The Public Interest Requirement at Osgoode was developed in consultation with students as well as faculty, staff and alumni. Many law students have commented that public interest work was their 'best law school experience.' Students refer to the satisfaction they receive in assisting people from marginalized communities but also from experiencing lawyering in contexts which consider the broader public or collective good.
Students who have participated in public interest programs at Osgoode in the past have offered comments about their experiences:
"I would recommend this placement (ECPAT Phillipines) to other students. It was one of the most enlightenign experiences in my academic career and it affirmed my commitment to practicing law in areas with an emphasis on social justice issues."
Osgoode Student, Class of 2010
"Working at a child rights organization in Manila, Philippines for 8 weeks was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! At ECPAT, I had the opportunity to coordinate and conduct over ten interviews with important stakeholders such as, politicians, actors, police chiefs, religious leaders, lawyers and social workers. In the course of my research, I ended-up being a participant on a game show, attending a child-pornography raid with reporters from UNICEF and conducting English lessons for a young woman in the organization's rescue shelter. By learning about child rights as well as the country's legal, social and economic characteristics, I developed strong analytical and research skills, as well as forged lasting relationships and memories that I continue to cherish."
Osgoode Student, Class of 2011
"I would definitely recommend this program...you get the full experience of dealing with clients and first-hand experience with client intake interview, you gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the research..experience that cannot be truly recognized behind the computer screen. The Osgoode Public Interest Requirement program is a progressive step that Osgoode has taken."
Osgoode Student, Class of 2010
"I would absolutely recommend this program, the training and opportunities for both professional and personal growth are invaluable."
Osgoode Student, Class of 2010
"I would definitely recommend this program as the experience is beyond valuable. Cases I worked on were interesting and I picked-up on strategies from very good lawyers."
Osgoode Student, Class of 2010
"Overall, my experience at my OPIR placement, was a very positive one and it opened my eyes to the field of criminal law and how the system can be particularly onerous to those who lack the means to finance a fair defence and retain counsel. I was exposed to a very compassionate side of the legal profession and this makes me very optimistic about my future as a practicing lawyer. My placement allowed me to gain an interesting perspective into criminal law and representation of the poor."
Osgoode student, Class of 2010
"My placement through Pro Bono Students Canada enabled me to foresee the practical implications of a law school education. This experience was a much needed breath of fresh air when compared to the classroom experience of sifting through reams and reams of dense legal text without knowing why. I would recommend Pro Bono Students Canada to all students entering law school, and if it helps fulfill the Osgoode Public Interest Requirement mandate – double bonus!"
Osgoode Student, Class of 2010
"My placement has been a great learning experience. I had the opportunity to develop interview skills and research skills as well as a lot of practice in writing legal memos and letters. I was also fortunate that my Pro Bono Students Canada placement has developed into part-time employment for the next year."
Osgoode Student, Class of 2010
"My placement with the Gwich'in Tribal Council in Inuvik, Northwest Territories was an exceptional experience. Not only did I gain practical legal experience, I also learned first hand how law can be used as a tool for positive change in a community. It was a privilege to be invited to learn about Gwich'in legal traditions and to gain insight into self-government from an indigenous perspective. I know the lessons I learned during this experience will be invaluable to me in both my personal and professional future."
Osgoode Student, Class of 2010
"My Pro Bono experience allowed me to apply my substantive knowledge of the law in a practical setting where I saw my work making a difference in the lives of real people. It was extremely rewarding to help out with cases that could change lives for the better. Pro bono work really affirms that the work lawyers do make a difference."