Pro Bono Students Canada: Windsor Chapter
law students serving the public good
Interested in becoming a part of PBSC? Check out our current Projects!
Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year have now been closed. Looking forward to a great year!
Welcome to
PBSC Windsor!
"One of the most visionary undertakings I have seen in my 40 years at the bar"
Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella
Stay up to date!
Get in touch!
pbsc@uwindsor.ca
ABOUT PBSC
Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) is a national, multiple-award-winning organization with chapters in 22 of Canada’s 23 law schools. The first pro bono organization in the country, PBSC has been working with law schools and the bar to deliver high-quality legal services for 20 years. We have extensive program expertise and experience designing award-winning access to justice placements that are recognized as having a significant impact on access to justice.
WINDSOR LAW
CHAPTER
Every September, Windsor Law students are invited to apply to volunteer on a PBSC project. In previous years, we have had over 118 students participating in our chapter and we have partnered with 21+ local community organizations and have run 40+ community projects (with anywhere from 1-20 student(s) working on one project).
OUR VALUES
DIGNITY
We believe that every person is entitled to respect, to have their voice heard, and to fully enjoy their rights.
EQUITY
We stand for substantive equality, inclusion, and diversity in all its forms. We focus on impact (not just good intentions).
HUMILITY
We prioritize listening, learning, and self-reflection. We value the wisdom of the communities we serve, and their lived experiences inform our work.
OUR PROJECTS
LEGAL RESEARCH
PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION
CLIENT INTAKE AND DOCUMENT ASSISTANCE
PROVIDE LEGAL INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS
PBSC BY THE NUMBERS
1500
12,000+
student volunteers
low-income Canadians served
120,000
pro bono hours contributed
89%
of our students report that they plan on offering pro bono upon graduation
500+
projects nationally
MEET OUR TEAM
Oluwatimilehin Robert, Program Coordinator
Timi is a third-year student in the single JD Program at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. In her first year, she participated in the Youth ID Clinic where she got to help address the challenge of possessing photo identification when one is homeless or marginally housed. Timi completed her undergraduate degree at Lakehead University in political science, where her passion for access to Justice was cultivated. She is passionate about making legal information more accessible to minority communities and newcomers, and is so excited to be a program coordinator this year at PBSC!
Malak Tehaili, Program Coordinator
Malak is a third-year student in the dual JD program at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. In her first year, she participated in the Youth ID Clinic where she was able to serve homeless and marginally housed residents of Windsor obtain photo identification. In her second year, Malak volunteered as the project lead of the Youth ID Clinic, where she was able to further serve youth obtaining photo identification. Prior to law school, Malak received her BS in Biology from the University of Windsor. Malak's deep passion for furthering access to justice, stems from her immense volunteer experience with non-profit agencies. She is especially excited to make an impact within her own community through her role as program coordinator this year!
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Anna Maria Decia-Gualtieri, On-Site Supervisor
The Windsor Law PBSC Faculty Supervisor is Anna DeCia-Gualtieri, who is also the Career Services Coordinator. Anna is an alumna of Windsor Law, Class of 2001 and also earned her Honours Bachelor of Arts (French Language & Literature) from the University of Windsor. Anna was called to the Ontario Bar in 2002 and practiced commercial and estate litigation at McTague Law Firm LLP until 2008, when she joined Career Services. Over the past 13 years, Anna has built many relationships with alumni and employers to better serve students. In her role as co-chair and a contributing member of the NALP - Canadian Section Diversity Working Group over the last nine years, Anna has grown to better understand and appreciate diversity and inclusion. For the past four years, Anna has chaired and co-chaired the NALP - Canadian OCI Schedule Working Group, whereby school and employer representatives work as a team to ensure that all vested interests are accounted for from coast to coast. In addition, Anna has proudly served as the only Canadian member of the NALP “Emerging Employer Engagement” Task Force and has recently been elected as a member of the “Conference Planning Team”. As a long-standing member of the Windsor Essex community, Anna is Vice President of the Board of Directors of Harmony in Action and an active member of the Notre Dame Catholic School Advisory Council.
Matthew Macdowell, Events Coordinator
Matt is a second-year student in the single JD program at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. During his first year, he dedicated his time to the Community Legal Aid Clinic, where he worked as a Junior Caseworker, and spent his time helping resolve employment and landlord & tenant disputes for vulnerable clients. Also in his first year, Matt participated in the Transnational Law Moot, hosted by the University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Windsor. He and his partner reached the semi-finals, inspiring him to continue developing his advocacy skills for vulnerable community members. Prior to law school, Matt completed his Bachelor of Commerce with a specialty in Real Estate Management at Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson University). Upon completing his undergraduate studies, he began working in the commercial real estate industry, which sharpened his social skills, allowing him to connect with a wide range of individuals. Outside of school, Matt enjoys volunteering in the community working with kids, playing sports and spending time with friends. Matt is looking forward to putting his relevant skills to use as this year’s Events Coordinator, and putting together meaningful events that benefit people in the local Windsor community.
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Maryana Odisho, Fundraising Coordinator
Maryana is a second year student in the dual JD program at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. In her first year, she participated in the Pope Francis Legal Clinic at the University of Detroit Mercy where she was able to assist those in need by providing support through the process of their legal claims. During her first year, Maryana also volunteered at New Beginnings where she assisted vulnerable youth in the judicial system. Prior to law school, Maryana received her BA in Justice Studies. Maryana’s desire to make an impact within the community derives from her volunteering positions, where she was able to directly contribute to the positive growth of various communities by advocating for those in need. Maryana is excited to contribute to PBSC through her role as Fundraising Coordinator this year!
Ria Nirula, Communications Coordinator
Ria (she/her) is a first-year student in the Single JD program at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. She has just received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences with distinction this past June from the University of Manitoba. During her undergrad, she has been heavily involved within the student-life community. She has been involved with the Science Students' Association, Student Union, Arts Student Body Council, and more. All these roles have allowed her to develop her leadership in various ways; whether it be tutoring or mentoring students, to advocating for students and providing them with a sense of community. She has volunteered at organizations such as CanU, Let's Talk Science, and the Canadian Blood Services as well. Ria has also conducted research with Professors during her undergrad in the College of Nursing and Medical Physics departments. Outside of school, Ria enjoys staying active, getting involved within the community, and reading. Ria is excited to be a part of PBSC this year as Communications Coordinator, and help provide interactive and fun content to students while also working with her colleagues to provide opportunities to UWindsor Law students interested in pro-bono clinical experience.
EVENT UPDATES
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The University of Windsor sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which includes the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomie. We respect the longstanding relationships with First Nations people in this place in the 100-mile Windsor-Essex peninsula and the straits – les détroits – of Detroit.