Class Action Clinic

There is 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 Canada’s first class action clinic. 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 Andrew Eckart, full-time review counsel. Students also meet weekly with Prof. Kalajdzic. 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.

Students enrolled in the Class Action Clinic will be expected to attend weekly meetings, undertake legal and policy research on class action issues, draft legal documents, and provide summary advice and assistance to class members. Students working at the Clinic during the academic year are given priority in the summer hiring process. In the summer of 2022, three Windsor Law students were hired to work full-time, along with a student from the University of Toronto Law School.  

Applications should include a transcript, résumé and cover letter.  Cover letter should explain the student's reasons for pursuing the experience at the clinic, and highlight their skills, knowledge and experience that will contribute to clinical projects. Any experience with trauma-informed practices or client interviewing should be noted. Enrolment in the Class Action course is a pre- or co-requisite with this Clinic placement.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – Class Action Clinic, Summer 2024 Term

The Class Action Clinic at Windsor Law is hiring up to four law students to work full-time (12-14 weeks) in the summer of 2024. In previous summers, the Clinic has employed law students from McGill, the University of Ottawa, the University of Toronto and Windsor. Students from all law schools are invited to apply, though preference will be given to Windsor law students.

Students will work under the supervision of staff lawyer, Andrew Eckart, and Clinic Director, Professor Jasminka Kalajdzic, and can do so either remotely or in person in Hamilton or Windsor.

OUR MISSION + SERVICES

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 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.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE & ADVICE

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.

OUR CLIENTS

To date, the Clinic has represented over 250 class members in a variety of class actions, including medical device cases, the Indian Day School Settlement and the OxyContin settlement. The Clinic has helped clients recover more than $1.6 million in compensation. Many of our clients are survivors of trauma.

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 a Civil Procedure Course
  • have experience with trauma-informed practices or client interviewing;
  • are familiar with complex claims processes; or
  • attend and will be returning to Windsor Law in the fall of 2024.

As the Clinic provides a unique opportunity to engage closely with clients and complex litigation, aspiring litigators are encouraged to apply!

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an application via the following link: CAC Application.

Please include your CV and university transcripts, along with a brief statement explaining your interest in the Clinic in a single PDF file by March 8, 2024, at 4pm. Interviews will take place the week of March 18th.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, visit www.classactionclinic.com or contact Professor Kalajdzic at kalajj@uwindsor.ca.

Duration: 1 term, renewable
Credits: 4 per term
Evaluation: pass/fail
Pre-requisite: Class Actions course
Number of students: 2-3

Contact Professor Kalajdzic at kalajj@uwindsor.ca for more information.

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