Student Navigators Jenna Taghikhani and Faith Hedges at the Community Legal Aid desk in the Ontario Court of Justice, where Navigators provide legal support and guidance to self-represented litigants. (SUBMITTED BY HARPREET BURMY/University of Windsor).
By Sara Meikle
For many people facing provincial offences or minor criminal charges, navigating the justice system can feel like a maze.
From locating the Crown Attorney’s office to understanding what documents are required for a case, self-represented litigants often find themselves at a disadvantage.
The Community Legal Aid – University of Windsor’s Navigator Project is tackling this challenge head-on.
A collaboration between Community Legal Aid and the Ontario Court of Justice and Windsor Provincial Offences Court, the program places student volunteers directly in courthouses to help self-represented litigants navigate the legal system and connect with legal support.
“These students are more than guides — they’re a bridge to justice,” says Adrian Cormier, legal counsel at Community Legal Aid. “They help people understand the process, access resources and get the advice they need, all while learning firsthand the realities of working with a vulnerable population within our community.”
As of January 2026, the program has evolved to allow student navigators to provide summary legal advice and conduct client intakes for Community Legal Aid, under lawyer supervision. In the first month alone, students assisted more than 50 litigants at the Ontario Court of Justice, opening at least 10 case files for full representation. The Windsor Provincial Offences Court, which operates only on Mondays, has seen even higher demand.
“This is real access to justice,” Cormier explains. “Being in the courthouse raises awareness about the services available, ensures self-represented litigants don’t fall through the cracks, and helps the judiciary and defense bar see students as a reliable resource.”
The program’s model is designed to serve both the community and the students.
Volunteers interact with a broad range of people each day — screening eligibility, collecting documentation and explaining court procedures. This gives students practical, hands-on experience they cannot get through traditional clinic work, while the community gains direct, immediate support.
“There’s a lot more thinking on your feet as a navigator,” says Cormier. “Students are problem-solving in real time, learning to communicate clearly with the public and building networks within the courts and legal community.”
A recent example highlights the impact: a litigant came in unsure whether their disclosure package was complete. A student navigator reviewed the materials, explained what is typically required in a case like this and guided the person on how to request additional information from the Crown. Without this assistance, the litigant may have faced unnecessary delays or disadvantages in court.
With 16 dedicated student volunteers, the Navigator Project is becoming a model for community-engaged legal education, helping Windsor Law students gain experiential learning while making justice more accessible.
“Every file opened is someone in the community receiving advice or representation they wouldn’t otherwise have,” says Cormier. “For our students, this is hands-on learning about the justice system and how to serve the public — experience that shapes the kind of lawyers they will become.”
The Navigator Project demonstrates how volunteers, universities and courts can work together to raise awareness, expand access to justice and strengthen the connection between law students and the community they serve.