Lawyer and clinic director, Prasanna Balasundaram (far left), alongside staff lawyers and summer caseworkers on the steps of the Fasken Building, home to U of T's community legal clinic and clinical legal education program, Downtown Legal Services (photo August 2023).
The University of Toronto's Downtown Legal Services (DLS) offers free legal assistance to U of T students and low-income members of the community, notably in the areas of housing, family, employment, criminal, refugee and immigration law.
It also serves as one of the clinical legal education programs at U of T's Faculty of Law – first founded by U of T law students more than half a century ago. In addition to the students who enrol in the for-credit clinical course during the academic year, the clinic hires first- and second-year JD students to join the clinic as summer caseworkers, working under the supervision of a DLS staff lawyer.
A landmark donation from The Rossy Foundation marks the first gift of its kind in support of DLS summer caseworkers.
The newly established fellowships at DLS will have a direct impact and benefit for members of the local community who are most at risk, including low-income individuals, immigrants and seniors, while providing a meaningful experience for U of T Law students.
“We are very grateful to The Rossy Foundation for their support,” says Prasanna Balasundaram, director of Downtown Legal Services. “Their gift recognizes the transformative power of meaningful access to justice and will have a direct impact not only on our students but also on individuals in our community who are particularly vulnerable, including those living with disabilities.”
Students in U of T’s juris doctor program gain real-world experience aiding members of our community, while addressing barriers to justice and learning more about legal practice. Students also gain a greater appreciation of the importance of giving back to the community throughout their future legal careers, fostering a pro bono culture.
For second-year JD student, Sian Shin, her recent summer experience solidified her passion for family law.
“My desire to advocate for individuals navigating family law issues is what led me to pursue law school in the first place,” says Shin. “I’m so grateful for the hands-on experience at DLS. It gave me more confidence to integrate empathy and equity into my work.”
The Rossy Foundation’s donation provides stable funding for summer caseworkers over the next five years, addressing the need for legal aid locally. The fellows will work on case files, attend satellite clinics, present public legal education workshops and assist with various administrative tasks at the clinic.
“No other lawyers I have ever been in contact with have treated me with as much patience, respect and kindness as the students, staff and review lawyers at Downtown Legal Services. I am grateful for the many students who worked on my file,” said a former DLS client.
More than 5,000 U of T Law students have been engaged since the inception of the community legal clinic and clinical legal education program. Today it provides service to nearly 2,000 individuals annually.
“This significant donation marks the conclusion of a year-long celebration of Downtown Legal Services’ 50th anniversary,” said Jutta Brunnée, Faculty of Law Dean, University Professor and James Marshall Tory Dean’s Chair. “Immense appreciation to The Rossy Foundation for strengthening the important work of the clinic through this generous support of student fellowships.”
