About Us
Who We Are
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Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) is on a mission to provide free legal support to people and communities facing barriers to justice. Our work and partnerships are guided by our three core values: dignity, equity and humility. PBSC recruits, trains and matches law student volunteers with organizations working on the frontlines of Canada’s access to justice crisis, including community organizations, firms, courts and tribunals. All student volunteers work under the supervision of qualified lawyers. PBSC has student-led Chapters at 22 law schools across Canada. The USask chapter serves communities throughout Saskatchewan. PBSC's free legal services are delivered in-person (where in close proximity to a PBSC Chapter), remotely, or through a hybrid mode. |
What We Do
The services offered by PBSC law student volunteers vary depending on the needs of our community organization partners and may include:
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Researching legislation, legal issues, or current policy questions and drafting memoranda
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Developing and delivering public legal education workshops, seminars, and resources to low and
middle-income individuals
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Conducting intake and/or providing referrals to clients of partner organizations
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Providing legal information to the clients of partner organizations
Projects are developed with our community partners over the summer. PBSC students volunteer 3-5 hours per week between September and March excluding exam periods and mid-term breaks. If you are a community organization or lawyer that would like to be involved with PBSC please email pbsc@usask.ca.
What We Do NOT Do
If you are involved in a legal issue and in search of legal advice, support or research, we cannot help you because:
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Law students do not have valid practising certificates (as required to practice under Rule 719(1) of the Saskatchewan Law Society Rules)
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Law students are not trained to run files
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Law students do not carry liability insurance (as required to practice under Rule 720 of the Saskatchewan Law Society Rules)
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Law students at the college are not supervised by a licensed lawyer to carry out legal work
While PBSC take on projects that are legal in nature, students cannot give legal advice, and may only provide legal information. Legal advice is a legal opinion on specific circumstances. People rely on legal advice to make decisions about specific legal problems or issues. Legal information provides a general, objective sense of the state of the law and current jurisprudence.
If you are seeking legal advice, one of the following resources may be able to provide you with assistance:
Thank You
PBSC and the work that we do would not be possible without our skilled student volunteers, dedicated lawyer supervisors and generous funders.
2024-2025 Projects
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What is it? This project is a legal education art workshop for inner city youth (ages 11-25). The workshop will be sectioned into different parts where in between each lecture, the youth will engage in an expressive art component related to what they just learned. The students will only be in charge of the legal education presentation portion, and Chokecherry will prepare the art component. The workshop will be on knowing your rights when encountering the police. It will be in the perspective of inner city youth who may feel more wary about the police than their peers from different neighbourhoods. The goal is to help the youth feel more empowered when they encounter the police. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2-4 students Project type: Public legal education – workshop Additional Requirements: None |
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What is it? CLASSIC stands for Community Legal Assistance for Saskatoon Inner City. Student volunteers will support low-income and marginalized community members in myriads of different ways: (1) prepare and give legal education presentations to help individuals understand their rights and responsibilities; (2) assist in the Project ID clinic which helps community members obtain replacement identifications; (3) assist in the Legal Advice Clinic where community members receive summary advice from volunteer lawyers; and (4) engage in research work to support pro bono case files carried out by CLASSIC lawyers. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 4 students + 1 Project Lead Project type: Public legal education – presentation; research; client services Additional Requirements: Student volunteers must submit their criminal record check, sign a confidentiality statement, and adhere to the Student Code of Conduct to CLASSIC. Learn more about the organization: http://www.classiclaw.ca |
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What is it? One of the biggest barriers to accessing justice exists in individuals accessing family legal services. The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan is taking steps to provide a free family legal clinics for the province. Student volunteers will be working towards a training guide that can be used by community-based organizations and family law advocates. Additionally, student volunteers will conduct research on the gaps of family legal services in Saskatchewan. While not mandatory, students have the opportunity to attend court or visit the Pine Grove Correctional Center for Women with a staff member from Elizabeth Fry. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2-3 students Project type: Research Additional Requirements: None Learn more about the organization: https://elizabethfrysask.org |
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What is it? Students will assist a free immigration law assistance clinic hosted by the Global Gathering Place. Under the supervision of a lawyer, student volunteers will assist clients with Citizenship Canada applications. The clinic will take place on Fridays from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM during both semesters. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 5 students + 1 Project Lead Project type: Client services Additional Requirements: Must be an upper-year law student and attend immigration law-specific training. The training date will be set by the lawyer supervisor after student volunteers are matched to projects. Preference will be given to students who have taken Immigration Law or Refugee Law or are currently registered in the class. Learn more about the organization: https://globalgatheringplace.com |
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What is it? The Indigenous Youth Outreach Project is a national justice education and mentorship program for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit youth ages 11-14. The project consists of two components: (1) assisting with the facilitation of mock trials for youth and (2) researching and drafting new mock trial scenarios. Student volunteers will assist with justice education programming, prepare students for the mock trial, conduct legal research, and provide education on different career paths in the justice system. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 4-6 students Project type: Public legal education – workshop Additional Requirements: None Learn more about the organization: https://leveljustice.org |
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What is it? A Will is an important legal document that all adults should have, but many cannot afford to get one. During term 1, student volunteers will update brochures and presentation on the latest laws on Wills, health care directive, and power of attorney. This will be used to promote Wills Clinic sessions to community-based organizations. In term 2, student volunteers will participate in Miller Thompson’s pro bono Wills Clinic. At the clinic, students will participate in client in-take and use a precedent questionnaire to take detailed notes. With the help of the Lawyer Supervisor, student volunteers will then draft the Wills based on client instructions. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 3-5 students + 1 Project Lead Project type: Public legal education – presentations and brochures; client services Additional Requirements: Strong preference for upper-year students who are enrolled or have taken Wills and Estate Planning. Learn more about the organization: https://www.millerthomson.com |
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What is it? This project is made up of giving presentations and participating in the Family Law Assistance Clinics ran by the Ministry in Saskatoon. Student volunteers will prepare multiple presentations about different topics in family law such parenting time and spousal support. At the clinic, student volunteers will greet clients and assist lawyers during client meetings. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 4-6 students + 1 Project Lead Project type: Public legal education – presentations and brochures; client services Additional Requirements: Students must be available for a three-part mandatory supplementary training. Learn more about the organization: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces/separation-or-divorce/represent-yourself-in-family-court |
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What is it? Being or becoming a trans person to the outside world is often faced with discrimination and uncertainties over legal rights. This project aims to empower trans and gender diverse people by teaching them the legal information related to transitioning. Topics include rights when accessing gender affirming surgeries, hormones, and other medical treatments; rights and processes related to name and pronoun changes; and what to do if an individual experiences transphobic discrimination. Student volunteers will prepare a presentation that is suitable for ages 15 and up. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2 students Project type: Public legal education – presentation Additional Requirements: Students will need to conduct a criminal record check with the vulnerable sector before they can give the presentation. Students are expected to be members, allies, and/or supporters of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Learn more about the organization: https://www.outsaskatoon.ca |
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What is it? This project aims to inspire youth from all backgrounds that becoming a lawyer is a career path they can achieve. Student volunteers will create plain language resources and a presentation on the process of becoming a legal professional and the types of careers you can pursue with a law degree. The presentations will be given to high school students (between Grades 9 and 12) and other youth organizations. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 3-4 students + 1 Project Lead Project type: Public legal education – presentation and newsletter Additional Requirements: None Learn more about the organization: https://www.plea.org |
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What is it? Through this work, student volunteers will help to prevent sexual assaults and empower sexual assault survivors by educating the community of the law and their rights. Student volunteer will update existing resources regarding laws around consent, sexual assault, and other legal issues that come up in the context of relationships and dating violence. Then this information will be used to create a presentation and other resources for youth groups and sports team. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 3-4 students + 1 Project Lead Project type: Public legal education – presentation and handout Additional Requirements: Students must be available for the mandatory supplementary training at the College of Law on Monday, Oct. 7th, 11:30-12:30. Learn more about the organization: https://www.plea.org |
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What is it? As technology use becomes more weaved into young people’s lives, cyberbullying becomes more prevalent. Student volunteers will research and update presentation materials to reflect the current legal options available to victims of online bullying and the consequences for those who choose to participate in cyberbullying. These presentations will take place in grade 6 classrooms as well as non-profit organizations working with youth. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 3-4 students + 1 Project Lead Project type: Public legal education – presentation Additional Requirements: None Learn more about the organization: https://www.plea.org |
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What is it? Wage garnishment is when a creditor forces a debtor to make payments, often by taking money directly from an individual’s paycheque. Student volunteers will create a plain language resource and give a presentation on what individuals can do when wage garnishment is threatened or enforced upon them. The audience will be the staff at Radius so they can be informed when helping community members. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2 students Project type: Public legal education – presentation Additional Requirements: None Learn more about the organization: https://radiuscentre.com |
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What is it? Services dogs are tremendous help to those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and more. This project explores the laws around service dogs to improve the lives of dogs and owners, in addition to assisting trainers to raise quality service dogs. In particular, student volunteers will explore the rights of service dog trainers, service dog owners, and the service dogs themselves. Student volunteers will write a research memo in plain language and a complimentary infographic or fact sheet. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2 students Project type: Public legal education – infographic or handout; research Additional Requirements: None required. Learn more about the organization: https://www.saskspca.ca |
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What is it? While older adults may experience changes in mental and physical abilities, the law prohibits discriminating adults based on age in the workplace. Student volunteers will explore topic like mandatory retirement and accommodating needs to step out for extra medical appointment. The final deliverable will be a presentation and a brochure. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2 students Project type: Public legal education – presentation, brochure, and research memo that accompanies the presentation Additional Requirements: None Learn more about the organization: https://scoa.ca |
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What is it? Caring for people with dementia is difficult. On one hand, you have to restrict their decision-making the abilities because their medical condition compromises their judgement and memory; we want to keep people with dementia and their caretakers safe. On the other hand, you still want to give people with dementia sufficient autonomy. Students will prepare a research memo on this topic that will eventually help the staff at Sherbrooke provide optimal care for their patients and residents with dementia. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2 students Project type: Research Additional Requirements: None required. Learn more about the organization: https://www.sherbrookecommunitycentre.ca |
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What is it? Students will create content related to environmental law for SKAEL’s website, which can include writing articles, making case briefs, and preparing information for the public on environmental laws and legislation. Topics are based on students’ interests but could include subjects such as climate litigation, Indigenous rights, duty to consult, natural resource exploitation, etc. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2 students Project type: Public legal education – blog Additional Requirements: None required. Learn more about the organization: https://www.skael.ca |
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What is it? Part of welcoming newcomers into our neighbourhoods is ensuring they are, and feel, safe in their homes. Student volunteers will create one-paged fact sheet and a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the laws protecting women and children in Saskatchewan and Canada. This resource will be made available for newcomer families and individuals and used by settlement counsellors. Students will facilitate presentations to the organization's clients and staff. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2 students Project type: Public legal education – presentation and handout Additional Requirements: None Learn more about the organization: https://www.sods.sk.ca |
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What is it? Students will update existing resources to reflect current legal options available to survivors of sexual assault and the current laws relating to sexual assault. Students will create presentations and facilitate information sessions tailored for YWCA clients who access in-house programs. One of the presentations will be for their youth program, and this presentation should also include information online safety and human trafficking. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2 students Project type: Public legal education – presentation Additional Requirements: Students must be available for the mandatory supplementary training at the College of Law on Monday, Oct. 7th, 11:30-12:30. Learn more about the organization: https://www.ywcasaskatoon.com |
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What is it? The National Housing Strategy Act describes having housing as a human right, yet many low income households have trouble securing a place to live. This project seeks to empower individuals as they search for places to rent and deal with rent-related issues. Student volunteers will update and create a plain language presentation and handout on Tenant’s Rights in Saskatchewan, primarily focused on rights against discrimination during a house search and eviction once a tenant secured housing. |
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You might like this project if:
Number of students: 2 students Project type: Public legal education – presentation, brochure Additional Requirements: None Learn more about the organization: https://www.ywcasaskatoon.com |
Experience & Responsibilities
Below are highlights of general responsibilities for all the parties involved in making a sucessful PBSC experience. We hope this gives you an idea of what volunteering with us would look like. For detailed responsibiities, please review the project description for each project. Thank you for choosing to partner with us!
Student volunteers are matched to their projects in mid-September. They are assigned to a project for the entire school year.
- Volunteer 3-5h/week
- This excludes reading break weeks.
- This excludes the month of Decemeber and April so students could focus on exams.
- Volunteer hours (including training hours) must be recorded in the Volunteer Report
- Complete all training
- PBSC general training (in-person)
- Westlaw Edge Canada training for projects with reserach (online)
- Anti-oppression training (online)
- Additional reserach required by your project (depends on the project)
- Perform the responsibilities in the project description with professionalism and care
- Provide only legal information and not legal advice
- Provide feedback on your experience to PBSC Program Coordinators in November and Feburary
PBSC serves the community by partnering with organizations and assisting with their mission.
- Ensure students only work on the project that is agreed upon in the project description
- Ensure the designtated contact person (in the project description) regularly checks on the student volunteers and be available to answer questions
- Provide students with additional training other than what is provided by PBSC, if needed
- Provide feedback on your experience to PBSC Program Coordinators in November and Feburary
Each PBSC project is overseen by a lawyer supervisor.
- Be available to answer questions students may have and give students guidance as they carry out the tasks in the project description
- Review and approve the final delieverable, especially the legal aspects
- Ensure student volunteers provide only legal information and not legal advice
- Provide feedback on your experience to PBSC Program Coordinators in November and Feburary
Each year, there are 2 Program Coordinators at the College of Law. They are responsible for operating and managing the PBSC USask chapter.
- Prepare all the projects over the summer
- Cordinate with organizations and lawyer supervisors
- Ensure the projects support the organization
- Ensure the projcts will be appropriate and a good experience for law students
- Match law students to a project that fits their skills, expeirence, and interests
- Provideand coordinating general training to all the student volunteers
- Act as a general liason between students, organizations, and lawyer supervisors to resolve any issues that arise
- A formal request for feedback well be sent in November and Feburary, but you are welcome to contact us at anytime!
Apply
PBSC 2024-2025 Volunteer Application
PBSC 2024-25 volunteer applications will opened on Friday, August 30th, at 9:00 AM. PBSC works hard to match students with projects that conform to their interests and skills. The early bird application deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:59 PM. The final application deadline is Thursday, September 12, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
Dates & Events
For 2024-2025
Application & Launch Event
Application open: Friday, August 30, 9:00 PM
PBSC Launch Event (pizza & prizes): Monday, September 9th from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. in RM 150 - RSVP here
Early-bird application deadline (for a chance to with a $50 gift card): Monday, September 9th, 11:59 PM
Final application deadline: Thursday, September 12th, 11:59 PM
Offers go out: Tuesday, September 17th, 9:00 AM
Deadline to accept placement: Thursday, September 19th, 9:00 AM
Meet with the Organization Contact and Lawyer Supervisor: Reach out to them by October to begin your project
Training
PBSC General Training (mandatory for all student volunteers): Thursday, September 26th from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM in RM 64.
Anti-Oppresion Training (mandatory for all student volunteers): Online at your own leisure, to be completed before you work on your project
PBSC Westlaw Legal Research Introductory Training (mandatory for all 1L volunteers): Tuesday, October 1st from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, online
PBSC Westlaw Legal Research Advanced Training (mandatory for all upper-years on research projects and optional for those who are not): Wednesday, October 2nd from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, online.
Sexual Assault Information Training (mandatory for projects involving consent and sexual assault survivors): Monday, October 7th from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. in RM 211
Other project-specific training: Training date will be arranged after students are matched to project.
Other
Submit work plan to PBSC Program Coordinator, Lawyer Supervisor, and Organization Contact: Friday, November 1st
Check-in with PBSC Program Coordinator (to let us know how you're doing): During the month of November for term 1 and Feburary for term 2, online or at the PBSC office in RM 81
Complete and submit PBSC impact survey (to give us feedback): March
PBSC Volunteer Appreciation Event: Mid- to late-March, 2025
Last day to complete project: Monday, March 31, 2025
Application Deadlines
Dates for 2024-2025
Early-bird Application Deadline for Volunteers: September 9th, 2024, 11:59 PM
Apply early for a chance to win a $50 gift card!
Final Application Deadline for Volunteers: September 12, 2024, 11:59 PM
Contact Us
Sally Maeng & Veronica Dirk-Pothier
2024-25 Program Coordinators
College of Law, University of Saskatchewan
Treaty 6 Territory & the Homeland of the Métis
Room 81, 15 Campus Drive, Saskatoon SK S7N 5A6