Join Us in the Fight Against Wrongful Convictions!
Innocence Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to identifying, advocating for, and working to exonerate individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. Over the past 30 years, we have championed the exoneration of innocent individuals across the country who have been wrongfully convicted of serious offences, particularly homicides. We are also a national leader in public education and legal reform, regularly lending our expertise to academic institutions, the criminal justice system, government bodies, legal entities, media outlets, and everything in between.
Summer 2025 Law Fellowships
Application Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:59pm EST
We are looking for law students who are passionate about social justice and wrongful conviction advocacy to join our team this summer!
For information on how to apply see below or click here.
Fellowship Overview:
Our summer fellowship offers law students the unique opportunity to develop their legal and professional skills while learning the intricacies of post-conviction work in Canada. It runs full-time from mid-May to late August 2025.
Our fellowship students support our casework and legal education portfolios. On the casework side, students assist our legal team with post-conviction investigations, gaining hands-on experience analyzing case files, reviewing disclosure, and conducting legal research. On the education side, students support our legal education and reform initiatives, which can include programming/ curriculum development for law students and lawyers, and training for criminal justice professionals such as police.
**Given the nature of our work, this is a hybrid position out of our Toronto office, however full remote work is possible for the right candidate.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a JD or LLB program at an accredited law school
- Passion for criminal law and wrongful conviction advocacy
- Demonstrated knowledge our mandate and work
- Familiarity with post-conviction work in Canada and the exoneration process
- Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian criminal law, including criminal law focused coursework
- Casefile management in a legal setting (preferred)
- Proficient in French (preferred)
- Strong skillset in ALL the following areas:
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Legal research and writing
- Taking initiative and working independently
- Working collaboratively in a small team environment
Application Process:
Your application package must include the following:
- Cover letter: one page max, size 12 font, addressed to Pam Glatt, Director of Education.
- Curriculum vitae: two pages max.
- Post-secondary transcripts: law school, undergraduate, and any other applicable transcripts (ex. Graduate, college, etc). Unofficial transcripts accepted.
- Two references: Full name, title, relationship to you, email and phone number for two professional references (employment / academic). We will not accept any reference letters.
How to submit your application:
- Compile your application into one PDF document
- Using your school email, email your application package to education@innocencecanada.com
- In the subject line of your email, include your name and “Summer Application 2025”
Interviews:
We anticipate conducting interviews mid-late February. All interviews will be conducted via Zoom.
*Due to the large volume of applications, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Compensation/Funding:
To facilitate multiple fellowship positions, successful candidate(s) must apply for external funding from their law school. Most law schools have funding for summer fellowships, and your Careers Office will be able to provide you with details, including deadlines, on how to apply. Our Director of Education is also happy to assist you in this process.
If your school has an upcoming deadline, please note that in BOTH the body of your email AND your cover letter.
Innocence Canada will fund students who are unable to secure funding through their school / if your school doesn’t provide funding.
Contact:
Please direct all questions/ inquiries to our Director of Education, Pam Glatt at pglatt@innocencecanada.com.
Accommodations:
We are an equal opportunity employer encourage applications from everyone who meets the requirements set out in this posting. If you require accommodation throughout the application process, please reach out to our Director of Education at the email listed above.