Law students interested in gaining practical legal experience have always been drawn to the Community Legal Services Clinic (CLS) at Western, but this year that interest has doubled.
CLS provides free legal assistance to people in London and area who cannot afford a lawyer. Students who volunteer at CLS handle a variety of files and participate in court appearances and trials.
The first-year students work as associate case workers and assist upper-year students with files, interview clients and help with the public legal education program.
First-year student applications hit 120 this year – or two-thirds of the class – to fill 30 spots. CLS director Doug Ferguson says he’s impressed so many showed interest in working at CLS and he believes there are a number of factors at play.
“I think in part it’s a function of the job market. Students perceive doing clinical work will help them when they graduate,” Ferguson says. “But I also think there is huge need in our community for legal assistance and our students are responding to that. Students want practical experience while doing good in the community.”
Students gain exposure to a wide range of law including Criminal Law, Small Claims Court, Landlord and Tenant, Estate Law (wills and powers of attorney for seniors or persons with illness), Immigration Law, and Academic Appeals. CLS also has the largest Public Legal Education program among law schools in Ontario.
Housed at Western Law, CLS provides outreach at the Salvation Army Centre of Hope (a shelter for the homeless), Fanshawe College, WOTCH (Western Ontario Therapeutic Community Hostel, assisting those with mental health issues), and recently expanded its community outreach by offering its services to the AIDS Committee of London.