Political Science student Bianca Toma receives a Rising Star Award for her work during her co-op placement as a legal assistant during the fall 2025 semester. (VICTOR ROMAO/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
University of Windsor student Bianca Toma entered a high-pressure legal workplace and quickly proved she could handle real legal responsibility as a second-year student.
In her second year of the Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Co-operative Education) program, Toma completed her placement at the Law Office of Amy Osman Professional Corporation, working as a legal assistant supporting immigration and criminal law files while gaining direct experience inside Ontario courtrooms.
Her work ethic, professionalism and confidence earned her a Rising Star Award, recognizing outstanding co-op students during the 2025 academic year.
In this Q&A, Toma reflects on her experience, her biggest lessons and her future ambitions.
Q: What was your role during your co-op placement at the Law Office of Amy Osman Professional Corporation?
A: I worked as a legal assistant. My responsibilities included preparing and organizing legal documents such as affidavits, client narratives, court filings and disclosure materials. I also supported client intake, maintained confidential case files and assisted with preparation for court proceedings, including bail hearings, case progression courts and pre-trials.
Q: Did your role include time in court?
A: Yes. Under the direction of a licensed lawyer, I attended court as a non-licensee to assist with procedural matters, deliver materials and help move files forward. This often happened when there were competing matters or urgent deadlines.
Q: How did you contribute to the firm in a meaningful way?
A: I supported the daily operations of the firm while assisting with active legal files from intake to closing. My work helped ensure deadlines were met and that clients received timely, organized representation. I often handled urgent filings, last-minute schedule changes and time-sensitive client concerns, while continuing to manage multiple files at once.
Q: What challenges did you face in such a high-pressure environment?
A: The biggest challenge was balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. Legal work involves strict deadlines and real consequences, so there is little room for error. I learned quickly that preparation and adaptability are essential.
Q: How did your political science studies and UWindsor's co-op program prepare you for this role — and were there moments where that foundation surprised you?
A: My political science studies gave me a strong foundation in critical thinking, research and analytical writing. Courses focused on policy analysis and structured argumentation helped me approach legal tasks clearly and logically. Academic research and writing also strengthened my ability to interpret complex information and communicate it effectively. The co-op program placed me in an environment where I could apply those skills immediately and with real stakes — that combination of academic preparation and hands-on placement is what made the difference.
Q: What was the most valuable lesson you took away from the experience?
A: One of the most valuable lessons was understanding how much behind-the-scenes work goes into effective legal advocacy. File organization, document tracking and preparation are critical, and small details can make a significant difference in how a case progresses.
Q: How did this experience influence your career goals?
A: The placement confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in law. It reinforced the value of experiential learning alongside academic study and showed me the importance of practical skills such as legal writing and procedural knowledge. I now actively seek opportunities that offer hands-on responsibility and mentorship.
Q: What did you gain on a personal level?
A: I gained confidence in my ability to take initiative and manage responsibility in a professional setting. Working in a demanding environment at a young age helped me trust my skills and judgment, which will continue to shape my academic and career decisions.
Toma’s co-op experience demonstrates how exposure to a particular field or industry can shape a student’s professional trajectory and help them clarify longer term career goals. As a Rising Star Award recipient, she serves as an example of how early responsibility, strong mentorship and academic preparation can combine to shape the next generation of professionals.
New employers looking to learn more about hiring a co-op student can contact hire@uwindsor.ca.
This article is part of a series celebrating excellence in experiential learning, spotlighting Rising Star Award recipients selected by Co‑operative Education and Workplace Partnerships. Their stories aim to inspire the next generation of co‑op students.