The Osgoode Public Interest Requirement (OPIR) was introduced in 2006 in order to promote an ethic of community service and public-mindedness within the Osgoode student body. Many students are already active volunteers. All Osgoode students are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of unpaid, law related, public interest work before graduating. In addition to the benefits to others, volunteering is an excellent way to gain practical skills, identify areas of interest, and meet mentors, role models and potential employers.
Students may fulfill their hours by participating in eligible Osgoode programs, by volunteering for Osgoode-approved public interest placements, or by arranging their own student-sourced public interest placements. Some examples of the various ways in which Osgoode students fulfill this requirement are:
- conducting client intake and case research at the Community & Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP) clinic.
- mentoring and educating high school students in the Jane & Finch community about the legal system with the Laws in Action Within Schools (LAWS) program
- providing lawyer-supervised free legal services to low income clients through Pro Bono Students Canada
- participating in Osgoode’s clinical and intensive programs
- conducting legal research abroad during the summer for the UN and various Human Rights NGOs through International Legal Partnership
Students arranging their own opportunities must have their placements approved for their hours to count toward the OPIR requirement.
After completing their hours, students must submit a short paper reflecting on their volunteer experiences, or participate in a moderated group discussion with other students.
Students will receive recognition for their volunteer work on their final transcripts.
See the OPIR website for detailed descriptions of the available placements and required forms.