Windsor Law Externship Program
Windsor Law’s Externship Program places students in law firms, non-profits, non-government organizations, courts, and community collectives under the supervision of a licensed lawyer. Students participate in a preparatory seminar and are provided both on-site and academic supervision throughout the term. The Externship Program incorporates work-integrated and skills-based learning alongside critical reflection, self-directed personal and career planning, focus on ethical and professional practice, and engagement with access to justice in theory and practice.
Windsor Law’s Externship Program consists of two distinct but complementary portions: a seminar course titled “Learning in Place” and the placement itself entitled “Externship Placement”. The seminar will consist of pre-placement training, ongoing support and a final placement showcase. The Externship Program includes a competitive application process, an array of placement sites, and a seminar that integrates the academic and work-based components of the program. Placements will vary from term to term. Students must enrol in both the seminar and work portions simultaneously.
Fall 2025 Placement Participants:
Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Bill C-92, Legal Aid Ontario (Sarnia)
Number of Placements: 1
Description: As part of this placement, students will negotiate work on any of the following projects: working with a lawyer with Aamjiwnaang First Nation placement, supporting an initiative related to Bill C-92, and/or observing work at the Indigenous Peoples Court (Walpole Island/Bkejwanong). This placement offers a valuable opportunity to apply a decolonial lens to legal research and practice while building respectful relationships and learning directly from the experiences and priorities of Indigenous Peoples.
Duties: Depending on the interest of the student.
Hours: This placement is either remote, in person, of hybrid, depending on the interest and needs of the student. Regular office hours are 9:00 am – 5:00pm.
Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO)
Number of Placements: 1
Description: ACTO is a community legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario with a province-wide mandate to assist low-income Ontarians with their housing issues through legal advice and representation, law reform, community organizing, and education and training. ACTO also provides the Tenant Duty Counsel Program across Ontario which provides legal information and assistance to self-represented tenants appearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board. ACTO works closely with the other legal clinics across Ontario, particularly in providing tenant duty counsel services.
Duties: As a student working with ACTO, you will be expected to demonstrate strong legal research and high-quality legal writing skills, along with a collaborative, team-based approach. You should have a genuine interest in social justice and advancing systemic change. Under the guidance of ACTO’s team of lawyers and professionals in community development, research, and communications, you will contribute to advocacy and legal research projects that support ACTO’s strategic litigation and intervention work in appellate courts, legislative forums, and broader community settings. Unlike general legal clinics that focus on tribunal-level advocacy, ACTO operates as a litigation boutique with a primary emphasis on appellate work and public interest interventions.
Hours: Students will primarily work during Office Hours 9am- 5pm. Flexible hours are sometimes available, between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm. Fully remote placement.
Bobby Russon Criminal Law Office
Number of Placements: 1
Description: This placement is ideal for students with a sincere interest in criminal law—whether you're a top-performing student with a clear career path or simply curious to explore what working in criminal defence is really like. We welcome students who are committed to learning, regardless of whether they've already decided on a future in criminal law or are just testing the waters.
Students will have the opportunity to observe and assist with real criminal files, attend court, conduct legal research, and engage in meaningful discussions about trial strategy and client advocacy. Preferred coursework includes Evidence, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Criminal Trial Advocacy, Sentencing, and participation in the Community Legal Aid (CLA), but these are not mandatory. What matters most is a genuine willingness to learn and engage with the realities of criminal practice.
Duties: As a student in this placement, you will assist with legal research and case preparation, observe court proceedings, attend client meetings, and help draft legal documents and case summaries. You’ll also participate in discussions around trial strategy and gain insight into the day-to-day realities of criminal defence work through direct mentorship and hands-on experience.
Hours: In person Placement, Office Hours 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR)
Number of Placements: 4
Description: CCHR advances the right to housing by serving renters to help them stay housed, providing education and training about housing rights, and advancing rights-based housing policy through research, policy development, advocacy and litigation. Every year, CCHR provides much needed supports to hundreds of renters facing eviction and human rights issues in their housing. CCHR also provides education on housing law, human rights and eviction prevention to a variety of audiences, including vulnerable renters, housing providers and service providers. CCHR is also compiling research and data to ignite public action and encourage decision makers at municipal, provincial and national levels to implement the right to housing for all. This work includes engaging in strategic litigation as a means to advance rights-based housing policy where traditional avenues of policy advocacy may not be effective. CCHR partners at municipal, regional, provincial and national levels, as we work to build and nurture coalitions to advance the right to housing movement in Canada and internationally.
Duties: Student externs will each be assigned to one of three teams:
• Policy, Communications, and Engagement: Students will work closely with CCHR’s public policy professionals to monitor and analyze policy developments across Canada and support community engagement and education efforts. This work may include preparing briefing notes and reviewing and analyzing legislation and relevant government policies.
• Services and Education: Students will work directly with clients, providing them legal information on a variety of issues related to their tenancies, do legal research, conduct intake interviews, and provide guided referrals.
Hours: CCHR is a national organization. Students will generally be able to work during business hours in any Canadian time zone. Meetings will usually be scheduled during our core hours of 11:30am to 4:00pm EST. This position is fully remote.
City of Windsor
Number of Placements: 1
Description: The Legal Services Department of the Corporation of the City of Windsor is comprised of four divisions: Legal Division, Purchasing, Risk Management Division, and Provincial Offences Administration (POA) Division. Students are exposed to a range of these departments, depending upon the issue that arise and the student’s interest.
Duties: The student will conduct research on a variety of legal issues, have exposure to claims investigations, attend Examinations for Discovery and mediations, and assist with contract review.
Hours: Students will primarily complete work during typical office hours (8:30 am – 4:30 pm). This position is in person.
D.S Jones Professional Corporation
Number of Placements: 4
Description: D.S. Jones Law Professional Corporation is a respected Ontario-based criminal defence firm dedicated to providing skilled and client-focused legal representation. This placement offers law students valuable hands-on experience in criminal defence practice, with opportunities to engage in meaningful legal work and observe the justice system in action.
Duties: Students will assist with legal research, drafting, and file organization, and may have the chance to observe client meetings and court proceedings. Duties may also include summarizing disclosure, preparing case briefs, and supporting trial preparation. This placement is well-suited to students with an interest in criminal law, whether they are exploring the field or committed to pursuing a career in it. Strong attention to detail, discretion, and a willingness to learn are essential.
Hours: Remote Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Fox McNevin MacKay LLP Lawyers
Number of Placements: 1
Description: We are a law firm with a strong focus on family law, including matters such as divorce, separation, child custody and access, property division, and spousal or child support. This placement provides law students with valuable hands-on experience in family law practice.
Duties: Students will contribute to legal research, draft documents, and assist with organizing and managing case files. They will have opportunities to observe client meetings and court proceedings, gaining practical insight into the family law system.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Hamilton Community Legal Clinic
Number of Placements: 1
Description: Hamilton Community Legal Clinic is a community-based not-for-profit agency whose diverse team of caring professionals and volunteers provides legal services to low-income individuals and communities to promote access to justice and to improve quality of life. We do this through summary advice and referral, representation, community development, law reform, and public legal education.
Duties: Students must be able to appreciate and sensitively respond to the experiences of diverse clients with low income, many of whom experience issues with mental health and addiction. Attention to detail is key. An understanding of applying an Anti-oppression and Anti-racism lens while practicing is key.
The primary role is to interview clients who are appealing the denial of their ODSP applications and requiring housing advice. The student will have an opportunity to work closely with a staff lawyer on a number of housing cases, as well assist in providing Tenant Duty Counsel. An opportunity to provide public legal education will depend on community requests
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
HIV Legal Network
Number of Placements: 1
Description: The HIV Legal Network (formerly the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network) promotes the human rights of people living with, at risk of or affected by HIV or AIDS, in Canada and internationally, through research and analysis, litigation and other advocacy, public education and community mobilization. The HIV Legal Network produces research and resources used to support the work of front-line AIDS service organizations, researchers and community activists from across Canada and around the world. The HIV Legal Network engages decision-makers, from parliamentarians and judges to United Nations delegates on the importance of human rights in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The clinic defends and advances human rights through strategic litigation in the courts, in Canada and internationally.
Duties: The student will do regional comparative legal research about LGBTQ rights, constitutional law research in support of sex workers' rights, legal research on caselaw relevant to cases of HIV non-disclosure. In addition, the student will do legal research in support of the Legal Network's court interventions, assist with drafting of legal submissions and observe court hearings and deputations.
Hours: The student is expected to work during office hours M-F 9am-5pm. Flexible hours are possible. In person is preferred.
Hours: Remote Placements, Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Industrial Accident Victims' Group of Ontario (IAVGO) Community Legal Clinic
Number of Placements: 1
Description: IAVGO is a not-for-profit community legal clinic providing free legal services to injured workers in Ontario since 1975. IAVGO is funded by Legal Aid Ontario. IAVGO also operates “Advocates for Injured Workers” which is a student legal aid clinic. IAVGO provides individual legal representation and summary legal advice as well as public legal education, community development and law reform. More information about IAVGO can be found here: http://iavgo.org/about/. Information about IAVGO's many campaigns and law reform work can be found at iavgo.org/whats-new.
Duties: IAVGO is willing to adapt students' assignments to their interests. Students are asked to describe their areas of interest in their cover letter.
Hours: Remote Placement. Students will primarily complete work during typical office hours (8:30am – 4:30pm).
John Howard Society
Number of Placements: 1
Description: John Howard Society of Ontario (JHSO) is a provincial non-profit organization dedicated to research, advocacy and education in the criminal justice space. Our Centre of Research & Policy connects direct service experience with innovative analysis to translate research into action. By collaborating closely with the 19 JHS local offices in the province, the Centre’s team of analysts and researchers develops policy positions that truly reflect the needs of each community, advances those positions to governments and other organizations, educates the public on the critical issues, and evaluates program efficacy to guide future work. Through it all, we're committed to ensuring that innovative ideas can translate into real action.
Duties: Students will work primarily with the Director of Policy but may also engage in research and/or public education activities depending on Centre priorities and student interests. Work with the Centre may include reviewing and preparing briefs of criminal and social justice legislation, assisting with the development of factsheets, submissions and other policy documentation and participating and contributing to policy and research projects of the JHSO, as required. Public education activities may include conceptualizing, developing and designing public legal education content (see public education section on our website for examples). Students may work on issues/topics including bail and remand, homelessness, drug toxicity and the experiences of people as they move through the policing, courts and correctional systems.
Hours: Remote Placement, Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Johnson Miller Family Lawyers
Number of Placements: 1
Description: Johnson Miller is a Windsor-based firm dedicated exclusively to family law, offering personalized legal services in areas such as divorce, separation, child custody, support, and property division. With over 25 years of experience, the firm is known for its compassionate approach and commitment to guiding clients through complex family matters with clarity and integrity. As a student in this placement, you will gain hands-on experience in family law practice.
Duties: Responsibilities may include conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and observing client meetings and court proceedings. This role offers a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills and understand the nuances of family law in a supportive and client-focused environment.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Julie Santarossa/Ben Strickland Law Office
Number of Placements: 1
Description: This shared placement with the law offices of Julie Santarossa and Ben Strickland offers law students a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in criminal defence. The placement is ideal for students with a strong interest in criminal law and a desire to develop their skills in case law analysis, legal writing, and professional client interaction. Working with two experienced practitioners, students will gain insight into the realities of defence work and the criminal justice system in a supportive and hands-on environment.
Duties: Students will engage in a range of assignments, including legal research and memo writing, attending court to observe proceedings, and participating in client and surety interviews.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Justice Centre Windsor
Number of Placements: 1
Description: Justice Centres bring together justice, health and social services to address the root causes of crime, break the cycle of offending and improve community safety. Justice Centres move justice out of the traditional courtroom into a community setting. Justice centres hold individuals accountable for their offences while connecting them to services (such as health, mental health, addictions, housing and employment supports) that reduce the risk of re-offending and support communities and victims harmed by crime.
Duties: As a student, you will have the opportunity to contribute to legal research focused on restorative justice approaches, assist in developing and evaluating innovative justice programs, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams that may include lawyers, social workers, and community organizations. You may also engage in public education and outreach efforts aimed at increasing awareness of Justice Centre services. This placement is well-suited for students with strong research and communication skills, a passion for social justice, and an interest in working within a collaborative, client-focused, community-based environment.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Lavigne Law
Number of Placements: 1
Description: Located in Chatham, Ontario, a family law firm dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation in matters such as divorce, separation, child custody and access, support, and child protection. This placement offers law students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in family law practice.
Duties: Students will assist with legal research, drafting documents, and organizing case files. They may also observe court proceedings and client meetings, providing insight into the family justice process.
This placement is ideal for students with a strong interest in family law and a desire to develop practical skills in a supportive and client-centered environment.
Hours: This placement will be mainly in person with some opportunity for hybrid work if needed. Office Hours: 9:00am – 4:30pm.
Level Justice
Number of Placements: 1
Description: Level Justice is looking for a motivated, energetic, and hard-working individual to join our small, dynamic team for a 12-week position to develop, and execute Level's legal sector training program(s). This includes working in tandem with Level’s Program Manager to develop and establish social justice and access to justice focused training programs aimed toward the legal profession. Please note that the placement is remote, with the exception of instances where attending the delivery of the trainings may require travel.
Level Justice is a Canadian charitable organization on a mission to level barriers to justice by disrupting prejudice, building empathy and advancing human rights. We pursue our mission through youth outreach, public legal education initiatives, human rights research and events, and through specialized mentorship programs. Since 2005, Level’s programming has motivated tomorrow’s lawyers, leaders and change-makers to champion social justice causes and make positive contributions to their communities.
About Level’s Legal Sector Training
Level’s specialized trainings, aimed toward the legal profession, work to increase knowledge about social justice and access to justice topics. This includes Level’s Empathy Training, Cultural Humility Training, Anti-Oppression Training, and more. The trainings are available in-person or virtually in a standard and customizable version. The standard trainings are 1 hour in length and entail an exploration of foundational concepts. Customizable
versions are also available for a fee, which are 1.5+ hours in length and can be tailored to the specific needs and requirements for workplace training.
Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated experience working within the non-profit sector;
• Demonstrated interest in social justice;
• Some experience with justice education or public legal education;
• In-depth knowledge and experience in issues impacting the legal profession;
• Proven academic record;
• Strong research and writing skills;
• Strengths in public speaking;
• Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Collaborative and friendly attitude; and
• Design and marketing experience considered an asset.
Duties: Reporting to Level’s Program Manager, the successful candidate will be working primarily on the Legal Sector Training Programs. The student’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Research, Drafting, and Development:
• Conduct high-level research to collect resources for use of the legal training programs;
• Draft and design materials associated with the programming (i.e. program summaries, presentation materials, scripts, etc.);
• Develop the facilitation strategy of trainings in order to maximize interaction and information retention;
• Develop evaluation methods in order to gauge the impact of trainings; and
• Liaise with clients/participants so as to tailor the trainings to their specific workplace needs.
Outreach:
• Conduct outreach aimed toward legal workplaces to pitch the trainings;
• Partake in marketing of the trainings to maximize circulation;
• Connect with relevant interested parties in order to book at least one training delivery;
• Assist with scheduling and management of the trainings; and
• Assist with delivery of the training on the day-of, where necessary (traveling may be required).
Hours: Remote Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Ministry of the Attorney General – Windsor Crown Attorney’s Office
Number of Placements: 1
Description: The Crown Attorney system is responsible for prosecuting the vast majority of Ontario's criminal cases. Organized on a local basis, each office is supervised by a Crown Attorney and staffed by Assistant Crown Attorneys. In becoming a proficient prosecutor, an Assistant Crown Attorney must master all aspects of trial practice including such matters as case preparation, witness examination and cross-examination, the use of forensic evidence, legal argument, and the art of addressing the jury.
Apart from trial work, Assistant Crown Attorneys may provide a range of related services. They give legal advice to police during the course of investigations; they assist police in obtaining search warrants; they review police briefs and conduct 'charge screening' (by which they endeavour to eliminate charges where there is no reasonable prospect of conviction); and they try to facilitate reasonable resolutions of cases prior to trial whenever possible.
Duties: The student will observe court proceedings and shadow Assistant Crown Attorneys engaged in their daily assignments.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00pm.
Mississauga Community Legal Services (MCLS)
Number of Placements: 1
Description: Mississauga Community Legal Services (MCLS) provides legal services to people with low income in the Mississauga area. The clinic mandate is to provide free legal information, advice and representation to low-income residents in areas of law that are practiced by the clinics (including housing, immigration, and social benefits). The clinic is staffed by lawyers, community legal workers and administrative staff, and directed by a volunteer Board of Directors, whose members come from the community. The clinic is funded by Legal Aid Ontario (LAO).
The immigration team at MCLS is seeking an upper level (third year) placement student to help the team with legal research, social science research and country condition research that will be used to prepare immigration applications and appeals, and public legal education seminars. The placement student should have a dedicated interest in immigration and refugee law, as the work will be primarily in this area of law.
Duties: Student must be able to appreciate and sensitively respond to the experiences of clients with low income. Student must be able to work with clients experiencing mental health challenges. Preference for student to have an interest in social justice and immigration/refugee law. Preference for third year student for this placement, as this work will require strong research skills, specifically in immigration and refugee law.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: M-F 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, TH 1:00 – 5:00 PM, Closed daily 12:30-1:00 pm.
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Number of Placements: 1
Description: The Municipality of Chatham-Kent offers law students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience within its Legal Services Division. This placement is designed for students interested in municipal law, governance, and public policy, providing exposure to the legal frameworks that support local government operations.
Duties: During the placement, students will assist with legal research, draft memoranda, and support the preparation of legal documents related to municipal by-laws, contracts, and regulatory compliance. They may also have the opportunity to observe council meetings, participate in policy development discussions, and engage with various municipal departments to understand the interdisciplinary nature of municipal governance.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Municipality of Leamington
Number of Placements: 1
Description: The Municipality of Leamington offers a dynamic placement opportunity for law students interested in municipal law and public service. Under the guidance of the Legal and Legislative Services Department, students will gain practical experience in areas such as by-law enforcement, policy development, and legal research.
Duties: Responsibilities may include assisting with legal research, drafting memoranda, supporting the preparation of legal documents related to municipal by-laws and contracts, and participating in policy development discussions.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Muslim Legal Support Centre (MLSC)
Number of Placements: 1
Description: The Muslim Legal Support Centre (MLSC) is an innovative new organization that aims to ensure Muslims have equitable access to legal services and fair treatment within the legal system. The MLSC works to increase access to justice for Muslims in Ontario by providing legal information and education, referrals and summary legal advice, and by addressing systemic injustice.
Discrimination against Muslims in Ontario is on the rise and the intersecting impacts of poverty,
racialization, discrimination and Islamophobia make this diverse population distinctly vulnerable.
The MLSC was created to cater to the day-to-day needs of low to middle income Muslims and increase their access to justice. Since its inception, the MLSC has served hundreds of Muslims through its legal education sessions, pop-up clinics and legal services.
The MLSC is responsive, community-based and collaborative. We embrace Muslim communities as a group of diverse people with many common interests. We focus our work on the legal needs of Ontarians who self-identify as Muslim or are perceived as Muslim.
Duties: Students will be exposed to multiple areas of law that disproportionately impact Muslims with limited means including immigration, social benefits, and family. The student’s primary competencies and responsibilities include: understanding of access to justice needs of racialized communities, ability to locate local legal and social service and supports available for racialized communities, updating case status and client data. Under the supervision of lawyers, the law student may provide: client intake, contribute to the development and management of MLSC interventions and case work, clerical and research support for our staff lawyer, soliciting feedback from clients, providing referrals to relevant service providers, speaking with clients and managing phone line, attending check-in meetings with staff, exploring areas for improvement for intake process, other duties assigned from time to time.
Hours: The student is expected to work regular business hours (8:30am – 4:30pm) The MLSC has no permanent office space. Some student work is conducted remotely, and other work occurs in person.
Peak Processing Solutions
Number of Placements: 1
Description: Peak is a licensed processor & contract manufacturer in Windsor, ON, that manufactures and distributes cannabis products including but not limited to beverages, vapes, oils and extracts. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent written expression and reading comprehension, a strong curiosity and drive to learn quickly, and the ability to work independently. Students must be comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and attention to detail. This placement is well-suited for students eager to take initiative and gain meaningful exposure to real-world legal work.
Duties: Students will be engaged in both corporate and regulatory work, including contracts review and administrative support; legal and regulatory memo drafting; due diligence research; file maintenance; and related tasks as assigned by Legal or Regulatory.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Reybroek Law
Number of Placements: 1
Description: We’re a Toronto-based law firm specializing in personal injury, employment law, commercial litigation, and criminal injuries compensation. Currently working on a housing project “Tiny Homes” for which we are recruiting. The student will require legal research skills, fact checking, and the ability to be succinct and provide approachable material that is accessible by non-experts. It is expected that the student will be comfortable asking questions and asking for help as needed. As the student will be shadowing lawyers and articling students on live matters, participating in ethical and professional conduct will be paramount.
Duties: The student will be responsible for researching both international and domestic solutions to the housing crisis, with particular emphasis on policies and practices related to affordable housing options, such as "tiny homes." In addition to this research focus, the student will have the opportunity to observe and engage with the firm’s practice areas, including personal injury, commercial litigation, and employment law. This is primarily a remote position, with occasional in-person attendance required—approximately once a month, potentially during the winter break. If access to client files is necessary, the student will be provided with a firm-issued laptop.
Hours: Remote Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Stipic & Weisman LLP
Number of Placements: 1
Description: We are a full-service law firm with offices in Windsor and Belle River, Ontario. With over a century of service in the Windsor-Essex region, the firm is known for delivering comprehensive legal support to individuals, businesses, and public institutions. Their areas of expertise include family law, civil litigation, employment law, real estate, wills and estates, and corporate and commercial matters.
This student placement provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a broad range of legal practice areas.
Duties: Students will contribute to legal research, draft documents, manage case files, and may observe client meetings and court proceedings. Additional tasks may involve reviewing disclosure, preparing case briefs, and assisting with trial preparation.
The placement is well-suited for students looking to develop practical legal skills in a supportive, team-oriented environment. A strong work ethic, solid research and writing abilities, and keen attention to detail are key to success in this role.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition
Number of Placements: 1
Description: Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition (TCBC) is a volunteer-led advocacy group dedicated to transforming Toronto’s transportation priorities by championing active, sustainable, and people-focused infrastructure. We advocate for the reallocation of public road space away from motor traffic toward cleaner, more equitable modes of transportation such as cycling, transit, and walking.
A passion for active transportation and a belief in creating vibrant, people-friendly cities are key. Whether you're a cyclist or just believe in better streets, this is a chance to use your legal and advocacy skills to make a tangible impact in Toronto communities.
Duties: As a student in this placement, you will support TCBC’s work across our three core pillars: strategic advocacy, community partnership, and government transparency. Duties may include legal and policy research, assisting with public education materials, helping draft submissions or correspondence to government bodies, and supporting community engagement initiatives. There may also be opportunities to contribute to campaigns promoting cycling equity, road safety, and climate-conscious urban design. This placement is ideal for students with an interest in municipal law, transportation policy, environmental justice, or public interest advocacy.
Hours: Remote Placement, Office Hours 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Town of Essex
Number of Placements: 1
Descriptions: The Town of Essex offers law students a dynamic placement opportunity within its Legal and Legislative Services Department. This placement is ideal for students interested in municipal law, governance, and public administration, providing hands-on experience in the legal frameworks that support local government operations.
Duties: Students will assist with legal research, drafting memoranda, and supporting the preparation of legal documents related to municipal by-laws, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Town of Lakeshore
Number of Placements: 1
Description: We offer a dynamic student placement opportunity within our Legal and Legislative Services Division. This role is ideal for students interested in municipal law, governance, and public policy, providing hands-on experience in the legal frameworks that support local government operations.
Duties: Students will assist with legal research, drafting memoranda, and supporting the preparation of legal documents related to municipal by-laws, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Town of Tecumseh
Number of Placements: 1
Description: The Town of Tecumseh offers an engaging student placement opportunity within its Legal Services Department, ideal for those with an interest in municipal law, governance, and public administration. This placement provides hands-on experience with the legal issues that shape local government operations.
Duties: Students will be responsible for conducting legal research, including legislation, regulations, and relevant case law, to support municipal projects and legal opinions.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Unison Health and Community Services
Number of Placements: 1
In-person placement
Description: While we are a general service legal clinic like others throughout the province, we are one of the very few that is integrated within a larger organization. Unison is a community health centre, with numerous other services, of which legal is only one. As such, we work closely with a number of other staff.
Duties: It is anticipated that there would be elements of client interviewing and notetaking, some legal research, and assistance in community development and public legal education.
Hours: Remote Placement. Students will primarily complete work during typical office hours (9:00am – 5:00pm.)
Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH)
Number of Placements: 1
Description: WRH is one of the largest community hospitals in the Province of Ontario. It is the regional provider of advanced care in areas that include complex trauma, renal dialysis, cardiac care, stroke and neurosurgery, intensive care, acute mental health, family birthing centre, neonatal intensive care, paediatric services, regional cancer services, and a broad range of medical and surgical services required to support these specialised areas for more than 400,000 people in Windsor and Essex County. Student will be exposed to a wide range of legal areas, and others related to the provision of services in a hospital setting.
Hours: Students will primarily complete work during typical office hours (8:30am – 4:30pm). May be required to attend meetings outside these hours (eg 7 am or 5 pm). This is an in- person placement.
Windsor-Essex Bilingual Legal Clinic
Number of Placements: 2
Description: Windsor-Essex Bilingual Legal Clinic provides bilingual legal services to members of the Windsor-Essex Community. Services are provided in the following areas of law: social benefits, housing, employment, CPP, human rights, Small Claims and Criminal Injuries Compensation. The clinic also engages in law reform and public legal education. Services are provided at no cost to persons with low income.
Duties: Students will engage in a range of duties including research, interviewing clients, writing submissions, observing and/or conducting hearings under close supervision, as appropriate. French speaking students are preferred. English speaking students may also apply. Please indicate if you speak languages other than English and French.
Hours: In Person Placement, Office Hours: M-F 9 AM – 4:30 PM.
Windsor Law Externship Program Application (Fall 2025)
* Winter Term Application will take place later this Fall.
Windsor Law’s Externship Program places students in law firms, non-profits, non-government organizations, courts, and community collectives under the supervision of a licensed lawyer. Students participate in a weekly seminar and are provided both on-site and academic supervision throughout the term. The Externship Program incorporates work-iinformed and skills-based learning alongside critical reflection, self-directed personal and career planning, focus on ethical and professional practice, and engagement with access to justice in theory and practice.
Windsor Law’s Externship Program consists of two distinct but complementary portions: a seminar course titled “Learning in Place” (2 credits) and the placement itself entitled “Externship Placement” (4 credits). The Externship Program includes an array of placement sites, and a seminar that integrates the academic and work-based components of the program. Placements will vary from term to term. Students must enrol in both the seminar and work portions simultaneously.
In addition to course credit, some placements may include a stipend. We will confirm which placements offer funding once selections have been finalized.
To view all the Placement participating in Fall 2025 Term please review the Profile summaries under the Placement Tab. If you have any specific questions about a placement, you may contact Legal Career Consultant, Kristijana Gavrovski. You can also book with her or any of the CSO Team via Symplicity for assistance with your applications.
Applications will be reviewed by the Externship Director, Prof. Smyth in consultation with the Placement Supervisor. Successful applicants will be asked to complete an interview before they are selected for a position.
Apply via Qualtrics by June 19 at 12:00PM: Externship Program Application - Fall 2025.
Please combine the following documents into a single PDF file when submitting:
- 1 page cover letter addressed to Professor Gemma Smyth describing why you would like to be selected for an Externship position. Provide highlights of your experiences that would contribute to an Externship placement, as well as what you would like to learn from a placement experience. If you are selected for a particular placement, you will be asked to edit your cover letter for next stage of the process. Please ensure you meet all requirements of the placements you choose;
- Your resume; and
- Your transcript (an unofficial transcript will suffice).
Students must simultaneously enrol in both the seminar (5932-01) and placement (5933-01) portions of the program for a total of 6 credits (2 for the seminar, 4 for the placement).
In order to be prepared for success, please take a moment to review the documents on this page.
Anti-Requisite Practice Exception Form
Insurance Form
- Student Declaration of Understanding (complete and return to externship@uwindsor.ca)
Mental Health & Wellness at Windsor Law
A special thank you for your generous support
Thank you for hosting a student extern from Windsor Law. In order to be prepared for success, please take a moment to review the documents on this page.
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Externship Supervisor Manual (includes program background, policies, and best practices)
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Workplace Injury Insurance
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Pre-placement Due Diligence Checklist (complete and return to the Clinical & Experiential Learning Coordinator at Windsor Law)
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Safety Orientation Checklist (complete and return to the Clinical & Experiential Learning Coordinator at Windsor Law)
- Withdrawal Policy
Professor Gemma Smyth is the Externship Director.
You can contact the Clinical and Experiential Learning Coordinator at externship@uwindsor.ca.
Please fee free to reach out with any questions!
