Pro Bono Students Canada
PBSC students work in partnership with community organizations. The PBSC Lakehead Chapter does not provide direct legal advice or representation. If you require legal advice or representation, please see this list of resources: www.probonostudents.ca/legal-resources
Who We Are
Why We Do This
The Benefits of Volunteering with PBSC
2026-2027 Projects for Lakehead’s Chapter:
1. Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario
Project Name: Examining the Impact of Bail and Release Conditions on Women in Northwestern Ontario
Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (4 Positions)
Hybrid Placement
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, & 3Ls
Link to Organization: Elizabeth Fry Society
Link to Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQlAIVdve6aHCUHPg4GfXGEErSowH0vyMhfMW3tECVC691vw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113449518979011180405
Project Description:
This project with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario (EFSNWO) will examine how bail and release conditions impact women and gender-diverse people in Northwestern Ontario, with a focus on how these conditions can contribute to re-criminalization, instability, and barriers to successful community reintegration. This work supports EFSNWO's systemic advocacy by documenting patterns in release conditions and identifying opportunities for legal and policy reform.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Conducting a literature and legal review of Ontario and Canadian bail law, including relevant case law, policy, and research on administration of justice offences.
● Developing interview questions and consent tools, and (with EFSNWO staff support) interviewing individuals to gather lived-experience perspectives.
● Collecting and analyzing data to identify common release conditions, barriers to compliance, and emerging trends.
● Completing a comparative jurisdictional scan of promising practices and alternatives to restrictive release conditions across Canada.
● Producing a final report and supporting materials.
Student Matching:
The Elizabeth Fry Society is seeking student volunteers who are sensitive to and understanding of the organization's demographics and are authentic allies to the community. The team should include at least one upper-year student who has taken Criminal Law and is familiar with the criminal justice system.
2. FIREFLY
Project Name: FIREFLY Children's Rights & Public Legal Education Project
Type of Project: Public Legal Education (3-4 Positions)
Remote Placement
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, & 3Ls
Link to Organization: FIREFLY
Link to Application:
Project Description:
FIREFLY is a not-for-profit children's treatment centre serving the Districts of Kiiwetinoong, Kenora, and Rainy River, with service points in Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Fort Frances, Red Lake, and Atikokan. This new project will support FIREFLY in developing public legal education resources and staff training materials on children's rights and child protection obligations.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Researching legislation, policies, and legal principles relating to children's rights and child protection obligations to help develop plain-language staff training modules, covering topics such as duty to report, consent and capacity involving minors, confidentiality and privacy obligations, and child protection obligations under Ontario law.
● Designing an accessible social media campaign on age of consent and children's rights, including consent to health-care treatment, privacy and information sharing, youth rights, online safety, and available community supports.
● Creating infographics explaining Ontario's duty to report requirements, including who has reporting obligations, when concerns should be reported, and available reporting pathways.
Student Matching:
FIREFLY is seeking student volunteers with an interest in children's rights.
3. Grand Council Treaty #3
Project Name: Mutual Accountability Initiative (MAI) Research Project
Type of Project: Legal Research (2-3 Positions)
Remote Placement
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, & 3Ls
Link to Organization: Grand Council Treaty #3
Link to Application:
Project Description:
Grand Council Treaty #3 is the governing body of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3, made up of 28 First Nation communities. This new project will support Grand Council Treaty #3 in strengthening and implementing the Mutual Accountability Initiative (MAI), a framework that sets expectations for proponents seeking to undertake resource development and other major projects within Treaty #3 territory. Students will research the legal framework governing consultation, Indigenous rights, and regulatory approvals for development projects, to help Grand Council Treaty #3 engage with industry proponents and protect Treaty rights.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Researching the legal foundation of the MAI, including relevant legislation, case law, and regulatory frameworks.
● Examining the duty to consult and accommodate, Aboriginal and Treaty rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and other legal principles affecting resource development in Treaty #3 territory.
● Researching federal and Ontario regulatory approval processes for mining, forestry, energy, and infrastructure projects.
● Reviewing comparable Indigenous consultation and consent frameworks adopted by other First Nations or Indigenous organizations.
● Drafting a research memorandum that synthesizes legal findings and provides recommendations for Grand Council Treaty #3.
Student Matching:
Grand Council Treaty #3 is seeking student volunteers with an interest in Indigenous law; coursework in Indigenous law is considered an asset.
4. John Howard Society of Thunder Bay & District
Project Name: Court Process Resource Manual (Bail)
Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (2 Positions)
Hybrid Placement (the large majority of the project is completed remotely)
Who Can Apply: 2Ls & 3Ls
Link to Organization: John Howard Society
Link to Application:
Project Description:
This legal research and public legal education project will support the John Howard Society of Thunder Bay & District in developing a resource manual for individuals going through the court process who are detained and applying for Bail Supervision. Student volunteers will research and draft a section of the manual outlining the bail court process, procedures, and potential outcomes, for use by the organization's clients and the general public.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Researching and outlining the court process and potential outcomes for individuals on Bail Supervision.
● Researching the process for bail breaches and expectations around compliance.
● Attending the organization in person to review the finished resource with staff so it can be used to guide clients.
Student Matching:
The John Howard Society is seeking upper-year students (2Ls or 3Ls) who have taken Criminal Law and have an interest in criminal law. Experience working in-person with clients or vulnerable populations is considered an asset.
5. Kind Space Trans ID Clinic
Joint Project with the University of Ottawa Common Law Program (Lakehead is the lead chapter)
Type of Project: Client Assistance and Public Legal Education (1 Lakehead Position)
Remote Placement
Who Can Apply: 2Ls & 3Ls
Link to Organization: Kind Space
Link to Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPDxP1XpMHSVwgkXLd8dFDOAsps4x2IBDbzxGO_IfK36ywoA/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Project Description:
This project has two components: a virtual Trans ID Clinic and a public legal education component. The Clinic operates virtually, with a Lawyer Supervisor and student volunteers providing support and information on the process of requesting a name change and updating personal identification. During downtime between appointments, students work on public legal education projects, such as a pop-up legal clinic event, a community training workshop on legally changing one's name, and in-depth resources on name-change rights.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Attending scheduled virtual clinic shifts (2 hours, twice per month) to assist clients with the name-change and ID-update process.
● Working with the Lawyer Supervisor to answer client questions and complete clinic-related forms.
● Researching and developing public legal education materials during clinic downtime.
Student Matching:
There are no prerequisites for this project, though preference will be given to third-year students. Applicants who identify as LGBTQ2S+ are encouraged to apply.
6. Lakehead University Community Legal Services (LUCLS)
Project Name: LUCLS ID Clinic Project
Type of Project: Client Assistance (1 Position)
In-Person Placement (LUCLS Office)
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls, preference to 1Ls
Link to Organization: Law Clinic | Lakehead University
Link to Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScr6oeTF_U5R_-4Fh3tPr_DBido4SVr1r8PPeF_bT9fmXrhqw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Project Description:
This is a returning project. Birth certificate clinics are held monthly by community partners, and the student volunteer will assist individuals with completing their birth certificate applications alongside the LUCLS Director. The student will also review and follow up on birth certificate applications submitted through the Clinic's own ID clinics, working with applicants to move their applications forward, with the goal of successfully obtaining birth certificates for clients.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Attending birth certificate clinics alongside the LUCLS Director to assist clients with completing applications.
● Reviewing and inputting birth certificate applications from ID clinics.
● Following up with applicants on outstanding steps needed to complete their applications. Assisting new clients with completing birth certificate applications.
Student Matching:
LUCLS is seeking a student volunteer who is committed to increasing access to justice, has strong communication skills, and can work independently. The student matched to this project should be committed to a regularly scheduled weekly shift with the Clinic.
7. Legal Advocates for Nature's Defence (LAND)
Project Name: LAND – Bill C-5 Research Project
Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (4 Positions)
Remote Placement
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, & 3Ls
Link to Organization: Legal Advocates for Nature's Defence
Link to Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKHo9MuR2jSBMNJWV9DiDzbL4K6GX4RAYlHnOKpVOYHy-L8w/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Project Description:
The federal government, together with the provinces, has introduced a sweeping range of legislative and regulatory reforms affecting environmental laws, protections, and Indigenous rights, many stemming from Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, which passed into law in the summer of 2025. Student volunteers will review current bills, policies, and discussion papers relating to these reforms, and conduct legal and policy research examining their potential impact on environmental protection, Indigenous rights, and access to justice, assessed through the lenses of environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Conducting collaborative legal research and policy analysis on environmental law reforms, Indigenous rights, and environmental justice issues stemming from Bill C-5.
● Preparing a legal research memorandum.
● Creating public legal education materials, such as infographics, for LAND's website and Instagram.
Student Matching:
LAND is seeking student volunteers with a demonstrated interest in environmental law, environmental advocacy, Indigenous issues, Indigenous rights, and public interest legal work. Experience with legal research and legal writing is considered an asset.
8. Thunder Bay Multicultural Association
Project Name: Newcomer Pathways: Immigration Law Information for Northwestern Ontario
Type of Project: Public Legal Education (1 Position) Hybrid Placement (large majority of the project is completed remotely)
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, & 3Ls
Link to Organization: Thunder Bay Multicultural Association
Link to Application:
Project Description:
The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association (TBMA) provides settlement services to immigrants and refugees across Northwestern Ontario. This project will support TBMA in developing plain-language public legal education resources and delivering community information sessions on recent developments in immigration law affecting newcomers in the region. The project runs in three phases: plain-language guides on eligibility and application under the Rural and Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), concluding with an information session for applicants; a step-by-step walkthrough of the Refugee Travel Document application process for protected persons; and research, preparation, and delivery of community information sessions on the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12, in force March 2026).
Key responsibilities may include:
● Researching current program criteria and legislation.
● Drafting plain-language guides, walkthroughs, and presentation materials.
● Delivering information sessions under lawyer supervision.
● Meeting regularly with TBMA frontline staff to incorporate frontline perspectives.
Student Matching: The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association is seeking a student volunteer with an interest in immigration and refugee law; strong plain-language writing and presentation skills are considered an asset.
9. Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NAN-Legal)
Project Name: Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Legal Services Project
Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (2 Positions)
Hybrid Placement
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, & 3Ls
Link to Organization: NAN Legal
Link to Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9fCzKbZB7jzboZ97Agr8KIzFvzse27Yg73cWcJdQ2GfIwIw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Project Description:
Student volunteers will support the Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NALSC/NAN-Legal) with its Public Legal Education (PLE) programming, with a focus on strengthening community knowledge and supporting Indigenous justice initiatives.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Reviewing NALSC's existing PLE workshop content (e.g., Youth Justice, Wills & Estates) and helping revamp presentations for accuracy, clarity, and cultural relevance.
● Supporting the creation of new PLE workshops on topics in high demand within NAN communities.
● Helping develop clear, accessible responses to frequently asked legal questions from community members.
● Reviewing and updating PLE content on NALSC's website.
● Designing outreach materials, such as posters and flyers, for legal education sessions or community events.
Student Matching:
Experience working with Indigenous communities is considered an asset. Students matched to this project should have an interest in criminal law and/or Indigenous law.
10. Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre (NWOWC)
Project Name: Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre (NWOWC) Project
Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (2 Positions)
Hybrid Placement (primarily in-person, with some remote work)
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, & 3Ls
Link to Organization: Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre
Link to Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1zaG6IQJnqY6EwB5sGnAY3w65Sa83ZMUALc1s35_Ul-1DJw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Project Description:
This project with NWOWC will focus on public legal education, community outreach, and developing accessible legal information resources for women in Northwestern Ontario. Student volunteers will work with NWOWC staff to create plain-language legal information on topics such as family law, gender-based violence, human rights, self-representation, and court processes, and to contribute to the organization's digital newsletter (produced once per semester) and educational workshops.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Drafting plain-language legal information brochures, fact sheets, and resource guides on topics such as women's rights, family law, gender-based violence, human rights, self-representation, and access to justice.
● Researching and drafting content for NWOWC's digital newsletter and blog.
● Supporting the planning and development of educational workshops, presentations, and community information sessions.
Student Matching:
Student volunteers should identify as women and demonstrate a commitment to feminist principles and gender equity. Experience or interest in women's rights, social justice, gender-based violence prevention, human rights, community engagement, or public legal education is considered an asset.
11. Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers' Support Group (TBDIWSG)
Project Name: TBDIWSG – WSIB & WSIA Project
Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (3 Positions)
Hybrid Placement
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls
Link to Organization: Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers Support Group
Link to Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3peII7YYnmBG4x5HrGkQ30kBZVnAthd5d_xlglgpmAe9i_w/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Project Description:
This returning research partnership focuses on the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA). Student volunteers will build on research completed in the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 program years, continuing to explore the common issues injured workers face when filing WSIB claims and helping workers understand their rights and obligations under the WSIA.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Conducting legal research and analysis on the WSIB and the WSIA with a goal of developing accessible PLE materials.
● Research may focus on topics such as:
○ The Meredith Principles. Claims suppression from employers. Navigating the 'return-to-work' process.
○ The adversarial nature of WSIB case managers and physicians ("Paper Doctors").
○ Age discrimination with benefits (Charter s 15(1) claims).
○ The appeal process to the WSIAT.
○ Mental health complications facing injured workers in Ontario.
● Holding 2-3 PLE seminars for the TBDIWSG and their members on the research findings and PLE materials.
● Posting the research findings and PLE materials to the TBDIWSG website and social media pages to help spread awareness on the issues facing injured workers in Ontario.
Student Matching:
The Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers' Support Group is seeking student volunteers with an interest in employment and labour law and social justice for workers.
12. Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic
Project Name: Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic
Project Type of Project: Client Assistance (2 Positions)
In-Person Placement
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, & 3Ls
Link to Organization: Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic
Link to Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCjnk70EdA6n46Ny7tn2VpiJkwd5e_0AndITg0fAkZRLcQug/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Project Description:
This in-person placement with the Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic will support low-income residents throughout the District of Thunder Bay, with a particular focus on Indigenous community members facing housing insecurity, income maintenance challenges, and barriers to accessing legal services. Student volunteers will assist clinic staff with client intake and support for individuals experiencing landlord-tenant disputes, eviction prevention, social assistance benefits, income support programs, identification services, and other poverty law matters. Students may also support public legal education and community outreach initiatives aimed at improving awareness of legal rights within underserved communities in Thunder Bay.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Working directly with clients, drafting correspondence, and collecting and preparing evidence.
● Conducting legal research and assisting with file management.
● Observing hearings at the Landlord and Tenant Board and/or the Social Benefits Tribunal, where opportunities arise.
● Participating in public legal education sessions, community events, and referral resource development.
Student Matching: The Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic is seeking student volunteers with an interest and/or experience in clinic work and poverty/housing law. Background in social justice work or work with Indigenous communities and/or those living on low income is an asset. It is recommended that at least one upper-year student be matched to this project, and students should be committed to their shift schedule.
13. Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre Human Rights Clinic
PBSC National Project
Type of Project: Client Assistance (4-6 Positions)
Hybrid Placement
Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls
Link to Organization: Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
Link to Application:
Please note: applications for this project close earlier than the general deadline — Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Project Description:
This project, in collaboration with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, is based out of the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and combines client intake and assistance with public legal education. The purpose of the Clinic is to combat anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination by building knowledge about human rights amongst urban Indigenous communities and empowering individuals to make decisions about their rights.
Key responsibilities may include:
● Conducting client intakes. Supporting staff and volunteer lawyers in drafting summary legal advice.
● Collecting legal information for client meetings.
● Providing referrals and connecting individuals to community resources.
● Administering clinic files and supporting public legal education presentations on human rights law.
Student Matching:
The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is seeking student volunteers with experience and/or an interest in human rights issues and working with Indigenous communities.
Application Process
Are you passionate about making a difference and gaining invaluable legal experience? Applications for this year's PBSC (Pro Bono Students Canada) student volunteer positions will be open from Monday, August 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. until Friday, September 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to get involved and contribute to impactful legal work in our community!
Please note: applications for the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre Human Rights Clinic close earlier, on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Each project has an individual application. Please refer above for the links to each application in the project description. Students may apply to as many placements as they wish, but can only hold one volunteer position.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Program Coordinator Amanda Farina at probono.law@lakeheadu.ca.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to stay up to date with all the latest information, and check out The Bulletin and your student emails for further details.
We look forward to your application!
Get In Touch!
Facebook: Pro Bono Students Canada Lakehead Chapter
Instagram: pbsclakehead
LinkedIn: PBSCLakehead
Email: probono.law@lakeheadu.ca
Our Sponsors
