At UofT Law, we believe that your total JD experience should be a combination of deep academic engagement and hands-on opportunities that allow you to make contributions to your communities, engage in practical legal issues and build valuable professional skills.

Take a moment to think about the kinds of skills and experiences you value and how the following opportunities might help you achieve your goals. Jump to a specific one, by using the links below, or scroll down to see them all. If you have further questions, please email Sara-Marni, our Student Programs Manager at sara.hubbard@utoronto.ca

Keep in mind that we recommend that you pick up just 1-2 volunteer roles in your 1L year so that you can maintain a healthy balance and prioritize your academics.

Student Clubs and Organizations

There are over 50 student run clubs and organizations at the law school. See the full list.  Plan on attending the Clubs Fair to learn more information, including  how to sign up for an activity that interests you.

Social Life

The law school has a vibrant and active social life. The majority of social activities are run by student groups and the student government (SLS). Every year, with support from the faculty, the SLS hosts a Halloween Party and a semi-formal Law Ball, along with twice monthly pub nights. For more information about social events, make sure you join the SLS Facebook group, read Headnotes (the law school’s weekly e-newsletter), and visit the SLS website.

Public Interest Organizations and Clinics

The law school has a large number of public interest programs and in-house clinics that offer volunteer opportunities exclusively to UofT Law students: the Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights, the Future of Law Lab, the International Human Rights Program, Investor Protection Clinic, Law in Action Within Schools, Downtown Legal Services, and Pro Bono Students Canada. 

These seven main public interest programs offer you opportunities to deepen your legal education (which we often refer to as “co-curricular activities”). Watch for our Clubs Fair to learn more about each of these specific programs.

Student Journals

For students who have an interest in editing and research, there is an opportunity to join a team and become an editor for one of UofT Law’s three student-run journals:

1.  Indigenous Law Journal
2. Journal for Law and Equality
3. University of Toronto Law Review

Clubs and Programs Fair: An Opportunity for 1Ls to Sign Up

Most of the law school’s student clubs, journals, clinics and public interest organizations recruit 1L students in September. Make sure that you attend this year’s Clubs and Programs Fair on September 7, 2023, 12:30-2pm in the Jackman Atrium to learn more information about specific volunteer opportunities. Through the fair, you will hear from the students and staff representing the many different activities.  Look out for an email in early September with details about this year’s Clubs Fair.

Mentorship

Deepen your connection to the law school and the profession by getting mentored. UofT Law has several excellent opportunities for mentorship: the Peer Mentorship Program, the Alumni Mentorship Program, and the Peer Mental Health Support Program. Learn more about them, including how to sign up: Peer and Alumni Mentorship programs and the Peer Mental Health Support Program.

Students’ Law Society (Your Student Government)

Have a voice and take on a leadership role in your law community, by participating in our internal governance.  There’s a role for everyone!  Your student government at UofT Law is called the Students’ Law Society (SLS). See the SLS website for information about what it does and how to get involved.

Interested in the broader UofT community, reaching more than 60,000 students?  There are a number of ways law students can participate in governance at UofT.

Spiritual Engagement

Beliefs can be an important part of who we are and how we learn. Check out information about spiritual diversity at the law school, including the location of the law school’s multi-faith/quiet space, and religious accommodations.

To Do Before You Arrive

• Check out the Student Life section of the Faculty of Law website.
• Think about the kinds of skills and experiences you want to build and make a plan of activities that are the best match for you.
• Plan to attend the Clubs and Programs Fair on September 7, 2023, 12:20-2pm in the Jackman Atrium.

Did you know...

The law school has a conference travel fund.  It can help provide students with some financial support to attend a legal conference of interest.