Pro Bono Students Canada

Who We Are

PBSC is a national pro bono organization with chapters at 22 law schools across the country. Each year about 1,500 law students provide approximately 120,000 hours of free legal information and services to nearly 400 organizations, courts, and tribunals across the country.

Check out the Pro Bono Students Canada website for more information about the organization!

Why We Do This

Through our program, PBSC law student volunteers are given an opportunity to enhance their legal skills by providing free legal services to individuals and communities facing barriers to justice in Canada. We envision a society with accessible legal systems, where the dignity and rights of every person are upheld.

The Benefits of Volunteering with PBSC

PBSC offers a range of practical experiences in a wide array of legal settings: PBSC law students are matched with public interest organizations, community groups, legal clinics or other legal service organizations, government agencies, pro bono lawyers and courts, and tribunals.

PBSC supports projects that interest students from all backgrounds: PBSC creates projects in many areas of the law, including administrative, civil, constitutional, corporate non-profit, criminal, environmental, family, human rights, immigration and refugee and all areas of poverty law.

PBSC serves a range of diverse Canadian populations: PBSC student volunteers have an opportunity to work with and serve diverse groups of Canadians.

2025-2026 Projects:

Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario

Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (3 Positions)

Hybrid Placement

Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, & 3Ls

Link to Organization: Elizabeth Fry Society

Link to Application: Apply to Elizabeth Fry

Project Description:

The law student volunteers will support the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario by conducting tasks related to developing a comprehensive understanding of the legal processes from arrest to sentencing and beyond, and by participating in public legal education presentations. The research this year will focus on the legal issues facing Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who are incarcerated or are at risk of dealing with the criminal justice system.

Key responsibilities may include:

Creating a detailed roadmap of the legal process from arrest to incarceration, highlighting diversion opportunities and decarceration strategies.
Compiling and summarizing legal information and evaluating data.
Researching access to justice challenges such as the high remand and over-incarceration rates faced by Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Northern Ontario and other rural communities.
Assisting in the development and delivery of public legal education (PLE) presentations on topics such as legal processes, decarceration strategies, gender-based violence, and community support.
Creating informative materials such as blog posts, brochures, FAQs, and website posts to provide legal information regarding the services offered by the organization and instructions on how to access them.
Collaborating with the Court Support Navigator and other stakeholders to enhance the impact of public legal education efforts.

These efforts will culminate in a comprehensive final report or PLE presentation at the Correctional Facility in Thunder Bay. PLE will be collaboratively drafted by the organization and the law student volunteers, with the goal of enhancing access to justice for Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.

Student Matching:

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario is seeking student volunteers who are sensitive to and understanding of the organization’s demographics and are authentic allies to the community.

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Environment North

Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (3 Positions)

Remote Placement

Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls

Link to Organization: Environment North

Link to Application: Apply to Environment North

Project Description:

This project in collaboration with Environment North will be a legal research and public legal education (PLE) project. This year’s focus will be on Bill 5 and Bill C-5. Students will research Bill 5 and Part 2 of Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, compare the differences between this new provincial and federal legislation and the Acts they have repealed, amended or replaced, and analyze the legal issues and current litigation surrounding both Bills.

Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, was introduced by the Ford Government in a response to the growing threat of tariffs posed by the United States. In response to Bill 5, environmental groups and Indigenous communities across Ontario have voiced their concern that the change in law will significantly impact environmental protections, reduce oversight of development and resource extraction, put sensitive species at risk, and erode opportunities for meaningful Indigenous consultation.

Part 2 of Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, creates the designation of a “National Interest Project” to streamline infrastructure development. Similar to the concerns surrounding Bill 5, environmental groups have voiced concern that the streamlined process for development will erode environmental regulations.

Key responsibilities may include:

Conducting legal research on Bill 5 and Bill C-5.
Summarizing legislative changes and the impact on environmental regulation and Indigenous sovereignty.
Analyzing the impact of “Special Economic Zones” and “National Interest Project” designations.
Looking at current litigation against both Bills. Who is initiating litigation and what is the basis of their claim?
Developing PLE materials based on the research with a goal of getting the public more aware of the fight against Bill 5 and Bill C-5.

Student Matching:

Environment North is seeking student volunteers with an interest in environmental law, legal research, and social justice. It is strongly encouraged that upper-year students enrolled in an environmental law course apply for this project.

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Kind Space Virtual Trans-ID Clinic

Joint Project with the University of Ottawa Common Law Program

Type of Project: Client Assistance (1 Position)

Remote Placement

Who Can Apply: 2Ls

Link to Organization: Kind Space

Project Description:

This project has two components—a clinic and a public legal education component. The first component of this project involves the operation of a Trans ID Clinic. The Clinic will operate virtually. If issues arise with operating the clinic virtually, there is space available at Kind Space to shift the clinic to in-person. Kind Space will be responsible for advertising the clinic on their website and providing the appointment booking platform for clients. The clinic will comply with PBSC’s Confidentiality and Privacy regulations (Policy 4), where students will not provide their personal contact details while volunteering with the clinic. The Clinic will be opened to assist with the process of updating personal identification. The students and lawyer supervisor will provide support and information on the process of requesting a name change.

Students will be provided with streamlined notes and training by Kind Space about the clinic operations.

The second part of the project involves public legal education produced content. If there is downtime during the drop-ins, students are encouraged to ask questions and receive mentorship from their lawyer supervisor. Students will also work on their public legal education research during downtime. The public legal education component will be determined in consultation with the lawyer supervisor and the organization on what information clients often request. In the past, this part of the project was a one-page reference document on the name-changing process.

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Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic

Type of Project: Client Assistance and Legal Research (2 Positions)

Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls

In-Person Placement (86 S. Cumberland St.)

Link to Organization: Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic

Link to Application: Apply to Kinna-aweya

Project Description:

Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic provides Tenant Duty Counsel services daily and regularly provides intake and case representation to community members in various areas of poverty law. This project will focus on the organization's ongoing needs regarding different client files and other clinic needs. Student volunteers will perform client assistance and intake-based tasks as the Clinic requires. Student volunteers will also take the lead on organizing and administering the Awenin Niin ID Bank. The Awenin Niin ID Bank assists individuals in obtaining their ID and storing their information in a secure location. Students will take the lead on administering this service under the close supervision of staff lawyers.

Key responsibilities may include:

Working directly with clients, drafting correspondence, collecting and preparing evidence, researching legal issues, and assisting with file management.
Students may be involved in various clinic projects including the Awenin Niin ID Bank, volunteer income tax clinics, public legal education workshops, and other community initiatives.
There will be opportunities for the students to observe hearings at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Student Matching:

The Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic is seeking student volunteers with experience working in a clinic and/or an interest in poverty and housing law.

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Lakehead University Community Legal Services (LUCLS)

Type of Project: Client Assistance (1 Position)

In-Person Placement (401 Red River Rd.)

Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls

Link to Organization: Law Clinic | Lakehead University

Link to Application: Apply to LUCLS

Project Description:

This project will have the student volunteer reviewing birth certificate registrations from ID clinics hosted by the clinic during the summer months. The clinic receives many applications during each free ID clinic and requires a student to help reach out to clients to finish the application process with the goal of successfully obtaining the birth certificate and providing it to the client. During the summer, applications were sent to various provincial governments for approval, and follow-up will be required on an ongoing basis starting in the fall. The student will review the status of these applications and contact clients for the next steps. The student will also be able to assist new clients with completing birth certificate applications.

Student Matching:

LUCLS is seeking a student volunteer that is committed to increasing access to justice, has strong communication skills and an ability to work independently. The student matched for this project should be committed to their schedule and be willing to undertake regularly scheduled shifts with the Clinic during the week.

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Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence (LAND)

Joint Project with the University of Toronto Faculty of Law

Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (3 Positions)

Remote Placement

Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls & 3Ls

Link to Organization: Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence

Link to Application: Apply to LAND

Project Description:

This project is a response to Bill C-73, the Nature Accountability Act, introduced by the federal Environment Minister on June 13, 2024. Bill C-73 is currently not in a state of legislative consideration due to the prorogation of Parliament on March 24, 2025. As a result, Bill C-73 will need to be reintroduced and go through the legislative process once again if it is to become law. This Bill is particularly significant, as Canada’s first-ever environmental law which aims to protect biodiversity.

Bill C-73 compels Canada to recognize its commitment to protect nature and biodiversity in alignment with its international commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (as agreed to at COP15) and requires the establishment of a national biodiversity strategy and action plan.

Student volunteers will conduct research and draft accessible public legal education (PLE) briefing notes on this Bill with the intent that their research be relied upon by LAND, its clients or members of the public, to assist with the shaping of a new draft framework for Bill C-73 when it is reintroduced.

Students will be paired into three groups; each composed of one University of Toronto student and one Lakehead student. Together, each group will research one case study of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) and organize their findings based on research questions supplied by LAND that will assist in analysis and provide recommendations for Bill C-73.

Student Matching:

LAND is seeking student volunteers with an interest in environmental, Indigenous and Aboriginal law. Experience with legal research and preparing memorandum is considered an asset.

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John Howard Society of Thunder Bay & District

Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (4 Positions)

Hybrid Placement

Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls & 3Ls

Link to Organization: John Howard Society

Link to Application: Apply to John Howard

Project Description:

This legal research and public legal education project will focus on developing PLE materials outlining the court system and bail processes for the organization’s clients. PLE materials will have a special focus on aiding their client’s understanding of the Bail Supervision & Verification and Record Suspension programs offered by the John Howard Society.

The Bail Supervision & Verification program assists individuals aged 16 or older who have been accused of a criminal offence and qualify for bail, but do not have the financial means or social ties in Thunder Bay to meet bail conditions. This program aims to offer the financial and social support for individuals seeking bail to reduce the high number of people remanded into correctional facilities while awaiting trial. The Record Suspension Program assists individuals seeking a record suspension and takes them through the steps on applying for a pardon.

Students will also research and develop PLE materials on the current legislation surrounding the Duty to Report. These materials will focus on general obligations under the law and will include a section exploring how the law treats disclosures involving potential harm to animals. The aim is to help client intake staff and service users better understand the law, while emphasizing that any case-specific questions should be referred to a qualified lawyer.

Students matched for this project will be split into groups of two. One group will focus their research on the arrest to incarceration and bail processes. The other group will focus their research on the Duty to Report. Each group will prepare PLE materials for presentation.

Student Matching:

The John Howard Society is seeking student volunteers with an interest in criminal law. Experience working in-person with clients or vulnerable populations is considered an asset.

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Newcomer Legal Clinic

Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (2 Positions)

Hybrid Placement

Who Can Apply: 2Ls & 3Ls

Link to Organization: Newcomer Legal Clinic

Link to Application: Apply to Newcomer

Project Description:

This legal research and public legal education (PLE) project will focus on undertaking research questions provided by the Clinic with a goal on informing the Clinic on the current legislative information or legal issues related to immigration and refugee law in Northern Ontario.

The legal research will focus on the immigration and refugee process for newcomers in Canada. Students should aim to develop an understanding of the legal process from newcomer to temporary residency to permanent residency to Canadian citizenship status. The students should also focus on the common issues faced by newcomers in Canada, and highlight resources individuals can access in Northern Ontario for support.

The legal research and analysis completed by the students will culminate into a comprehensive final report or PLE materials which may consist of infographics, outreach materials, or presentations to assist the Newcomer Legal Clinic provide access to justice for newcomers in Northern Ontario.

Key responsibilities may include:

Creating PLE materials for delivery.
Assisting with monthly drop-in legal clinics.
Conducting organization outreach and promoting PLE workshops to the public, ensuring the Clinic’s services reach those in need.
Providing administrative support during drop-in clinics, including documentation and following-up on legal matters.

Student Matching:

The Newcomer Legal Clinic is seeking upper-year law students who are interested in immigration and refugee law. Students enrolled in, or who have taken the Immigration and Refugee Law course are strongly encouraged to apply.

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Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NAN-Legal)

Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (4 Positions)

Hybrid Placement

Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, & 3Ls

Link to Organization: NAN Legal

Link to Application: Apply to NAN-Legal

Project Description:

Student volunteers will support the Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (“NALSC” or “NAN-Legal”) across two key areas: Public Legal Education (PLE) and the Gladue Program. The students’ involvement will focus on strengthening community knowledge and supporting Indigenous justice initiatives.

Students matched for this project will be placed into groups of two. Group 1 will focus on PLE supports. Group 2 will focus on Gladue supports.

Project Group 1: Public Legal Education

Student volunteers will assist with the following PLE-related tasks:

Workshop Review & Updates
- Review NALSC’s existing PLE content (i.e., Youth Justice, Wills & Estates, etc.) and assist in revamping presentations to ensure accuracy, clarity, and cultural relevance.
Workshop Development
- Support the creation of new PLE workshops on topics in high demand.
Q&A and Informational Materials
- Contribute to developing clear and accessible responses to frequently asked questions for community members.
Website Updates
- Assist with reviewing and updating PLE content on NALSC’s website to ensure legal information is current and accessible.
Design Support
- Provide help with designing outreach materials, such as posters and flyers for legal education or community events.

Project Group 2: Gladue Program – Bail Support

Student volunteers will contribute to a specialized project under the Gladue Program aimed at strengthening supports for individuals navigating the bail process. This project will be developed in stages:

Stage 1: Program Review & Process Development
- Review the current Gladue process with guidance from NALSC staff lawyers and the Gladue writing team.
- Assist in developing a streamlined Gladue letter template that can be prepared quickly to support Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) members during bail hearings.
- Ensure the approach is strength-based and highlights individual and community assets that can support pre-trial release.
Stage 2: Collaborative Work with Interdisciplinary Teams
- Engage with NALSC’s Bail and Reintegration teams as well as the Restorative Justice Department to develop a coordinated, culturally informed process.
- Explore how Gladue information can be effectively incorporated into bail advocacy.

Student Matching:

NAN-Legal is seeking student volunteers with an interest in criminal and Indigenous law. It is strongly encouraged that upper-year students who have taken criminal law and the Gladue writing workshop with Grand Council Treaty #3 apply for this project.

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Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre (NWOWC)

Type of Project: Client Assistance and Public Legal Education (1 Position)

In-Person Placement (278 Bay St.)

Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls

Link to Organization: Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre

Link to Application: Apply to NWOWC

Project Description:

The student volunteer will be responsible for helping support and orient clients regarding their legal issues, including those individuals using NWOWC’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) High-Risk Protocol.

The student’s involvement in providing client assistance will include researching legal issues regarding family, criminal, poverty, administrative and human rights law to provide clients with legal information. The student will also assist the GBV Navigator in preparing court documents for clients. In addition, the student will be able to observe bail court over Zoom and sit in on Virtual Family Law Legal Consultations with clients and pro bono lawyers.

If time permits, there may also be opportunities for the student to assist with public legal education tasks focused on informing and supporting women navigating legal issues. PLE projects may include researching or coordinating presentations on topics such as:

Information on gender-based violence.
Safety planning and risk assessment for survivors of gender-based violence.
Rights and recourse in family law and child welfare proceedings.
Navigating sexual assault proceedings in criminal law as a survivor.
Researching local court proceedings regarding their effectiveness in providing access to justice and safety for women experiencing violence.

Student Matching:

The Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre is seeking a student volunteer with an interest in feminism and an understanding of social justice issues in Northern Ontario; impacts of colonialism and/or knowledge or intersectional feminist frameworks are considered important assets.

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Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers’ Support Group (TBDIWSG)

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: Apply to TBDIWSG

Project Description:

This project is a returning research partnership focused on the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA). The WSIA is a legislative Act that outlines the rights and obligations of employers and employees in Ontario. The WSIB is a regulatory body that oversees worker compensation claims. When a worker suffers a workplace injury, it is essential that they understand their rights and obligations under the Act, and dealing with the WSIB may pose barriers to accessing justice for injured workers who deserve compensation.

Key responsibilities may include:

Conducting legal research and analysis on the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act with a goal of developing accessible PLE materials to help workers understand their rights and obligations.
Spreading awareness on the issues facing injured workers dealing with the WSIB. 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.
Hold 2-3 PLE seminars to the TBDIWSG and their members on the research findings and PLE materials.
Post 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.

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United Native Friendship Centre

Type of Project: Legal Research and Public Legal Education (3 Positions)

Remote Placement

Who Can Apply: 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls

Link to Organization: United Native Friendship Centre

Link to Application: Apply to UNFC

Project Description:

This project in collaboration with the United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances will be a legal research and public legal education (PLE) project. Students will be assigned to one research topic and develop PLE materials with a goal of increasing access to justice in Fort Frances.

Topic #1: Housing Rights & Policy Advocacy

The student volunteer will conduct legal research and analysis to develop an understanding of Indigenous housing rights and navigating the local housing systems. Research and PLE development may focus on:

The Housing Services Act and Residential Tenancies Act as they apply to Indigenous tenants.
Examining barriers to housing access for Indigenous families.
Researching tools for effective advocacy: how to file complaints, request repairs, and appeal housing decisions.

Topic #2: Family Rights & Customary Case Navigation

The student volunteer will conduct legal research and analysis to develop PLE materials with the goal of empowering Indigenous families through culturally rooted child and family services. Research and PLE development may focus on:

The Weechi-it-te-win Family Services and its decentralized, community-based model.
Understanding customary care, parental rights, and the importance of cultural continuity in child welfare.
Researching the legal rights of guardians and extended family members in child protection cases.
Researching the repatriation of children and the role of community care teams.

Topic #3: Criminal Justice Awareness & Prevention

The student volunteer will conduct legal research and analysis to develop PLE materials with the goal of increasing legal literacy for Indigenous youths and adults in the digital age. Research and PLE development may focus on:

What constitutes assault, harassment, and intimate partner violence under Canadian law?
Understanding “Do Not Contact” orders, bail conditions, and probation terms.
Examining the risks of social media misuse. What are the legal implications of cyberbullying, sexting, and making online threats?

Student Matching:

The United Native Friendship Centre is seeking student volunteers with an interest in criminal, family, housing and/or Indigenous law. Students with ties to the Fort Frances community or Rainy River District are strongly encouraged to apply.

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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: Apply to Human Rights Clinic

Project Description:

This project in collaboration with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, based out of the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, will be a client-intake and assistance project with some public legal education components. The purpose of this project 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.

The activities of the Clinic include providing summary legal advice and legal information to clients regarding their experiences of, or questions about, discrimination; referrals, and public legal education presentations on human rights law.

Key responsibilities may include:

Conducting client intakes.
Supporting staff lawyers in drafting summary legal advice.
Collecting legal information for client meetings.
Providing referrals and connecting individuals to community resources.
Administering clinic files.

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.

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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 25, 2025, at 9:00 am until Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5:00 pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved and contribute to impactful legal work in our community!

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 Ben Weinstein 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!