About Us

Who We Are

Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) is a national, multiple award-winning organization, with chapters in law schools across the country. Our mandate is threefold:

(1) To train future lawyers by providing practical, supervised learning experiences for students;
(2) To increase access to justice for low-income individuals and non-profit organizations; and
(3) To promote a culture of pro bono in the profession. 

What We Do

Each academic year, PBSC places law students with community-based organizations, legal clinics and public interest groups that address the access to justice crisis. Each project is supervised by a practicing lawyer and provides students with the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to meet legal needs as identified by partners in the community. As much as possible students are placed with projects that conform to their interests.

 Types of projects available through PBSC:

  • Legal research and the preparation of legal memoranda
  • Public legal education, including presentation delivery and brochure creation
  • Client assistance at legal clinics

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.sask@gmail.com.

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:

  • law students do not have valid practising certificates (as required to practice under Rule 719(1) of the Saskatchewan Law Society Rules)
  • law students are not trained to run files 
  • law students do not carry liability insurance (as required to practice under Rule 720 of the Saskatchewan Law Society Rules)
  • law students at the college are not supervised by a licensed lawyer to carry out legal work 

This means we cannot:

  • answer legal questions
  • provide legal advice
  • work on files "pro bono"
  • provide you with legal documents or research

 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.

          McCarthy Tetrault          Thomson Reuters       College of Law          tr-dark-grey---westlawedgeca---white-background-large.png

Covid-19 Response

As a result of the College's decision to resume classes in person for the Fall 2022 term, and at the guidance of PBSC National, most projects will take place in person unless otherwise stated within the Project Description Form. This is subject to change depending on the Covid-19 situation. PBSC will continue to keep our student volunteers, community organization partners, lawyer supervisors, and members of the public as safe as possible while still making a meaningful impact through pro bono work.

Projects

What is it? This project aims to make information about becoming a legal professional more acessible for youth. Student volunteers will create plain language resources on the prcoess to becoming a legal professional and the types of careers you can pursue with a law degree. The research will be used to create plain language resources and a presentation for youth. Once the materials are solidified, students will be scheduled to give presentations to high school students (between Grades 9 and 12) in Saskatoon (and area) and other youth groups and/or organizations working with youth.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in access to justice, diversity, and inclusion 
  • you have experience working with high school students
  • you are personable and have creative ways to engage youth
  • you are comfortable public speaking

Number of students: 4 students + 1 project lead

Additional Requirements: none.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.plea.org/

What is it? Participants will support low-income and/or marginalized community members by helping them understand their rights and responsibilities; assisting them in receiving summary advice from volunteer practicing lawyers; and preparing necessary documentation to obtain replacement identification. The project encompasses 3 components: Project ID, Legal Advice Clinic (LAC), and Community Legal Education (CLE). Project ID, CLE, and LAC will commence with in-person delivery. Student volunteers will participate in all 3 project components

You might like this project if:

  • you are flexible - ability to volunteer evenings and weekends
  • you have an interest in a diverse array of legal subject areas such as criminal, immigration, housing, social assistance, identification, human rights, and civil litigation
  • you are personable and comfortable speaking with clients
  • you are comfortable public speaking

Number of students: 4 students + 1 project lead

Additional Requirements: Students must submit their criminal record check, sign confidentiality statement, and student Code of Conduct to CLASSIC.

Learn more about the organization: http://www.classiclaw.ca/

What is it? Students will research laws around consent, sexual assault, and other legal issues that come up in the context of relationships and dating violence to update existing presentation materials or create new materials. Once the materials are solidified, students will be scheduled to give presentations to high school students (between Grades 9 and 12) in Saskatoon (and area) and other youth groups and/or organizations working with youth.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in laws around consent, sexual assault
  • you have experience working with high school students
  • you are personable and have creative ways to engage youth
  • you are comfortable public speaking

Number of students: 4-6 students + 1 project lead

Additional Requirements: Students must be available for the mandatory supplementary training. Training date is to be determined.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.plea.org/

What is it? Participants 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. Students will facilitate presentations to grade six classes in Saskatoon and surrounding area, as well as non-profit organizations working with youth.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in human rights law, laws around harassment and mischief
  • you have experience working with children or youth
  • you are personable and have strong communication skills
  • you are comfortable with public speaking

Number of students: 4-6 students + 1 project lead

Additional Requirements: None required.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.plea.org/

What is it? Students will engage with both Public Legal Education sessions, as well as Family Law Assistance Clinics. Responsibilities will include facilitating presentations tailored to various community-based organizations, direct clients to resources, and assist lawyers during client meetings.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in family law
  • you have an interest in community engagement
  • you are comfortable public speaking
  • you are comfortable in-person meetings with clients and lawyers

Number of students: 8 students + 2 project leads

Additional Requirements: Students must be available for the two-part mandatory supplementary training. Date to be determined. All students must attend both sessions.

Learn more about the organization: Family Justice Services - Family Law Unit

What is it? Students will engage with both Public Legal Education sessions, as well as an Immigration Law Assistance Clinic. Responsibilities will include facilitating presentations on immigration law for refugees,  and assisting clients with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada applications under the supervison of a lawyer during client meetings. The immigration law clinic will take place on Thursday evenings from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Global Gathering Place in the fall and winter terms.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in immigration law
  • you have an interest in community engagement
  • you are comfortable public speaking
  • you are comfortable in-person meetings with clients and lawyers

Number of students: 4 students + 1 project lead

Additional Requirements: Must be an upper year law student and attend imigration 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 are currently registered in the class.     

Learn more about the organization: https://globalgatheringplace.com/

What is it? Students will prepare two research papers to direct John Howard Society Saskatchewan’s policy position on best practices for rehabilitation in the criminal justice system and preventing the reincarceration of former inmates. 

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in human rights law, criminal law, and prison law
  • you have an interest in exploring effective programming to inmates in correctional centres 
  • you enjoy research

Number of students: 2 students

Additional Requirements: None required.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.sk.johnhoward.ca/

What is it? One student will intern with LeBlanc Law to work on a pro bono file focusing on mental health and incarceration. The student will assist with legal research, reviewing psychological reports, mental health warrant legislation, and drafting pleadings. 

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in administrative law, human rights law, criminal law, and prison law
  • you have an interest in exploring effective mental health treatment to inmates in correctional centres 
  • you enjoy research and writing 

Number of students: 1 student

Additional Requirements: Must be an upper year law student. Expereince working with legal files would be seen as an asset. 

Learn more about the organization: https://leblanclaw.ca/

 

What is it? The Indigenous Youth Outreach Project is a justice education and mentorship program for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit youth ages 11-14. The project consists of two components: assisting with the facilitation of mock trials for youth and researching and drafting new mock trial scenarios. Student volunteers will assist with justice education programming, preapre students for the mock trial, conduct legal research, and provide education on different career paths in the justice system. 

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in Indigenous law, criminal law, and human rights law
  • you have experience working with high school students
  • you are personable and have creative ways to engage youth
  • you are comfortable public speaking

Number of students: 3-5 students 

Additional Requirements: none.

Learn more about the organization: https://leveljustice.org/

 

What is it? Through research and analysis of the Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, students will create a plain language brochure focusing on eviction. Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan and the PBSC student volunteers will work in collaboration with Renters of Saskatoon and Area (ROSA), a renters advocacy group. This project aims to assist low-income people but would be informative for all renters. 

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in housing law, tenant rights and the Residential Tenancies Act
  • you have clear and succinct writing style
  • you are comfortable designing brochures and pamphlets

Number of students: 2-3 students

Additional Requirements: Students must be upper year students. However, up to one first year student will be selected.

Learn more about the organization: https://pblsask.ca/

What is it? Students will prepare a research memo, plain language brochure, and a PowerPoint presentation on laws around child apprehension. The research and plain languge legal resources will help make legal information on laws around child apprehension more accessible to families who face a multitude of barriers that puts them at high risk for intervention from the Minsitry of Social Services.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in family law and child protection law
  • you have strong research skills
  • you have clear and succinct writing style
  • you are comfortable designing brochures and pamphlets

Number of students: 2 students

Additional Requirements: Must be an upper-year student.

Learn more about the organization: https://prairiehr.ca/

What is it? Students will prepare a plain language leal resource and a PowerPoint presentation on laws around obtaining a criminal pardon, the legal implications of some criminal offences, and legal issues that come up in the context of criminal record checks for employment purposes. The research will help make information on criminal records, obtaining a pardon, and getting a criminal record check more accessible.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in criminal law, disability law, and employment law
  • you have clear and succinct writing style
  • you are comfortable with public speaking

Number of students: 2 students

Additional Requirements: None required.

Learn more about the organization: https://radiuscentre.com

What is it? Students will prepare a short research memo and a plain language resource that explains what discrimination may look like in the workplace, the hiring process, housing, healthcare, and what to do if you experience discrimination. These resources will be utilized by newcomer organizations, Indigenous organizations, employment programs, schools, universities, libraries, cultural and faith organizations, community centres, health care, victim services, etc., as well as future cultural bridging and/or anti-racism events.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in human rights law and employment law
  • you have an interest in designing brochures or infographics
  • you have strong research skills

Number of students: 2-3 students

Additional Requirements: None required.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.rrlip.ca

What is it? Students will each choose one of three topics to create a research memo and a plain language pamphlet. Topics include: driving laws for seniors, elder abuse, and reverse mortgage.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in elder law
  • you have clear and succinct writing style
  • you are comfortable designing pamphlets

Number of students: 2 students

Additional Requirements: None required.

Learn more about the organization: https://scoa.ca/

What is it? Students will develop a plain language resource and presentation on tenants rights, responsibilities, and the Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act. The research and presentation will highlight common questions about housing laws and legal resources for renters.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in housing law, tenant rights and the Residential Tenancies Act
  • you have clear and succinct writing style
  • you are comfortable designing brochures and pamphlets
  • you are comfortable giving presentations

Number of students: 2 students

Additional Requirements: None required.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.simfc.ca/

What is it? The criminalization of poverty refers to making decisions and behaviors associated with poverty illegal. Students will prepare a research memo on the criminalization of poverty and how certain laws can disproportionately affect people who are homeless. The research will also direct students to compare Saskatchewan with other provinces. Students will also create a plain language legal resource using some of their research findings. 

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in human rights law and housing law
  • you have strong research skills
  • you have clear and succinct writing style
  • you are comfortable designing brochures and pamphlets

Number of students: 2 students

Additional Requirements: 

Learn more about the organization: https://www.simfc.ca/

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. 

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in environmental law
  • you have clear and succinct writing style
  • you are comfortable with your work published on SKAEL’s website 

Number of students: 2 students

Additional Requirements: None required.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.skael.ca

What is it? Students will create one-paged fact sheet(s) and a PowerPoint presentation highlighting laws protecting women and children in Saskatchewan and Canada. This resource will be made available for newcomer families and individuals in various languages and used by settlement counsellors. Students will facilitate presentations to clients and staff of Saskatoon Open Door Society, a settlement agency helping immigrants and refugees.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in criminal law, criminal procedure
  • you have an interest in helping newcomer population in Saskatoon and/or have experience working with refugees or immigrants
  • you are comfortable with public speaking - ability to speak clearly and concisely, given the English language level of the audience

Number of students: 2 students

Additional Requirements: None required.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.sods.sk.ca

What is it? Students will be responsible in creating a research memo on laws around renting to pet owners. Students will analyze court cases and current Saskatchewan legislation involving pets and rental properties. The research will also direct students to compare Saskatchewan with other provinces as well as available legal remedies.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in housing law, property law, and animal welfare
  • you have clear and succinct writing style
  • you enjoy doing research 

Number of students: 2 students

Additional Requirements: None required.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.saskspca.ca

What is it? Students will be responsible for updating legal brochure and PowerPoint presentation on the latest laws on wills, health care directive, and power of attorney; promote Wills Clinic sessions to community-based organizations; host 3 Wills Clinic sessions; and with the help of the Lawyer Supervisor, draft documents based on client instructions. The Wills Clinic will comprise of a 45-minute presentation and client in-take during which students will use a precedent questionnaire to take detailed notes.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in family law
  • you have an interest in community engagement
  • you are comfortable public speaking
  • you are comfortable in-person meetings with clients and lawyers

Number of students: 4-6 students + 1 project lead

Additional Requirements: Preference for upper-year students.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.millerthomson.com/en/

What is it?  Under the supervision of a Lawyer Supervisor in Yukon, students will create a research memo on student and parent rights to education under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Students will also anaylze international human rights treaties that pertain to students with disabilities.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in constitutional law, administrative law, and disability law
  • you enjoy research
  • you have an interest in human rights and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Number of students: 2-3 students

Additional Requirements: None required, but preference will be given to upper year students.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.yukonrighttolearn.com/

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 PowerPoint presentations and facilitate information sessions tailored for YWCA clients who access in-house programs.

You might like this project if:

  • you have an interest in laws surrounding sexual assault
  • you are interested and/or have experience working with survivors of sexual assault
  • you are personable
  • you are comfortable with public speaking

Number of students: 2 students

Additional Requirements: None required.

Learn more about the organization: https://www.ywcasaskatoon.com/

Apply

PBSC 2022-2023 Volunteer Application

PBSC 2022-23 volunteer applications will open on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. PBSC works hard to match students with projects that conform to their interests and skills. The early bird application deadline is Friday, September 9, 2022 at noon (CST). The application deadline is Friday, September 16, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. The application can be accessed using the following link: https://bit.ly/pbsc22-23applications

Project Lead Applications

Pro Bono Students Canada is looking for Project Leads for 2 new projects this year: This is a volunteer position open to upper-year law students.
Becoming a Lawyer project with PLEA and the Saskatchewan Law Society. This project aims to make information about becoming a legal professional more accessible for youth, especially for groups who are underrepresented in the legal profession and face systemic barriers to accessing the justice system. Volunteers will create plain language resources on how to become a legal professional and give presentations to high school students.
Immigration Law Project with Global Gathering Place. This project consists of 2 components an immigration law clinic and public legal education presentations. Volunteers will assist newcomers with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada applications through the clinic and give immigration law presentations for refugees.
For each project, the Project Lead will be responsible for overseeing volunteers, scheduling, and acting as the liaison between PBSC, the partner organization, and the community. The full role description is included in this post!
To apply, please send an email to pbsc.sask@gmail.com by Friday, August 5, 2022, with the following information:
  • Your name, email, and year of law school
  • Your curriculum vitae/resume
  • A brief statement outlining why you are interested in the position. Include any relevant experience and courses you have taken.
  • For the Immigration Law Project Lead: please also submit your fall term availability
If you're interested in more information or have any questions, please email to pbsc.sask@gmail.com

Events & Training

PBSC General Training: Saturday, September 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m on Zoom.

PBSC Westlaw Legal Research Introductory Training (mandatory for all 1Ls and first year PBSC volunteers; online): Tuesday, October 4th from 12:30 -1:30 p.m.

PBSC Westlaw Legal Research Advanced Training (mandatory for all upper-years on research projects and option for those who are not; online): Thursday, October 6th from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

 

Project-specific Trainings

  • Family Law Project: Wednesday, September 23rd from 3:15-4:30 p.m., Friday, September 23rd from 1:00-4:0 p.m., Wednesday, September 28th from 3:15-4:00 p.m. and Friday, October 5th from 3:15-4:00 p.m.
  • YWCA: Thursday, October 6th from 2:30-4:00 p.m.
  • Consent Project: Thursday, October 6th from 2:30-4:00 p.m.
  • Immiration Law Project: training date will be arranged after students are matched to project
  • CLASSIC: training date will be arranged after students are matched to project

 

For projects without specific trainings, volunteers will have the chance to meet with Organization Supervisors and Lawyer Supervisors during the first week of October. 

Deadlines

 

Application Deadline for Volunteers: September 16, 2022 at 5pm (CST) 

Contact Us

Payton Eckert & Lisa Wanlin
2022-23 Program Coordinators

College of Law, University of Saskatchewan
Room 81-15 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK   S7H 2M3

306-966-7757
pbsc.sask@gmail.com
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