About Us

Who We Are


PBSC USask chapter logo

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:

  • Researching legislation, legal issues, or current policy questions and drafting memoranda

  • Developing and delivering public legal education workshops, seminars, and resources to low and

    middle-income individuals

  • Conducting intake and/or providing referrals to clients of partner organizations

  • 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:

  • 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 

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.

McCarthy Tetrault                 College of Law          law foundation sask logo                

                   law foundation ontario logo

2025-2026 Projects

Chokecherry logo What is it? This project is a legal education presentation catered to inner city youth (ages 11-25). The presentation will be on knowing your rights when encountering the police. Wallet-sized cards will also be created that detail what youth should do/say when they are stopped/detained by police, and will be disseminated during the presentation. The goal is to help youth feel more empowered when they encounter the police. 

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in the criminal justice system, particularly the youth criminal justice system  
  • You are passionate about supporting inner city youth 
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

Number of students: 2-4 students  

Project type: Public legal education – Presentation

Additional Requirements: None 
Learn more about the organization: https://chokecherry.ca 

CLASSIC logo 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; (4) assist in client intake where they will receive information from prospective CLASSIC clients and pass it along to the volunteer lawyers; and (5) engage in research work to support pro bono case files carried out by CLASSIC lawyers.  

You might like this project if: 

  • You enjoy in-person work
  • 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 warm and personable when helping people one-on-one 
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

Number of students: 4-6 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  

 

E-Fry logo What is it? Saskatchewan is facing an access to justice crisis, one that disproportionately affects communities spanning lines of race, ethnicity, and gender. To address this, students will draft a public-facing criminal procedure information booklet women and marginalized genders, to act as a guide that outlines the court process. Students will also update an internal Court Services Manual for staff at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan.  Finally, 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.

You might like this project if: 

  • You are interested in criminal law 
  • You are looking for remote-only work (with the option to visit court and a correctional center) 
  • You have strong research skills

Number of students: 2-3 students 

Project type: Research 

Additional Requirements: None 

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

 

GGP logo 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. 

You might like this project if: 

  • You are interested in immigration law or passionate about helping newcomers 
  • You are warm and personable when helping people one-on-one – Student volunteers will need to be mindful of the English language level of the audience   
  • You want experience in drafting legal documents

Number of students: 4 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  

 

Level logo 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. 

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in criminal law and human rights law 
  • You enjoy working with high school students, particularly Indigenous students  
  • You have creative ways to engage with teenagers 
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

Number of students: 5-7 students 

Project type: Public legal education – workshop 

Additional Requirements: None 

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

 

Prairie Harm Reduction Logo What is it? Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) is Saskatchewan's First Safe Consumption Site. Unfortunately, they have been met with numerous roadblocks regarding their operation, which have impacted both the organization and the community they serve. Student volunteers are expected to create a research memorandum and one 30-minute presentation for frontline workers that address the potential consequences for both frontline workers and the community, regarding substance use, that the Government of Saskatchewan has brought forth. 

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in statutory interpretation
  • You are passionate about harm reduction
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

Number of students: 3-4 students  

Project type: Research - memoranda; Public legal education – presentation

Additional Requirements: None

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

 

Ministry logo 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. 

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in family law and the various topics within it 
  • You are flexible with the ability to volunteer on weekday evenings. 
  • You are warm and personable when helping people one-on-one 
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

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  

 

OUTSaskatoon logo What is it? Transgender and gender-diverse individuals are 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.  

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in access to justice, diversity, and inclusion 
  • You have an interest in human rights, administration law, and civil litigation 
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

Number of students: 2-3 students 

Project type: Public legal education – presentation 

Additional Requirements: Students are expected to be members, allies, and/or supporters of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. 

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

 

PLEA logo 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. 

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in access to justice, diversity, and inclusion  
  • You enjoy working with high school students 
  • You have creative ways to engage with teenagers 
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

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 

 

PLEA logo 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.

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in laws around consent and sexual assault 
  • You enjoy working with high school students 
  • You have creative ways to engage with teenagers 
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

Number of students: 2-4 students + 1 Project Lead 

Project type: Public legal education – presentation and handout 

Additional Requirements: None

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

 

PLEA logo 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.

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in human rights law and laws around harassment and mischief 
  • You enjoy working with children and youth 
  • You have creative ways to engage with children and youth  
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

Number of students: 7-9 students + 1 Project Lead 

Project type: Public legal education – presentation  

Additional Requirements: None 

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

  

SCOA Logo

What is it? Student volunteers will help SCOA facilitate a centre that provides and disseminates legal information for older adults. Students will be in charge of creating a presentation and a plain-language pamphlet surrounding a topic area relevant to older adults, such as (1) Wills and estates; (2) Guardianships; (3) Fraud; (4) Inclusivity. They will deliver the presentation to older adults who use the resources of SCOA. 

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in issues concerning older adults 
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 
  • You enjoy writing complicated topics in easy-to-understand plain language  

Number of students: 2-3 students 

Project type: Public legal education – presentation, brochure

Additional Requirements: None

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

 

SaskSPCA logo What is it? Student volunteers will explore the laws and regulations governin trapping in Saskatchewan and Canada. A plain-language research memorandum will be created for the use of both SSPCA employees and the public. 

You might like this project if: 

  • You are passionate about animal welfare and/or trapping rights
  • You enjoy writing complicated topics in easy-to-understand plain language 
  • You are looking for remote-only work 

Number of students: 2 students  

Project type: Public legal education – memorandum

Additional Requirements: None required. 

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

 

OTC logo

What is it? Public legal information is difficult to come by for every area of the law. However, this is particularly acute for Indigenous Peoples given the complexities and rapid evolution of Canadian law as it pertains to their rights and interests (i.e. "Aboriginal law"). The OTC plans to circulate concise, plain-language briefs on various topics in Aboriginal law to First Nations governments throughout Saskatchewan. Student volunteers will co-author these briefs, alongside the lawyer supervisor.    

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in Aboriginal Law
  • You enjoy researching complex material and delivering it in a plain-language format
  • You enjoy remote work

Number of students: 2 students 

Project type: Research – Legal briefs 

Additional Requirements: None

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

 

Sherbrooke logo

What is it? Caring for people with dementia is difficult, and there are multiple opinions regarding what the best care protocols are.  Students will prepare a research memorandum on different leading global community care protocols, as well as research the liability of healthcare providers and care homes when caring for people with dementia.  this topic that will eventually help the staff at Sherbrooke provide optimal care for their patients and residents with dementia.  

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in health law and elder law 
  • You want to explore the legalities around providing quality medical care and care homes 
  • You enjoy writing complicated topics in easy-to-understand plain language 
  • You are looking for remote-only work (with the option to visit Sherbooke and talk with staff, patients and residents, and their families)   

Number of students: 2-3 students 

Project type: Research - memorandum

Additional Requirements: None required. 

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

 

 

https://nulegalaid.com/NU Legal Aid logo What is it? Nunavut is facing an access to justice crisis, with many Nunavummiut having little to no access to legal information. Student volunteers will aid the Civil Practice Lead of Legal Aid Nunavut in creating public legal information materials, to be delivered throughout remote communities in Nunavut. They will also create research memorandums and case banks for the relevant topics/fields of law. These include: (1) Employment Law; (2) Housing Law/Tenants' Rights; (3) Human Rights Law; (4) Police Misconduct; and (5) Mental Health law.

SODS logo What is it? Part of welcoming newcomers into our neighbourhoods is ensuring they are, and feel, safe in their homes. Student volunteers will develop and deliver a public legal education session tailored toward settlement organization staff across Saskatchewan, along with an online toolkit for ongoing reference. These resources will surround the rights and protections available to survivors of family violence in Saskatchewan, specifically tailored to those without Canadian citizenship.  

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in criminal law and/or preventing family violence
  • You have an interest in helping newcomers to Canada
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking  

Number of students: 2-3 students 

Project type: Public legal education – presentation and online toolkit

Additional Requirements: None

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

 

YWCA logo

What is it? Students will update existing resources to reflect current legal options and current laws available to survivors of sexualized violence. Students will create presentations and facilitate information sessions tailored for YWCA clients who access in-house programs. Student volunteers will also update a pamphlet detailing resources for survivors of sexualized violence.

 

You might like this project if:

  • You have an interest in laws surrounding sexual assault 
  • You have interest or experience working with survivors of sexual assault 
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

Number of students: 2-3 students 

Project type: Public legal education – presentation, pamphlet 

Additional Requirements: None.

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

 

YWCA logo 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.

You might like this project if: 

  • You have an interest in administration law, housing rights, and tenants’ rights 
  • You have a passion to help marginalized members of the community  
  • You are friendly and comfortable with public speaking 

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)
    • 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 2025-2026 Volunteer Application

PBSC 2025-26 volunteer applications are now closed. Check back in August of 2026 to apply next year!

Dates & Events

For 2025-2026

Application & Launch Event

Applications open: Tuesday, September 9, 9:00 AM

PBSC Launch Event (pizza & prizes): Tuesday, September 9 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM in College of Law RM 150

Early-bird application deadline Friday, September 12, 11:59 PM

Final application deadline: Monday, September 15, 11:59 PM

Offers go out: Friday, September 19

Deadline to accept placement: Monday, September 22, 11:59PM

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 25 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

Sexual Assault Information Training (mandatory for projects involving consent and sexual assault survivors): Friday, October at 1:30PM. in RM 64

Other project-specific training: Training dates 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, 2026

Last day to complete project: Monday, March 31, 2026

Application Deadlines

Dates for 2025-2026

Early-bird Application Deadline for Volunteers: September 12, 2025, 11:59 PM

Final Application Deadline for Volunteers: September 15, 2025, 11:59 PM

Contact Us

Brooklyn Morrison & Veronica Dirk-Pothier
2025-26 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

pbsc@usask.ca

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If you are seeking legal advice, one of the following resources may be able to provide you with assistance: