“I have had a fantastic experience with the AIW program so far. It is such a valuable experience to be able to work closely with clients and have carriage of multiple files as a law student. My time at AIW has affirmed my desire to work in a clinic setting throughout my legal career. More importantly, through my exposure to IWA4J’s organizing work, I have seen the limits of the law as a tool for change and the importance of organizing and building community power in creating sustainable change.”
— AIW student, 2023
Advocates for Injured Workers (AIW) is a student clinic dedicated to providing high quality legal services to injured workers. Established in 1997, AIW is an exciting way for law students to gain experience in both written and oral advocacy. Students work directly with clients, develop practical legal skills and learn more about administrative law, labour and employment law, human rights law, and litigation. Students also get involved in injured worker organizing and learn about organizing as a tool for social change.
Students working at AIW are supervised by staff lawyers from IAVGO, but have full responsibility for files including the preparation and presentation of appeals before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Tribunal. Students have the opportunity to handle a variety of casework, to engage in legal research, and to represent injured workers at all levels of appeal. Cases include Workplace Safety and Insurance Board claims, and related Canada Pension Plan, human rights and other matters.