From Classroom to Community: A Law Student’s Journey at the Legal Help Centre

As I work through my last year at Robson Hall, I find myself reflecting on my time as a law student and the numerous opportunities that I have had the privilege of participating in. While I am grateful for every opportunity law school has presented to me, the most memorable and impactful experience that I had as a law student was participating in the Externship Program at the Legal Help Centre (LHC).

What is the Legal Help Centre?

LHC is a non-profit organization serving the Manitoba community since 2011. Its mission is to improve access to legal and social services for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals through in-person drop-in clinics and telephone appointments. LHC also offers educational clinics, referrals to social services, and partners with other legal organizations and law firms across Winnipeg to fulfill its mission. LHC creates a welcoming environment for people seeking assistance while providing volunteer lawyers with a chance to give back. This symbiotic relationship fosters an exceptional learning environment for law students, helping them expand their legal knowledge and gain valuable hands-on experience. 

How I started with the Legal Help Centre

My journey with LHC began when I was hired as a summer student in 2024. This role was crucial to my legal education, as it marked my first experience interacting with clients. These client interactions were invaluable, allowing me to apply theoretical classroom learning in a clinical setting. The lawyers on staff were instrumental in helping me navigate the initial learning curve, equipping me with the skills needed to handle real-world challenges that I hadn’t encountered in class. Thanks to their support and the hands-on experience I was able to garner, I saw significant professional growth in just four months. By the end of my work term, I was certain that I wanted to continue on at LHC during my final year of studies, but this time as an extern student.

Drop-in Clinics: Dynamic and Enriching

The most dynamic and rewarding aspect of the Externship Program at LHC is the drop-in clinics. These clinics are organized twice a week and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. The drop-in process consists of several stages, with the client interviews being the most exciting. This stage provides the opportunity to directly interact with the clients, allowing you to listen and gain insights into the specific reasons for their visit. This part of the process is essential as it helps build understanding and rapport while addressing the clients’ legal needs.

Building a human connection with the clients while assisting them navigate the legal system is a privilege all on its own. – Bharat Rai, 3L

The feature that makes the drop-in process dynamic is its unpredictability. At any given drop-in, in addition to interacting with different clients with unique legal issues, there’s also a diversity in the lawyers that are volunteering. These lawyers can range from the professionals from one of the large full-service firms to the experts from specialized boutique firms, each bringing a distinct perspective and approach to the legal challenges presented. Whether it’s the clients, legal issues, or volunteer lawyers you encounter, no two situations are ever the same and that fosters countless opportunities to be adaptable and challenges you to think on your feet.

The drop-ins not only hone your legal skills, but also help develop your ability to empathize and communicate effectively with people from all walks of life. Building a human connection with the clients while assisting them navigate the legal system is a privilege all on its own. The challenges and rewards of these interactions have been some of the most enriching parts of my legal education, offering lessons that extend beyond textbooks and case law.

 Final thoughts

My experience with the Externship Program at the Legal Help Centre has been transformative, providing me with invaluable hands-on learning that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world legal practice. The ever-changing and spontaneous nature of the drop-in clinics has challenged me to think critically, adapt quickly, and develop key skills that will be essential in my future legal career. As I approach the end of my law school journey, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the LHC’s mission while gaining the experience and insight that will guide me as I move forward in my profession.