Articling Student, Innocence Project

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The UBC Innocence Project (the Project) at the Peter A. Allard School of Law engages the talents and enthusiasm of a selected group of law students to review claims of wrongful conviction in British Columbia. This work is completed free of charge but students receive course credit for their work. The goals of the Project are to: investigate claims of wrongful conviction; identify potential miscarriages of justice; assist in securing the release of individuals who have been wrongly convicted; educate law students about the causes of wrongful conviction; educate law students about the proper roles of professionals in the criminal justice system; and provide skills training for law students conducting post-conviction review work. The Project is recruiting an Articling Student for 2027-28.

Requirements

Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Nice To Haves

Superior research and writing skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to communicate and relate to different cultures and their communities
Ability to work independently, handling multiple, simultaneous tasks, prioritizing and meeting deadlines effectively
Ability to work in a team environment and to take instructions
Ability to use own initiative and make independent decisions
Ability to draft routine correspondence
Ability to organize workload, identify urgent work items, and set priorities
Ability to cope with a heavy workload
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality
Ability to deal with distressed, demanding and/or hostile clients
Ability to work effectively with people from a wide range of demographics including prisoners, those with low incomes, physical/emotional disabilities, limited literacy, or otherwise disadvantaged
Ability to exercise empathy and to assist disadvantaged clients, including those with mental disabilities, those with low income, or those whose first language is not English
Ability to exercise a high level of professionalism

Responsibilities

Explain the function of the Project to people who contact the clinic by telephone or walk in
Draft legal memoranda to support the casework
Interview potential clients by phone or in person
Review client application forms with the Director to assist in determining whether the Project can offer assistance and the scope of work that will be involved
Research, review, and organize client information, disclosure documents and other file information
Draft correspondence to Project applicants, experts and lawyers working on the file
Compile legal research on Project files by researching appropriate case law and legislation
Prepare draft submissions and research memoranda on cases and issues relating to wrongful conviction
Review disclosure from police and crown when provided
Prepare legal documents including, but not limited to affidavits and 696.1 Applications under the Criminal Code
Prepare documents for court including, but not limited to, written submissions, trial books, books of authorities, and books of evidence
Prepare and deliver correspondence on client matters
Provide legal services for clients on all matters related to their post-conviction review application under the direct supervision of the Project’s director and supervising lawyers