DEBWEWIN SUMMER LAW STUDENT PROGRAM 2025
Recommendation 6(d):
After obtaining the input of the Implementation Committee, the Ministry of the Attorney General provide broader and more comprehensive justice education programs for First Nations individuals, including,
(d) considering the feasibility of a program that would enlist students from Ontario law schools to participate in intensive summer education and legal assistance programs for First Nations representatives, dealing with the justice system generally and the jury system in particular, in consultation with Chiefs, and Court Services officials.
- First Nation Representation on Ontario Juries Report, February 2013
Overview
Further to recommendation 6(d) of Justice Iacobucci’s First Nation Representation on Ontario Juries Report (above) and in accordance with the Final Implementation Advice of the Debwewin First Nation Jury Review Implementation Committee (Debwewin), the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) and University of Windsor Faculty of Law are pleased to offer two 10–16-week summer internship placements for first or second year University of Windsor JD students during the months of May to August 2025.
These internships are being offered to support students interested in developing their knowledge and skills to provide legal assistance, support and public legal education to First Nations, Métis or Inuit (Indigenous) communities and organizations within Ontario. Successful applicants will work with MAG - Indigenous Justice Division staff to organize a placement. Successful applicants may also propose a placement themselves. The student may work with the host organization and a local Indigenous community to develop a community-based justice project that relates to the Iacobucci Report subject matter and findings. Students will also be responsible for developing and delivering at least two public legal education workshops to Indigenous community members on the role of the jury and/or other relevant issues for Indigenous people in relation to the Ontario justice system.
Preference may be given to students with a demonstrated interest or who have experience working with Indigenous communities, Indigenous community organizations, and Indigenous law.
Supervision
Day-to-day supervision of the students will be provided by the host organization. Students will not provide legal advice during the course of their internship.
Stipend
Successful candidates will be awarded $12,000 for their participation in the internship based on an expectation that they will be working on a full-time basis for the organization throughout the internship. Where the location of the internship requires the student to travel away from their current residence, they may apply for reimbursement to assist with some travel and accommodation costs during the internship. Applications for these further travel related awards require proof of costs of travel. The program will also cover the costs of reasonable pre-approved workshop expenses. Pre-approved, reimbursable expenses may be approved up to $6,000 by the students’ law school.
Reporting
Students shall prepare a written report reflecting on their experience at the conclusion of the internship, which will be submitted to the MAG-Indigenous Justice Division. A copy of the student’s final report will be shared by the Indigenous Justice Division with the student’s law school.
Applications are due by January 24, 2025 at 12PM.
All Windsor Law students who are currently in their first or second year of study and who will continue their studies at Windsor Law in the coming academic year, are eligible to apply. Students will be notified by email of recruitment due dates.
Eligible students apply for Social Justice Fellowships, indicating their preference for a Debwewin Summer Program placement.
Applications to the SJF Program shall consist of the following:
- A one-page cover letter explaining your reasons for applying, your interest in the organization(s) selected, and how the program relates to your career goals. Highlight relevant work and volunteer experience, as well as applicable academic course work;
- Your resume, two pages maximum;
- The contact information for two references;
- Your undergraduate and Law School transcripts, unofficial transcripts will suffice.
Each successful candidate will be awarded up to $12,000 for their participation in the internship based on an expectation that they will be working on a full-time basis for the organization throughout the internship. Where the location of the internship requires the student to travel away from their current residence, they may apply for reimbursement to assist with some travel and accommodation costs during the internship. Applications for these further travel-related awards require proof of costs of travel. The program will also cover the costs of reasonable pre-approved workshop expenses.
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