Project Summary
The Kerby Centre is committed to enhancing the ability of generations 50+ to live healthy, productive lives with a focus on their mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being. This Project will provide free Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Personal Directive documents for low-income seniors from the Kerby Centre on fixed incomes. Suitable clients will be determined via a prescreening process conducted by the Kerby Centre staff.
Student volunteers will conduct intake appointments with the supervising lawyer, draft Wills, attend at signing appointments and act as witness. During the intake, student volunteers will adhere to an intake document and will answer questions raised by clients as they are able. The lawyer supervisor will be present during each intake appointment to assist the student volunteers in answering any questions the students are not able to.
During the signing, student volunteers will review the documents with the client and confirm they accurately reflect the wishes of the client. Upon finishing the review, student volunteers will witness the documents with the clients and swear a Form GA8 – Affidavit of Witness to a Will, with the lawyer, to formalize
Time Commitment
All intake and signing appointments are expected to be held twice per month (excluding December) between 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Each student volunteer should expect to be available for one hour out of the 9:00 am – 1:00 pm time slot.
Law student volunteers on this project are expected to volunteer from October to March (excluding December). It is anticipated that students will volunteer approximately 3-5 hours per week. Additional hours are at the student’s discretion. Overall, all PBSC projects are easily manageable alongside academic demands.
Required Training
Training on how to conduct an initial consult with clients, the importance of note taking during consults, and drafting. Students must also participate in all mandatory PBSC General Training Sessions in September and October, which includes Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Training Sessions in September and the WestLaw Research Training in October.
Number of Students and Prerequisites
– 4 to 5 students
– 1 project lead
– Completion of first-year contract law is required
– Prior or current enrollment in Wills and Estates is desirable
– Students will be working with difficult topics and should be prepared to discuss sensitive issues with clients as necessary – as such, high level of professionalism may be necessary to navigate some conversations
Legal Skills
– Legal research and writing
– Delivery of legal information
– Client management skills
Area of Law
– Wills and Estates
Project Type
Direct Legal Assistance
How to Apply?
Applications for the 2023/2024 are currently open! Please fill out the Google Form linked below.