Justice and Legal Studies Co-op Student Information
About The Program
Students in the Justice and Legal Studies program exam law, justice and judicial processes in Canada and in a global context. They learn how to evaluate how justice and legal institutions both shape and are shaped by government and society and how the law and legal processes can either enhance or frustrate the pursuit of justice and the goal of improving life.
The Justice and Legal Studies program (JLS) is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Political Science. This innovative program examines a broad range of justice and legal issues in an interdisciplinary fashion. It helps students build a foundation of understanding of the principles of law and justice. Students then choose an area of emphasis to both leverage faculty strengths and focus their studies. These areas of emphasis include: Canadian Politics and Governance, Global Relations and Governance, Gender and Sexuality, Arts and Humanities, and Business and Management. Graduates from the program may choose to move on to law school. Others will use their new understanding of law and governance to enter careers in public service, government relations, international relations, corporate management or non-profits.
Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will be able to gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential transferable skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided to students, including a job search preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and targeted work term reports to help you develop relevant skills.
Course Sequencing
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Work | Academic | Academic |
| FOUR | Academic | Work | Work |
| FIVE | Academic |
Acquired Knowledge & Skills
Communication
Communication and problem-solving skills.
Application
Specialized skills in legal research and a clear understanding of legal processes in Canada and in a global context.
Critical Thinking
Deeper understanding of the legal landscapes behind issues such as immigration, racial and gender inequality, and free speech.
Creative Problem Solving
Knowledge and skills required for critical analysis of legal and justice issues involving social and political topics.
Sample Jobs
Policy Analyst
Conduct research and analysis to inform policy development. Prepare briefing notes, presentations and other documents for management. Employ innovative approaches to policy development. Assist and support various projects, program evaluations, and studies to help advance ministry priorities.
Public Information Assistant
Assess market for media relations by benchmarking against other police/public organizations. Increase visibility by reviewing marketing strategies and external communication initiatives through planning, developing, implementing, delivering and evaluating promotional programs. Ensure availability of promotional material and literature, keeping information current, designing and composing letters, reports, brochures, invitations, programs, video scripts and presentations. Contribute to marketing effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues.
Legal Intern
Review and draft agreements including letters of intent, confidentiality agreements, partnership and shareholder agreements and purchase and sale agreements. Attend board meetings and prepare board minutes. Review continuous disclosure documents including the management information circulars and annual information forms. Participate in various aspects of the annual meetings of shareholders, including the review of the legal and Chair scripts. Develop and implement corporate policies and procedures. Review litigation files while helping to ensure accurate record keeping. Participate in the legal and compliance component of equity offerings including the private placements of securities.
Employer Sectors
- Canada Revenue Agency
- First Capital Realty
- Guelph Police Service
- Ministry of Education
- Rogers Communications Inc.
- TD Bank Group
- The Cooperators
*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.
Salary Information
Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.
