Human Rights Project

Project Summary

In collaboration with Calgary Legal Guidance and with support from the Alberta Human Rights Project, students on this project will assist community members in dealing with human rights complaints. Students will develop their interview skills as they listen to the clients’ stories to gather the theory of the case. During the interview students will also explain the basics of the Alberta human rights process (including matters such as limitation periods, the Commission’s complaint resolution processes, the likely timeline for getting to a hearing, and the range of possible remedies).

After the interview, students will use their basic knowledge of human rights law and the information provided by the client to prepare a written summary of their understanding of the client’s human rights issue. Based on this summary, the supervising lawyer will assess the case for merit. In a second client meeting, the student will then convey to the client the lawyer’s advice on (A) to what extent the complaint has merit, (B) what steps the lawyer recommends the client take. Where the complaint has reasonable merit and where program resources allow, the students will then support the client to complete their complaint form (and to assemble any necessary supporting documents) for filing at the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

“The Human Rights Project is unique because it provides direct legal assistance to claimants before the Alberta Human Rights Commission. With this project, students have the opportunity to carry out the functions of the Alberta Human Rights Act and ensure all individuals have access to basic necessities including earning a living, shelter, and public services without discrimination.”

Katie Ross, 3L
Project Lead

Number of Students and Prerequisites

– 3 upper year student volunteers
– 1 project lead
– The student volunteers will be comprised of upper year students, with a preference for students who have taken or are taking administrative or human rights law
– Students must display research, writing and client management skills, as well as professionalism and the ability to meet deadlines

Area of Law

– Human Rights Law

Legal Skills

– Delivery of legal information
– File management skills
– Client interviewing skills
– Oral advocacy skills
– Public speaking skills

Project Type

Direct Legal Assistance Project

“I volunteered for the Human Rights Project for the experience of litigation and managing a file from start to finish. As part of the project there are opportunities to conduct client intake interviews, draft submissions, and advocate for our clients at mediation or the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal. You also learn how to manage client expectations in an empathetic manner during very difficult circumstances.”

Fatima Campos, 2020 – 2021 JD Graduate
Project Lead

Time Commitment

Student volunteers on this project are expected to volunteer from October to March (excluding December). PBSC students are expected to volunteer 3-5 hours per week. Additional hours are at the students’ discretion. Overall, all PBSC projects are easily manageable alongside academic demands.

Required Training

All training for this project is schedule and provided by PBSC Calgary and the organization. This training will take place in September-October, and will not conflict with students’ course schedules.

The following PBSC training sessions are mandatory to volunteer on this project:
– PBSC Process Overview
– PBSC Ethics and Professional Responsibility Training
– PBSC Anti-Oppression Training
– Westlaw Research Strategies Training
– 2-hour Processes overview, provided by Supervising Lawyer
– Complaint filling process overview provided by Alberta Human Rights Commission

Specific dates and times will be provided once volunteers are placed on their respective projects.

How to Apply?

Applications for the 2023/2024 are currently open! Please fill out the Google Form linked below.