For Fall 2021, there are Judicial Internships at the Ontario Courts of Justice in Windsor and Newmarket only. Both of these placements are with the Criminal court.
Placements will take place primarily on a remote basis during the Fall 2021 term. Limited face-to-face opportunities may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In Windsor Law’s Judicial Internship Program, students are placed with one or more Supervising Judges in one of the Provincial Courts across Ontario. Judicial Internships provide a unique opportunity to better understand the work of the courts, learn from observing and critically reflecting on legal advocacy, and refine legal research and writing skills under the direct supervision of a Judge. Students interested in future Clerkship opportunities are highly encouraged to consider a Judicial Internship. Please see information on each placement site, below, including who to contact should more information be required.
For Fall 2021, there are Judicial Internships at the Ontario Courts of Justice in Windsor and Newmarket only. Both of these placements are with the Criminal court.
Windsor - Family, Chatham, and Halton will NOT have placements in Fall 2021.
Applications are collected in the summer for the Fall term and in early Fall for the Winter term. Students will be notified of the application details via email.
2L and 3L students may apply by submitting an online Application Form. Required documents include cover letter setting out the student's reasons for seeking an internship and the qualities and experience the student possesses that make them suited for the position. A resume, transcript (an unofficial transcript will suffice), and writing sample must also be provided. Students apply for their preferred Judicial Internship placement and have the opportunity to provide any further information that supports their application. The applications will be assessed in consultation with the Supervising Judges.
Students might be required to enrol in other Law courses before confirming a Judicial Internship placement. Students are therefore encouraged to enrol in all courses besides the Judicial Internship. If students secure a Judicial Internship placement, they will be given permission and instructions to enrol in the proper course. Students can work with the Academic Coordinator’s Office to ensure the proper number of credits for a term. Students may also wish to request a credit overload form, available through the Academic Coordinator’s Office.
Students will receive three (3) credits for their work. Assessment is based on the student's professionalism and contributions to the work of the Court, including in the form of preparing research memoranda. Assessment will be made by the Supervising Judge, in consultation with the Externship Program Director. Performance will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Weekly Submission of Hours
Insurance Form
- Student Declaration of Understanding (complete and return to the Clinical & Experiential Learning Coordinator at Windsor Law)
Anti-requisite Practice Exception Form
Mental Health & Wellness at Windsor Law
Court Etiquette and Procedures
A special thank you for your generous support of the Travel Fund
- Workplace Injury Insurance
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Pre-placement Due Diligence Checklist (complete and return to the Clinical & Experiential Learning Coordinator at Windsor Law)
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Safety Orientation Checklist (complete and return to the Clinical & Experiential Learning Coordinator at Windsor Law)
Please contact the Externship Director Gemma Smyth with any questions about this placement.
Stacey Marion is the Clinical and Experiential Learning Coordinator at Windsor Law.
Thoughts from former Judicial Interns
“The one-on-one weekly interactions with a judge were a very enriching experience. Most of the lessons I learned stemmed from those interactions, where I was provided with practical advice and mentorship.”
Anjali Rajan
Windsor Law, Class of 2017
2016 Judicial Internship
“The clerkship was one of the most practical and useful things I did while in law school. Not only did it look good on a resume, but I found it to be a great talking point in interviews. Practically speak, I feel that this program made be better prepared to practice litigation after graduation. I learned about the importance of the pleadings/court documents from a judge’s perspective. It was also great to see the lawyers in our community practicing. Observing counsel in court aided me in learning presentation techniques of my own and about the civility required in our courtrooms.”
Jennifer L. Seufert
B.Sc. (Hons.), J.D.
Windsor Law, Class of 2014
2013 Judicial Internship – Family Law Clerkship