Volunteer applications are now being accepted. Please click here for a copy of the application. The deadline for submission is September 17, 2007.
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Volunteering at AIW back to the top ↑
Are you interested in getting hands-on legal experience in your first year? Representing your own clients? Writing submissions? Attending hearings? Then AIW is the student legal clinic for you!
We represent injured workers in their claims with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario.
Only a 3 hour commitment per week
Develop your legal research, writing, and advocacy skills
Great summer jobs available at AIW following your first year
Hands-on clinical legal experience is well-regarded by law firms and
government employers
To learn more about the AIW experience, and the role AIW can play in your legal education, click here.
For more information contact christine.davies@utoronto.ca or evan.schiller@utoronto.ca.
Summer Work at AIW back to the top ↑
Typically, each summer, 8 full-time summer positions are available. Most AIW summer students also volunteered at AIW during the school year. Salaries are funded by Legal Aid Ontario. Students continue to be supervised by a staff lawyer from the Industrial Accident Victims’ Group of Ontario. A full-time summer student will handle between 9-14 files.
AIW for Credit back to the top ↑
Upper year AIW volunteers are eligible to receive 2 credits per year for their clinical work (LAW248Y1Y).
Frequently Asked Questions back to the top ↑
Who are the clients?
Clients are referred to us by the Industrial Accident Victims’ Group of Ontario.
Our clients are victims of workplace accidents or occupational diseases, or the surviving spouses of victims. Many of our clients face multiple social barriers, including poverty, disability, and English as a second language.
What training will I receive?
AIW volunteers will receive 8 hours of initial training in workers’ compensation law and practice before receiving their first files. However, much of the training is “on the job,” as students will receive their own files right away. A supervising lawyer as well as the student shift leaders will provide mentorship and guidance for new student volunteers.
I don’t know what I’m doing!! What supervision will I have?!
AIW volunteers are supervised by a staff lawyer at the Industrial Accident Victims Group of Ontario. The staff lawyer consults with the student on case strategy, addresses students’ questions and concerns, answers legal questions. AIW is a friendly, collaborative environment, and new students will have the benefit of an experienced shift leader who can answer questions and provide suggestions.
Where is AIW located?
AIW is located at 489 College Street (College and Bathurst intersection), about a half hour walk from the law school, and just steps from the Kensington Market and Little Italy. AIW is accessible by TTC by the College streetcar or Bathurst bus.
Click here for a map to help you find us.
Testimonials back to the top ↑
“AIW has been, without a doubt, the defining experience of my law school career. Whether or not I continue in worker's compensation, the practical experience in advocacy I received there will be invaluable. I've learned much more about the administration of public law at AIW than I could ever learn in a classroom setting. Most importantly, the amount of work and responsibility I had as an AIW caseworker has really helped me to understand what my own future may hold, and how it feels to be motivated by ends other than my own academic success.”
- Evan Schiller, second year law student
“My experience at Advocates for Injured Workers has been entirely positive. In my first year at law school, I volunteered in a large clinic, where student contact with lawyers was minimal. After joining AIW in my second year, I was impressed with the close working relationship between the students and the supervising lawyer, Jo-Ann Seamon. I was pleased to receive files on my first shift, and begin hands-on training. At times, the file work was challenging; however, the guidance of our shift leaders and Jo-Ann proved most helpful. I look forward to returning to the clinic – and my files – in September.”
- Cathleen O’Sullivan, second year law student
“Working at the Advocates for Injured Workers in my first year has been a wonderful experience. I saw first hand the severe inequality in society that is normally hidden from view. More importantly, I learned how I can use my legal education as a force of change. Many of the clients we serve come from disadvantaged minority communities and they do not get a fair chance in the legal system. Advocates for Injured Workers has been an integral part of my law school career.”
- Kenneth Lee, first year law student
“Volunteering at AIW has been a truly meaningful experience that has enriched my law school education by giving me the opportunity to obtain valuable hands-on experience. I think the program is well run and Jo-Ann has done a great job of providing introduction training seminars for those us who weren't as familiar with the issues. The small size of the clinic allows for the students to really get to know one another, and helps establish a collegial and close-knit atmosphere.”
- Christina Kim, second year law student