Poverty Law at Parkdale Community Legal Services

Established in 1971, Parkdale Community Legal Services (PCLS) was the first community-based legal aid clinic in Ontario. The Intensive Program in Poverty Law at PCLS has had two goals from its inception: providing progressive legal services for marginalized individuals and communities; and providing clinical education in a poverty law setting. More than 1200 students have participated in the Parkdale program, which is funded by Osgoode and Legal Aid Ontario.

In 1999 PCLS was the recipient of the Law Foundation of Ontario's Guthrie Award that is bestowed upon an individual or an organization performing outstanding public service in the administration of justice.

The program provides an understanding of the social phenomenon of poverty, including its causes and impacts, and a critical analysis of the legal system's and the legal profession's responses to poverty.

After an intensive week of training and an introduction to the Parkdale community in August, students spend a full term at PCLS in the west end of downtown Toronto. Students are assigned to one of the clinic's four working groups: immigration; landlord and tenant; social assistance, violence and health; or workers' rights. Students are responsible for interviewing clients and carrying a caseload of about 15 active files under the supervision of staff lawyers and community legal workers. Students will occasionally appear before boards, tribunals and courts. In addition to casework, students participate in community organization, education outreach, and law reform activities. During the term students attend a weekly seminar and write a 30-page paper that contributes in some manner to the work and goals of PCLS.

The 15-credit program is open to 20 students per term. Students receive a letter grade for the seminar (3 credits) and a pass/fail grade (12 credits) for their work at the clinic. A written evaluation of the student's work at the clinic becomes part of the student's transcript. Parkdale also offers summer positions for 20 students, usually 12 incoming students and 8 experienced students. Applicants who are offered placements are assigned to their term and legal group in March of the preceding academic year.

Please visit the Parkdale website for more information: