There is a vast unmet need for legal support and information in the class action sphere. There are currently several thousand outstanding class action lawsuits in the country. The general public has only a vague understanding of how class actions work, or what to do if they think they are part of an action. Class members have no access to independent, non-partisan information about their rights in the litigation, how to object to a proposed settlement or fee, or how to claim their rightful share of a settlement.
Windsor Law helps fill that void with the world's first Class Action Clinic. Launched by Justice Jasminka Kalajdzic during her time as a Professor at Windsor Law, the clinic has both a web-based and physical presence, as well as a telephone service. Students work at the Clinic under the supervision of the full-time Staff Lawyer and the Clinic Director. The clinic provides a range of services, from summary advice, public education and outreach, assistance with filing claims in settlement distribution processes, and legal representation in court hearings.The Class Action Clinic’s central mission is to serve the needs of class members across Canada. It is the first not-for-profit organization designed to provide class members with summary advice, assistance with filing claims in settlement distribution processes, and representation in court proceedings. The Clinic is dedicated to creating greater awareness about class actions, through public education, outreach, and research. We are also involved in appellate advocacy as interveners and support other community organizations in their advocacy efforts.
Under the supervision of a full-time staff lawyer, the Class Action Clinic’s team of law students provides direct client services, ranging from legal information about an ongoing class action to drafting court documents. Settlement claims processes vary in complexity and evidentiary burden. Class members often require individual attention to fully understand the procedures and adduce the appropriate evidence. Moreover, as many of our clients have survived historical abuse, we are committed to providing trauma-informed assistance throughout. Students are responsible for their own client files and thus learn by doing. You are supported in your work by the staff lawyer and are trained to provide trauma-informed assistance and to hone your interview skills.
To date, the Clinic has represented over 250 class members in a variety of class actions, including medical device cases, the Indian Day School, Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre, Ontario and Federal Administrative Segregation and the OxyContin/Purdue Pharma class actions. The Clinic has helped clients recover more than $1.6 million in compensation. Many of our clients are survivors of trauma.
Students enrolled in the Class Action Clinic are expected to attend weekly seminar meetings, undertake legal and policy research on class action issues, draft legal documents, and provide summary advice and assistance to class members. Enrolment in the Class Action course is a pre- or co-requisite with this Clinic placement. Students working at the Clinic during the academic year are given priority in the summer hiring process.
Course: Class Action Seminar
Duration: 1 term
Credits: 4 per term
Evaluation: Pass/fail
Pre-requisite: Class Action course
Number of students: 4
Students will be expected to:
- Maintain weekly office hours of 3-4 hours for intake;
- communicate with class members to determine their needs;
- conduct legal research;
- draft legal documents;
- investigate class actions;
- prepare public legal education materials;
- attend a weekly seminar with the Clinic Director;
- read assigned material and engage in discussion at the weekly seminar;
- write one blog of 800-1200 words;
- assist in the development and publicity of the Clinic; and
- perform other work as needed.
Apply via Symplicity
The Class Action Clinic at Windsor Law hires up to four law students to work full-time (12-14 weeks) in the summer months. Students work under the supervision of the full-time Staff Lawyer and the Clinic Director, and can do so either remotely or in person, in Hamilton or Windsor.
Who Should Apply
Law students who are currently in 1L or 2L at any Canadian law school are invited to apply. Preference will be given to students who:
- have taken a Class Action course or who are otherwise familiar with class actions;
- have taken Civil Procedure course;
- have experience with trauma-informed practices or client interviewing;
- are familiar with complex claims processes; and
- attend and will be returning to Windsor Law in the subsequent fall term.
The Clinic provides a unique opportunity to engage closely with clients and complex litigation. Aspiring litigators are encouraged to apply.
Apply via Symplicity
Applications for Summer 2025 are due at 8am on February 24.
More information is available on the Class Action Clinic website.
Questions about the clinic can be directed to Andrew Eckart, Staff Lawyer.
