additional Information: Most of the work will be done at the offices of Klein Lyons (Granville Street and West 8 th Ave). AIDS Vancouver Position Paper on Criminalization and Non- Disclosure of HIV About AIDS Vancouver: AIDS Vancouver opened its doors in 1983 as the first AIDS service organization in Canada. AIDS Vancouver seeks to alleviate individual and collective vulnerability to HIV and AIDS through support, public education and community- based research. Area of Law: Criminal Law, Human Rights 5
Type of Work: Legal Research, Drafting Pro Bono Students Canada Preferred Experience: None Description of Project: The student will research and draft a position paper on criminalization and non- disclosure of HIV. The position paper will consider the current law as it relates to scientific evidence and recent publications on the risk of HIV transmission. Additional Information: AIDS Vancouver is currently relocating offices and there is not much additional space. Student will work on the position paper remotely and meet with the AIDS Vancouver Executive Director periodically. Artist s Legal Outreach- Online & Print Resources Revision About Artist s Legal Outreach: Artist s Legal Outreach (ALO) is a group of volunteer lawyers and law students committed to working with artists and arts organization offering resources, workshops and clinics for artists off the ground. Area of Law: Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property, Contract Law Type of Work: Legal Research, Resource Updating Preferred Experience: Upper year students who have completed or are enrolled in one or more of the following: Intellectual Property Law, Cultural Property & Art Law, Media & Entertainment Law Experience, Individual Employment Law. Experience in an artistic discipline and/or with non- profits would be preferred. Description of Project: The students will review ALO s current online resources including Copyright toolkits, handouts and articles including standard form agreements and the Society Act. Students will research the subjects and develop online and print resources for artists of all disciplines. Atira Women s Resource Society Front Line Legal Advocacy, Intake, Support and Research About Atira: Atira is a non- profit organization that aims to end violence against women and children by providing direct service as well as working to increase awareness and education of the problem. Area of Law: Human Rights, Criminal Law, Women s Rights Type of Work: Client Intake, Assistance, Research, Drafting Preferred Experience: None, but a second language is an asset. Description of Project: Students will assist with client intake for Atira s legal advocacy program and legal clinics, responding to inquiries from marginalized women that require legal assistance. Students 6
7777 will provide referrals, book appointments, make inquiries to relevant agencies, and provide legal information and self- help advice. There may also be opportunities for follow- up research and court support. Additional Information: Students are expected to work a scheduled 4- hour shift every second week at Atira s clinic in the Downtown Eastside. Training on interviewing skills, intake forms, making referrals and various applicable areas of law will be provided. Because Atira is a self- identified women only space, the organization has asked that only female law students be assigned to this project. Battered Women s Support Services (BWSS) Assessing the Dynamics of Power and Control after Separation About BWSS: BWSS provides education, advocacy and support services to assist all battered women in its aim to work towards the elimination of violence and to work from a feminist perspective that promotes equality for all women. Area of Law: Family Law Type of Work: Drafting, Research, Client Interviewing Preferred Experience: It would be helpful if the student had some previous experiences with family violence or violence against women. Description of Project: Litigation harassment and abuse are used as mechanisms by abusers to maintain control over their partners during a family law case. This process has allowed for abusive partners to continue their abusive and controlling behaviour in a new forum. This project is to research the methods of abuse that have used to control a partner during the litigation process, the experiences of women during this process, and how the courts have used the new Family Law Act to analyze these issues. The project will include research, creating a survey for frontline workers, interviewing women s experiences, and drafting a paper that will highlight these findings. Additional Information: BWSS has office space to accommodate a student on Mondays and Fridays. It is preferred that the student is able to come to the office to work on this project. Because BWSS is a self- identified women only space, the organization has asked that a female law student be assigned to this project. BC Civil Liberties Association Protest Rights Research Project About BC Civil Liberties Association: The BCCLA is the oldest and one of the most active civil liberties groups in Canada. Their mandate is to preserve, defend, maintain and extend civil liberties and human rights in Canada. The BCCLA engages in strategic litigation to intervene in legal proceedings at all court levels to challenge laws and protect human rights such as freedom of expression. Area of Law: Constitutional Law, Civil Liberties Type of Work: Drafting 7
Preferred Experience: Knowledge of Constitutional Law or Civil Liberties would be preferred but not required. The student should possess excellent research, writing and analytical skills. Description of Project: The BCCLA is seeking a student to research current challenges to protecting free speech and peaceful assembly. The research will include identifying and analyzing laws at all levels of government that place limits on free expression and assembly; problematizing the public/private divide when it comes to the application of the Charter; and possibly developing legal resources to assist those who wish to engage in non- violent protest. Additional Information: As is the case with all staff and volunteers at the BCCLA, we expect students to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion in respect of any BCCLA materials to which they are granted access. Along with a confidentiality agreement, the students will also be asked to abide by the BCCLA s zero- tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination. BC Civil Liberties Association Ongoing Litigation Support About BC Civil Liberties Association: The BCCLA is the oldest and one of the most active civil liberties groups in Canada. Their mandate is to preserve, defend, maintain and extend civil liberties and human rights in Canada. The BCCLA engages in strategic litigation to intervene in legal proceedings at all court levels to challenge laws and protect human rights such as freedom of expression. Area of Law: Constitutional Law, Civil Liberties Type of Work: Drafting, Research, Assistance Preferred Experience: Knowledge of Constitutional Law or Civil Liberties would be preferred but not required. The student should possess excellent research, writing and analytical skills. Description of Project: The BCCLA is seeking a student to assist in their ongoing litigation efforts to help preserve and protect civil liberties and Charter Rights. The student will attend a weekly shift at the BCCLA offices and will provide support on cases regarding matters such as democratic rights, drug policy, freedom of expression, human rights, national security, police accountability and privacy. Work will include various tasks such as research as it pertains to the legal proceeding, memo drafting, and summarizing case law. Additional Information: The student will be expected to attend a weekly shift at the BCCLA offices at a time that works for the student and organization. As is the case with all staff and volunteers at the BCCLA, we expect students to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion in respect of any BCCLA materials to which they are granted access. Along with a confidentiality agreement, the students will also be asked to abide by the BCCLA s zero- tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination. BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support Elder Finance and Property Assistance Guides 8
9999 About the BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support (BC CEAS): BC CEAS works to prevent elder abuse and to provide assistance and support to older adults that are, or may be, abused and those whose rights have been violated. They provide clients with educational resources, support, and advocacy. Area of Law: Property Law, Wills Type of Work: Drafting, Research Preferred Experience: Upper Year Students only. Students should have knowledge Ethics and Professionalism. Description of Project: The students will draft a series of guides and checklists for lawyers/notaries/advocates providing services to older adults. The students will help to develop guides on common issues that older adults may seek help on such as: wills, power of attorney, representation agreement, advance directive, joint property ownership and joint bank accounts. The guides will provide best practices is assisting older adults in avoiding being subject to abuse as well as addressing ethical issues in working with older adults such as undue influence and legal capacity. Each of the 2 students will complete 3 guidebooks on the above common issues. Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL) Older Women s Dialogue Project About CCEL: CCEL is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults in their relationship to the law. CCEL conducts research, outreach and public legal education on elder law issues. The mandate of the CCEL includes research, law reform, and education relating to legal issues of interest to older adults. Today, the CCEL is recognized for its expertise in Elder Law issues both in Canada and internationally. Area of Law: Elder Law, Women s Rights Type of Work: Research, Consultation with Older Women, Presentations Preferred Experience: None although knowledge of Spanish or Mandarin would be an asset. Description of Project: The project is a joint project of CCEL and West Coast LEAF focused on the legal and social policy issues impacting older women in the Vancouver Lower Mainland. Over the next two years the organization will be (a) holding consultation events with older women to identify and discuss pressing issues (culminating in the publication of a report) and (b) working with four groups of older women to develop four separate resources that each address the legal/policy issues they identify as most pressing. Canadian Civil Liberties Association Rights Watch Blog About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA): The CCLA is a national organization that was constituted to promote respect for, and observance of, fundamental human rights and civil liberties, and to defend, extend, and foster recognition of these rights and liberties. 9
Area of Law: Human Rights, Civil Liberties Pro Bono Students Canada Type of Work: Blogging, Research, Media Monitoring Preferred Experience: Journalism, writing, interest in civil liberties, and current news. This project also requires a student to take initiative in reviewing current events, as there is little supervision provided. Description of Project: Students will monitor civil liberties issues in a specific area. Monitoring may include researching recent court decisions, reaching out to civil liberties players in the community, and following local media. Students are encouraged to write opinion pieces and comment on the blog posts of other students to create discussion. Students are also encouraged to organize civil liberties events at their law school. Students do not have to agree with CCLA s position in order to participate in this project. Additional Info: Students selected for this project will be invited to attend the Rights Watch conference to take place in Toronto. CCLA will cover all conferences costs of the conference. Application for this position is due July 15 th. Chimo Community Services Outreach & Advocacy About CHIMO: Chimo is a non- profit organization serving people in crisis, transition and through education. Chimo provides a range of diverse services, from community building to prevention, from individual crisis support to advocacy, and from peer support to education. Area of Law: Employment Law, Residential Tenancy Law, Criminal Law, Immigration Law, Appeal and Reconsideration of Benefits Type of Work: Client Intake, Document Completion, Drafting Preferred Experience: None though a second language would be an asset. Description of Project: The students will be volunteering with Chimo s Outreach and Advocacy Program. Advocates provide information and support to residents, new immigrants, and refugees. Common issues include: employment, housing, benefits, domestic violence, legal information and referrals, and accompaniment services. All services are free and confidential. Students will assist legal advocates and conduct client intake. Additional Comments: The student will be expected to travel to Chimo s offices for a weekly 4- hour shift. Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) Community and Poverty Law Assistance 10
11111111 About CLAS: The purpose of the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) is to provide legal advice and assistance and to use and develop the law for the benefit of people who are physically, mentally, socially, economically or otherwise disadvantaged or whose human rights need protection. Area of Law: Poverty Law, Workers Rights Type of Work: Legal Research, Drafting, Client Intake (if student has an interest) Preferred Experience: None (Spanish or Tagalog an asset). Description of Project: The student will be working with a staff lawyer specialising in the rights of workers. The student may be asked to draft pleadings for temporary foreign workers, help develop public legal information materials for migrant workers, and/or provide research support on systemic cases impacting workers. The student may also work on client intake for the Community and Poverty Law Projects at CLAS. Additional Comments: The student will be required to come into the CLAS office for a weekly shift. Fisheries Law Centre- Global Mapping Project About Fisheries Law Center: The Fisheries Law Centre is a grass roots not- for- profit organization. The Fisheries Law Centre aims to protect environment and consumers through conducting research on laws and regulations, educating stakeholders in the area of fisheries law and to facilitate legal representation to fishers in need as well as NGOs. Area of Law: Environmental Law Type of Work: Legal Research Preferred Experience: Completion of courses in Transnational Law/Comparative Law. Description of Project: Students will work on a project through the Fisheries Law Centre in a partnership with Legal Atlas to map fisheries law and legal systems for every nation in the world. Students will conduct research on the current laws and regulations of their assigned nations and input the information into the Legal Atlas database. Additional Information: Students will receive training on how to navigate and utilize Legal Atlas software but will be required to work remotely. Legal Services Society LiveHelp About Legal Services Society (LSS): The LSS provides free legal services to British Columbians, with priority given to low- income individuals. This includes public information such as the Family Law in BC website, advice from duty counsel, and representation for certain issues through Legal Aid. Area of Law: Family Law 11
Type of Work: Client Assistance, Legal Information Pro Bono Students Canada Preferred Experience: Interest in social justice, some knowledge of Family Law. Number of Student(s): 5 Description of Project: LiveHelp is an instant messaging service part of the Family Law Website which allows clients to ask questions and receive legal information regarding family law issues, and how to access information on the website. Students will provide remote support by answering client questions by referring to model answers to frequently asked questions. Students will not provide their own answers, and LiveHelp only provides legal information and not legal advice. Students will also help research Family Law issues to update and expand the FAQ database. Additional Information: Students will be provided with on- site training and an introduction to FAQs and legal concepts. Students have the option of working remotely, but require a stable Internet connection to participate in LiveHelp. Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (BC & Yukon Division) Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program (VLAP) About Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (BC & Yukon Division): The MS Society provides support, information and resources for those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and their families. The MS Society has a legal advocacy program for their clients, giving them access to pro bono legal services to those who need assistance in the area of claiming benefits from the government. Area of Law: Disability Law Type of Work: Client Intake, Interview Preferred Experience: None. Number of Student(s): 4 Description of Project: Students would be assisting clients suffering from MS with end of work life issues such as applications for Short and Long Term Disability, Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit and Disability Tax Credit. To help complete the application forms, students will conduct telephone interviews with clients eliciting details of MS symptoms and documenting their responses. The draft of the answers will be reviewed with the client and the student will work with the supervising lawyer to revise it until the forms are completed. Additional Information: The student may be requested, but will not be required, to continue with the project in some capacity the following year. Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry Consent Rights for Health & Personal Care About Nidus: Nidus is a non- profit, charitable organization. Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning (legal documents that authorize others to help you manage you 12
13131313 affairs and make decisions in the case of illness, injury, or disability). They also operate a centralized registry for personal planning documents Area of Law: Health Care and Consent Type of Work: Research Preferred Experience: None in particular fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin or Punjabi would be an asset. Description of Project: The student will assist Nidus to research and organize information on consent with regard to health care and personal care. We will use BC s personal planning legislation as the basis for this research. Additional Comments: The organization would prefer that the student come in for a weekly shift. People s Law School Volunteers and the Law About People s Law School: People s Law School is a non- profit society with the mission of delivering public legal education and information to people in BC for the purpose of increasing awareness and understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities. Area of Law: Liability Type of Work: Legal Research, Drafting Preferred Experience: None required Description of Project: The student will research and provide plain language content to update People s Law School publication, Volunteers and the Law. Additional Information: A presentation or public legal education workshop on the topic research may be required. People s Law School Legal Referral Service Publication Update About People s Law School: People s Law School is a non- profit society with the mission of delivering public legal education and information to people in BC for the purpose of increasing awareness and understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities. Area of Law: Legal Referral Service Type of Work: Legal Research, Drafting Preferred Experience: None required 13
Pro Bono Students Canada Description of Project: The student will research and develop plain language content for frequently asked questions that People s Law School responds to using multiple services (ex: referral services, People s Law School Ask online legal information & referral service and PLSAsk TV channel). Additional Information: A presentation or public legal education workshop on the topic research may be required. People s Law School Personal Injury and Consumer Law Publications About People s Law School: People s Law School is a non- profit society with the mission of delivering public legal education and information to people in BC for the purpose of increasing awareness and understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities. Area of Law: Tort Law, Consumer Law Type of Work: Legal Research, Drafting Preferred Experience: None required Description of Project: The student will research and develop plain language content for two People s Law School publications, Personal Injury and Consumer Law. Additional Information: A presentation or public legal education workshop on the topic research may be required. Pivot Legal Society Policing Affidavit Project About Pivot: Pivot Legal Society is a non- profit legal advocacy organization located in Vancouver s Downtown Eastside. Pivot s mandate is to take a strategic approach to social change, using the law to address the root causes that undermine the quality of life of those most on the margins. Area of Law: Human Rights, Criminal Law, Civil Liberties Type of Work: Drafting, Client Intake, Research Preferred Experience: Experience working in Downtown Eastside can be helpful for the student. Description of Project: The student will assist in the interviewing of clients and preparation of affidavits regarding alleged abuses by members of local police forces. Clients attend the Pivot office and provide details of their complaint, and the student, along with the supervising lawyer, assist the clients in drafting a statement or affidavit which can then be used later in a formal complaint, litigation, or 14
15151515 policy reform. The student will also assist the supervising lawyer with gathering further information related to the cases. Additional Info: Students are expected to travel to the Pivot office in Vancouver weekly during set hours. Pivot Legal Society Strategic Litigation Assistance Project About Pivot: Pivot Legal Society is a non- profit legal advocacy organization located in Vancouver s Downtown Eastside. Pivot s mandate is to take a strategic approach to social change, using the law to address the root causes that undermine the quality of life of those most on the margins. Area of Law: Human Rights, Criminal Law, Civil Liberties Type of Work: Drafting, Client Intake, Research Preferred Experience: Experience working in Downtown Eastside can be helpful for the student Description of Project: The student will assist Pivot staff lawyers with the strategic litigation files Pivot runs. Pivot is tasked with giving next level assistance to community advocates through a grant provided by the Law Foundation, and typical cases include housing judicial reviews, human rights tribunal actions, and small claims court/supreme court civil chambers. The student will be tasked primarily with legal research, pleadings drafting, and helping with potential client interviews. Additional Info: Students are expected to travel to the Pivot office in Vancouver weekly during set hours. Pro Bono Lawyer- Assisting Pro Bono Lawyer with Legal Research for Murder Trial Area of Law: Criminal Law Type of Work: Legal Research Preferred Experience: Interest in criminal law, strong understanding of the presumption of innocence. Description of Project: The student would work directly with a pro bono lawyer on a file. The project is a murder re- trial after a successful appeal of the conviction (see R v Alicia Murphy, 2014 Yukon Court of Appeal). The trial is set to occur for 4 weeks in either April or June 2015. The student would assist with the legal research for the re- trial. Additional Comments: This is a project directly with a pro bono lawyer, not an organization. Because the lawyer is located in the Yukon, the student will be working remotely on legal research required for the case. 15
Pro Bono Students Canada Society for Children and Youth of British Columbia UNCRC General Comments About the Society for Children and Youth of British Columbia (SCY): SCY of BC is a unique provincial non- profit advocacy organization dedicated to improving the well- being of children and youth in British Columbia. Using the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as a foundation, SCY has a track record of creating and delivering programs that motivate change in legislation, policy, and practice in Canada. Area of Law: Human Rights, Civil Liberties, Children s Rights Type of Work: Legal Research, Writing Preferred Experience: None Description of Project: Students will be expected to each write a 750- word article on General Comment sections of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (11, 17). Each student will provide a brief introduction on the importance of the General Comment, as well as explain how the information applies in a Canadian context with reference to the current state of affairs and legal frameworks for children. Additional Information: This is a one- term project and will be completed by the end of fall semester. Territorial Court of Yukon Court Policy Development About Territorial Court of Yukon: The Territorial Court of Yukon deals with most adult criminal prosecutions under the Criminal Code and other federal statutes. The Territorial Court also hears all young offender matters and prosecutions under territorial laws. It deals with first appearances, bail hearings, receiving pleas of guilty and not guilty, trials and sentencing hearings, in both summary conviction and indictable matters, and conducts preliminary inquiries. The Territorial Court also has exclusive jurisdiction over child protection matters under the Child and Family Services Act. It has limited jurisdiction over family matters. The Court does not deal with divorce, custody or adoption. The civil jurisdiction of the Territorial Court is limited to $25,000 in Small Claims Court. Area of Law: Criminal Law, Policy Type of Work: Legal Research, Drafting Preferred Experience: None Description of Project: The project will involve policy and procedure work including development of file and court access guidelines, creation of criminal rules of procedure, review and consolidation of existing practice directions and some civil rule and practice direction revision. Students will also track federal legislative amendments and assist in the development of training modules for Justices of the 16
17171717 Peace. There may also be the option of conducting legal research for specific court cases within a scheduled time frame in an area of law that interests the student. Additional Information: As the courts are located in the Yukon, the students will be working remotely. VLM Multicultural Family Support Services Society Family Law/Criminal Law Public Legal Education About VLMFSS: VLMFSS is a non- profit organization offering free, confidential, and culturally- sensitive services to immigrant, visible minority, and refugee women and their families who are experiencing family violence. They serve the population of clients in the entire Lower Mainland in over twenty languages. Area of Law: Family Law, Criminal Law, Immigration Law Type of Work: Client Assistance, Legal Research, Drafting, Public Legal Education Preferred Experience: No experience is required, although an understanding of and respect for other cultures is requested and a second language is an asset. Knowledge of Family Law, Immigration Law and Poverty Law is an asset. Description of Project: Students will assist VLMFSS with organizing educational presentations for the agency s clients focusing mainly on an overview of the new Family Law Act and the Justice System. Students will develop a plain language presentation on this topic, and possibly an accompanying factsheet, and deliver the presentation to VLMFSS clients, predominantly women. Additional Information: The students will be required to travel to the VLMFSS office in Burnaby to deliver the presentation at the student s convenience. VLM Multicultural Family Support Services Society Legal Writing About VLMFSS: VLMFSS is a non- profit organization offering free, confidential, and culturally- sensitive services to immigrant, visible minority, and refugee women and their families who are experiencing family violence. They serve the population of clients in the entire Lower Mainland in over twenty languages. Area of Law: Liability, Negligence Type of Work: Legal Research, Drafting Preferred Experience: None. Description of Project: Students will assist VLMFSS by drafting waivers and consent forms for clients while also reviewing the VLMFSS Safety Handbook and making suggestions for improvement if appropriate. 17
Additional Information: The student can attend monthly committee meetings at the VLMFSS office in Burnaby if they would like. West Coast Domestic Workers Association Migrant Workers Access to Justice About West Coast Domestic Workers Association (WCDWA): WCDWA provides free legal advice and representation to migrant workers, specifically live- in- caregiver workers in Canada who are employed in private households to care for a child, elderly person, or persons with disabilities. Area of Law: Immigration Law, Employment Law Type of Work: Legal Research, Legal Drafting Preferred Experience: Knowledge of Administrative Law, Immigration Law or Employment Law is an asset. Description of Project: The student will be involved in supporting ongoing legal advocacy for live- in caregivers. In this regard, the student will be tasked with legal research in support of litigation; will engage in legal drafting for various government bodies such as Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Immigration and Refugee Board, and the Federal Court. Additional Information: The student will be expected to go into the WCDWA office downtown for a weekly shift. Note: the office is closed on Mondays and while there is some flexibility, Friday is the most preferable date. West Coast Environmental Law Environmental Protection Research About West Coast Environmental Law: West Coast Environmental Law is dedicated to safeguarding the environment through law. West Coast uses in- depth legal analysis and research to engage citizens in changing the law and works with various stakeholders to develop proactive legal solutions to protect the environment. Area of Law: Environmental Law, Aboriginal Law, Administrative Law Type of Work: Legal Research Preferred Experience: A demonstrated interest in Environmental Law and/or First Nations Law. Description of Project: West Coast will be developing materials (e.g., quarterly bulletin/briefing notes for decision- makers) that communicate legal and other risks associated with pipelines and oil tankers, including information about the process to be used for pipeline approval, and new models for decision- making processes. Students will provide assistance with legal research, which may include summarizing pertinent court decisions, legislative research, and writing. 18
19191919 Additional Information: Students will be expected to identify a 3 hour time period between Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when they can volunteer at West Coast s offices located at Maple Street and West 10 th Avenue. West Coast LEAF Legislative Monitoring About West Coast LEAF: The West Coast Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) formed when the equality guarantees of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms came into force. Their mission is to achieve equality by changing historic patterns of systemic discrimination against women through BC- based equality rights litigation, law reform and public legal education. Area of law: Women s Rights, Constitutional Law Type of Work: Legislative Review, Memo Drafting Preferred Experience: None, but students must have an interest in women s equality issues, constitutional law, human rights and discrimination issues. Description of Project: Each week, the student will review any newly proposed provincial and federal bills and identify those which may be of interest to West Coast LEAF because of their gendered intent or potential impact. The student will also note the progress of any previously identified bills of interest. The student will provide a brief summary of the bill and its implications to the Legal Director. The Legal Director, in consultation with West Coast LEAF s Law and Policy Committee, will determine what action West Coast LEAF should take in response to the bill (submissions to government, partnership with other organizations, lobbying, etc.). West Coast LEAF Litigation Monitoring About West Coast LEAF: The West Coast Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) formed when the equality guarantees of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms came into force. Their mission is to achieve equality by changing historic patterns of systemic discrimination against women through BC- based equality rights litigation, law reform and public legal education. Area of law: Women s Rights, Constitutional Law Type of Work: Case Law Review, Memo Drafting Preferred Experience: None, but students must have an interest in women s equality issues, constitutional law, human rights and discrimination issues. Description of Project: Each week the student will review case digests (which will be provided by West Coast LEAF) of recent decisions in civil, criminal and human rights matters. The student will prepare a brief memo for cases identified as relevant to West Coast LEAF s work and mandate, including a brief description of why the case is of interest to the reviewer. The student will submit their memos to the Executive Director each week. The Executive Director will review the memo and decide, in 19
consultation with West Coast LEAF s Legal Committee, whether the case is one in which West Coast LEAF should continue to follow and consider intervening in. Wilson Heights United Church Advocacy Program Tenants Rights and Obligations About Wilson Heights United Church Advocacy Program: The Advocacy program, in partnership with the Vancouver- South Presbytery of the United Church of Canada, provide free of charge advocacy services to the community at large. The Advocacy program provides service for people who cannot afford lawyers such as residential tenancy evictions, welfare appeals, application for benefits all of which require familiarity with the law. Area of Law: Property Law, Landlord and Tenant Law Type of Work: Research, Drafting, Public Legal Education Preferred Experience: A background in public speaking and a familiarity with Property Law would be an asset. Description of Project: The student will research, design and deliver a basic legal education workshop on the topic of residential tenancy law aimed at low- income tenants, seniors, people with disabilities and new Canadians. Additional Information: The student will spend the first semester designing and drafting the workshop and then will deliver the workshop in early 2015 at Wilson Heights United Church (41 st Avenue and Knight Street) with the possibility of delivering the workshop more than once, depending on demand. Wilson Heights United Church Advocacy Program - Welfare and the Law in BC About Wilson Heights United Church Advocacy Program: The Advocacy program, in partnership with the Vancouver- South Presbytery of the United Church of Canada, provide free of charge advocacy services to the community at large. The Advocacy program provides service for people who cannot afford lawyers such as residential tenancy evictions, welfare appeals, application for benefits all of which require familiarity with the law. Area of Law: Welfare Law, Disability Law Type of Work: Research, Drafting, Public Legal Education Preferred Experience: A background in public speaking and a familiarity with Welfare Law would be an asset. Description of Project: The student will research, design and deliver a basic legal education workshop on the topic of welfare law in British Columbia with a focus on welfare recipients rights and responsibilities and with a particular focus on eligibility for benefits. 20
21212121 Additional Information: The student will spend the first semester designing and drafting the workshop and then will deliver the workshop in early 2015 at Wilson Heights United Church (41 st Avenue and Knight Street) with the possibility of delivering the workshop more than once, depending on demand. Wilson Heights United Church Advocacy Program- Canadian Law 101 About Wilson Heights United Church Advocacy Program: The Advocacy program, in partnership with the Vancouver- South Presbytery of the United Church of Canada, provide free of charge advocacy services to the community at large. The Advocacy program provides service for people who cannot afford lawyers such as residential tenancy evictions, welfare appeals, application for benefits all of which require familiarity with the law. Area of Law: Administrative Law, Public Law Type of Work: Research, Drafting, Public Legal Education Preferred Experience: A background in public speaking and a familiarity with Administrative Law/Public Law would be an asset. Description of Project: The student will research, design and deliver a basic legal education workshop on the basics of Canadian Law how law is made in Canada, the difference between civil and criminal law, jurisdictions etc. to low- income people, seniors, people with disabilities and new Canadians. Additional Information: The student will spend the first semester designing and drafting the workshop and then will deliver the workshop in early 2015 at Wilson Heights United Church (41 st Avenue and Knight Street) with the possibility of delivering the workshop more than once, depending on demand. 21