CLASP is Osgoode's on-site student legal aid clinic.  At CLASP, students work with real clients from the community in a variety of roles; from the initial intake interviews, to researching and preparing a file for trial, to representing clients in court or at a tribunal.  CLASP enables students to get a true taste of what it's like to practice law!

From the very first week of law school, first-year students are able to get involved with CLASP by signing-up to be a volunteer.  Second and third year students apply to Division Leaders in one of the three divisions, Administrative, Criminal, and Immigration Law.  In addition to their file work, Division Leaders also participate in law reform and public legal education initiatives.  

Please see the CLASP website in order to learn more about the important work CLASP does and as well as to learn more about volunteering at the clinic.

Division Leaders work full-time over the summer when they receive intensive training and oversee the clinic's summer operation.  During the academic year, Division Leaders work part-time in the clinic for academic credit.  In addition to their regular clinic responsibilities, Division Leaders also train and supervise first-year volunteers.  As part of the clinical program, all Division Leaders participate in a weekly academic seminar.

Read more about the student experience here. 

Program Requirements:

The 15-credit program is open to up to 20 students per year. The academic program runs over both fall and winter semesters.  Students receive two separate letter grades for their participation in both the fall and winter seminars (3 credits each). Students’ clinical work is graded on a credit/no credit basis (9 credits). A written evaluation of each student’s clinical work is attached as part of the student’s transcript.

There are no prerequisites for the program.