Law Students’ Legal Advice Program

Hi, incoming 1Ls!

My name is Megan and I’m the Public Relations Director for the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP). LSLAP is a great program because it allows you to engage in real-life legal work while you are still a law student. Every year, our students draft legal documents, run trials, and attend hearings and tribunals. This might sound intimidating and perhaps even terrifying, but I promise that it’s a fantastic experience. LSLAP provides a lot of support to students, whether it’s from our two in-house supervising lawyers, supervising lawyers at clinics, or other students in the program. If you do feel overwhelmed, we will never ask you to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with! We’re always around to help you out with file management and any questions you may have.

Here’s a quick rundown of how LSLAP works. Students sign up online in early September and are assigned to one of our many clinics throughout the lower mainland. Each student is assigned to a clinic that runs every other week, for a total of 5 times per semester. However, we understand that law school can be busy, so it is up to the student to decide how many clinics they want to attend. Some students attend only a couple per semester, while some students love it so much that they go every week!

LSLAP clinics are two hours long. Students meet with each client for 30 minutes to do file intake. Afterwards, students make appointments with the supervising lawyers to discuss how we can help the client. Sometimes, we can only refer them to another organization or provide basic advice. Other times, we can go as far as representing the client at trial!

Here is an example of a typical file. I met with a client and took notes about his recent dismissal from his job. The client was unsure of his rights in the situation. After the clinic, I did some research on wrongful dismissal and employee rights. I thought that he might be entitled to severance pay. I took my research to the supervising lawyer and discussed the file with her. She suggested that I help the client make a complaint to the Employment Standards Board. I drafted the complaint, got it approved by the supervising lawyer, and submitted it. Later on, I also drafted submissions after the employment standards officer requested more evidence. I’ll be doing the hearing for the complaint in September!

If you want another reason to join LSLAP, how about a summer job after 1L? Every year, LSLAP hires about 14 students to be full-time summer employees. Employees are chosen in a job draw. Ballots for the job draw can be earned by attending at least 8 clinics, attending a distance clinic (e.g. Coquitlam, Surrey), or volunteering as clinic head. 1L summer law jobs are rare, so the LSLAP summer job is a great opportunity to get tons of legal experience, meet new people, make some money, and have a fun summer.

I hope to see you all at our lunch during Orientation Week! Come on out to learn more about LSLAP (and get a free lunch). If you have questions about anything, send me an email at pr@lslap.bc.ca.