Alberta Law Reform Externship

Updated: June 22, 2026

Author: Sandra Petersson

Course Description

The Alberta Law Reform Institute [ALRI] is offering an externship as an upper-year course in the Fall 2026 or Winter 2027 terms. It consists of an integrated experiential learning component as part of ALRI’s project on the Residential Tenancies Act and the development of new topics. Students will undertake a range of legal research and writing projects under the supervision of ALRI’s legal counsel or executive director.  You can find out more about the residential tenancies project and ALRI’s work at https://www.alri.ualberta.ca/

Experiential Component

The experiential component typically involves 36–39 hours of assigned project work over the term. This compares to three hours of in-class time per week over a 12–13 week term. Students are expected to devote this time to project work and preparation, as well as structured reflection and debriefing with their supervising lawyer.

This time does not include administrative tasks such as email correspondence, travel, or scheduling meetings.

Students will gain hands on experience in the law reform process through working on an active law reform project. This will involve legal research and writing, developing suggestions for future law reform project and may include opportunities to observe or participate in a public consultation or board meeting.

The supervising lawyer will meet regularly with the student(s) to assign work, discuss progress, and provide feedback. A typical schedule may include meetings every two weeks, either in person or virtually. 

Nature of Work

Work may include:

- Legal and policy research

- Drafting memoranda, summaries, and briefing materials

- Supporting the work of supervising or staff lawyers, including note taking at consultation events

- Other tasks as mutually agreed upon

Students will also develop familiarity with:

- The role and function of the Alberta Law Reform Institute 

- The rationale for independent law reform agencies and the main models used in Commonwealth countries

- The different phases involved in a law reform project from selecting projects to implementation  

- The role of law reform agencies in increasing access to justice

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this externship, students will be able to:

Legal Research and Analytical Skills

1. Conduct independent, high-quality legal and policy research in areas related to an active law reform project

2. Identify, interpret, and synthesize legislation, case law, and policy materials relevant to law reform recommendations

3. Apply research findings to practical problems

4. Produce clear, concise, and well-structured written work for both legal and non-legal audiences

Professional Identity Formation

1. Reflect on the role of legally trained professionals in shaping the development of the law

2. Engage in reflective practice to assess personal strengths, challenges, and professional growth

3. Demonstrate professionalism in communication, collaboration, and responsiveness

4. Recognize the importance of access to justice, fairness, and public service in shaping professional identity