CMLAVolunteer Opportunity: Muslim Legal Support Centre Summer Student
The Muslim Legal Support Centre (MLSC) was initiated by the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association (CMLA) in 2018 in recognition of the lack of culturally competent legal services accessible to the Muslim community. The MLSC works to empower Muslims in Ontario by providing public legal education, referrals and summary legal advice, in addition to working towards systemic change.
The MLSC is looking for a volunteer student to assist with the administration of its services and programming for the summer. The student will also help meet and implement MLSC’s strategic plans, goals and initiatives. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to assisting with public legal education sessions, conducting research around client and clinic needs, conducting outreach to Muslim organizations and assisting with the clinic’s communication, marketing and fundraising needs. The student can anticipate volunteering up to 6 hours each week starting in June.
Duties
Directing clients to intake form
Connecting clients with lawyers
Updating case status and client data
Soliciting feedback from clients
Providing referrals to relevant service providers
Speaking with clients and managing phone line
Attending check-in meetings with staff
Exploring areas for improvement for intake process
Other duties assigned time to time
Qualifications and Skills
Current law or paralegal student preferred
Interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills
Committed to access to justice
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
Familiarity with video conference software
Familiarity with online tools (e.g. Google Workspace)
Benefits of Role
Serve Muslims in a culturally competent manner
Increase understanding of legal needs of Ontario Muslims
Gain experience in clinic and non-profit settings
Improve writing and data skills
Acknowledgement of volunteer contribution
Application Process
All applicants are requested to contact the MLSC with an expression of interest and resume in one document to mlsc.coordination@gmail.com. The document must be in Word or PDF format and should not exceed more than three pages. Please indicate ‘MLSC Student Volunteer Application’ in the subject line when the application is submitted. Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with preference given to applications submitted by June 3, 2022.
The MLSC welcomes diverse applicants who self-identify on the basis of any of the protected grounds under the Human Rights Code. We are committed to full compliance with the Human Rights Code, the Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation. We will provide accommodation during the hiring process upon request. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those in consideration for the role will be contacted.