Torys Public Interest Summer Internships

Photo by Ron Murdock

Robert Trager, Law ’09, and Matthew Lui, Law ‘09, were two recipients of the 2007 Torys Public Interest Summer Internship Award program.

(This story is the first of a two-part series on internship programs available to Queen`s Law students. The second story will feature the Dean`s Excellence Fund internship program for second-year students.)

A few fortunate first-year students at Queen's Law will gain legal knowledge and skills while serving the public this summer. These students, successful applicants to the Torys Public Interest Summer Internship Award program, will receive financial assistance in order to work with not-for-profit and public interest agencies in Canada or abroad.

Awards will be made to students who are completing their first year at Queen's Law and are interested in working with local or international public interest organizations. The awards are allocated based on the degree to which the internship will add to an applicant student's skills and knowledge and whether the internship will contribute in a meaningful way to the organization's work in the public interest.

Matthew Lui, Law '09, and Robert Trager, Law '09, were among the five students who had rewarding experiences during their 2007 summer internships, which were made possible by the award program funded by Torys LLP.

Hitting the Right Note

Matthew interned at the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic in Ottawa. The Clinic, founded in 2003, seeks to ensure balance in policy and law-making processes on issues arising from new technology. Matthew developed his research and communication skills by assisting with filing a privacy complaint on behalf of a client and drafting a white paper on peer-to-peer sharing for the Canadian Music Creators' Coalition, and by contributing to the development of a policy paper on unfair e-contracting trade practices.

"I was able to use the legal training I received at Queen's towards a unique and worthy cause," said Matthew. "It was also [rewarding] because my interest in music fit nicely into this area of the law."

Accessing Justice

Robert interned with the HIV and AIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario ("HALCO") in Toronto this past summer. HALCO was established to counter some of the stigmatization found in the justice system against those living with AIDS/HIV, providing them with a comfortable environment in which to seek legal aid. Robert contributed to the Clinic's work by drafting memoranda, filing appeals, and assisting with mediations, tribunals and court proceedings.

"[Helping] clients with their legal issues and seeing the impact my work had on their lives was an amazing experience," said Robert. "I realized both the limits and the power of the legal profession. This knowledge has shaped the way I approach the study of law and will undoubtedly have an impact on the way I will practice."

Application Process

Applications for the 2008 Torys Public Interest Summer Internships are due on Friday, March 21, 2008. The internship awards reflect the Faculty's commitment to helping Queen's Law students gain useful practical experience, contribute to the community, and learn about national and international career opportunities. The Faculty's Administrative Committee, when allocating awards, may take into account an applicant's academic record and any previous experience working in the public interest sector. Internship awards are granted to cover reasonable expenses associated with the internship, to a maximum of $5000.

Matthew encourages students to keep an open mind when applying for internships. "I was interested in entertainment law and applied to numerous other opportunities before finding the right one," said Matthew.

Robert added, "You will get the most out of the experience by getting as involved as possible in all aspects of the [organization]."

For more information about national and international internship programs for first- and second-year students, come to the Information Session on Friday, February 8 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 202.