Student Placements
Founded in 2002, the Legal Clinic of Guelph and Wellington has been providing student co-ops for many years. In 2024, we developed a new student placement program that focuses on providing unique learning opportunities to LPP and IPC law students. We accept law student and co-op applications for fall, winter, and summer semesters each year.
Articling placements may also be available. These positions are funding dependent. Any openings will be posted in early April each year.
All of the staff there were so helpful and kind to anything we asked. I’m super happy about having the opportunity to do a placement at the Legal Clinic and working with such amazing people. I feel I have learned so much; it’s also a big confidence boost to getting some experience in the field.
– Alesh N. Co-Op Placement, Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice (2025)
Program Details
While the Clinic’s focus is on low-income community members as a whole, we are co-located inside a Community Health Centre, which prioritizes the needs of individuals with tier 4/5 mental health/substance use and/or precarious housing. People in these tiers have multiple support needs with highly acute, highly chronic and highly complex mental health & substance use impacted by social determinants of health. Our Clinic works alongside the social supports in the Centre to ensure these individuals receive comprehensive wrap around supports. Our services are engaged to ensure community members maintain their social benefits, and avoid loss of stable housing. Students assist walk-in clients, provide navigation and legal support for the social benefit appeal process, and work toward providing summary housing advice under supervision.
Our catchment area is also uniquely divided between rural and urban settings. Students have the opportunity to engage in rural service delivery through our Law Van. This project brings expert legal help to rural communities ensuring community members are not impacted by barriers like lack of transportation, or limited phone/internet access. This project along with other PLE and outreach opportunities gives students the chance to engage in legal activities outside a traditional office setting.
Lastly, our Clinic is supported by the work of the Indigenous Justice Coordinator Program and the Criminal Senior Counsel Program. Depending on student interest, they are welcome to participate in these programs by attending community events.
I’m so glad I did my placement with the GW Legal Clinic. Doing client intake allowed me to serve many people in my community and learn about all the legal issues the Clinic was working on. The staff were all patient and generous mentors and created opportunities for me to work on the types of cases that interested me. The Clinic also helped me better understand and apply the Law Society’s conflict of interest rules. I’m very grateful to have completed my placement in such a supportive environment.
– David B. Practice Placement Student, Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Lakehead University (2024)
– Aqsa S. IPC student, TMU & Alexandra S., articling student. (2025/26)
I had a great time completing my IPC placement at the Legal Clinic! From completing client intakes to providing clients with legal advice, the Clinic provided me with a valuable experience that I learned so much from. The Clinic emphasizes providing clients with as much support and resources as possible by connecting them to other services in the community. This holistic approach has helped many of the clients access services they didn’t even know existed!
– Aqsa S. IPC Student, Lincoln Alexander School of Law (2025)
Key Responsibilities:
• Client Intake & Interviewing: Lead the client intake process, conduct initial interviews, and gather relevant documentation from clients to assess their legal needs.
• Legal Research: Conduct legal research on a variety of issues related to housing, social assistance, and human rights.
• Legal Drafting: Draft legal documents, such as letters, legal memos, and affidavits.
• Client Advising: Provide legal advice to clients on housing and social assistance issues under the supervision of a senior lawyer.
• Case Management: Assist in managing client cases, including tracking deadlines and organizing documents. Students will have the opportunity to manage their own caseload.
• Professional Development: Attend and actively participate in team meetings, case strategy sessions, and client discussions to enhance professional and legal skills. Students will also assist in evidence gathering.
• Tailored Learning: Students will have the opportunity to follow their specific interests within the scope of Clinic practice. There will also be chances for students to participate in Public Legal Education and outreach activities.
I have really enjoyed my time at the Legal Clinic. Every day, I saw firsthand how the clinic makes a meaningful difference in the Guelph community, and it was rewarding to be part of that impact. As an Articling Student, I had the opportunity to learn extensively about housing law, social assistance, and the challenges many community members face. I was able to build my skills, gain confidence, and learn from a dedicated team. I’m grateful for the chance to contribute while continuing to grow in my legal career.
– Alexandra S. Articling Student, Osgoode (2025/26)