The Law Students' Legal Advice Program (LSLAP) is one of the largest free legal services providers in BC. It’s also run by Allard Law students.
Working or volunteering at LSLAP gives law students the chance to learn the law beyond the classroom and build skills in client relations and file management, while helping real clients navigate a wide range of legal issues.
While it may sound intimidating to take on case files while still in law school, law students at LSLAP get wrap-around support from lawyers, student executives, clinic heads and community partners who can help guide you through your work.
Hear from three Allard Law students about their experiences in different roles at LSLAP.
Frank Zhao
Frank Zhao is a first-year law student and a student clinician at the Chinatown Legal Clinic. Through LSLAP, Allard Law students volunteer at more than 20 legal clinics across the Lower Mainland.
What made you decide to join LSLAP?
Frank: I wanted to get as much hands-on experience as possible. Working in a client-facing role early on means learning quickly on the job, with support from supervising lawyers. At LSLAP, you get to learn a bit of everything – contracts, residential tenancy and even criminal law. It’s a great way to explore different areas of law.
I joined the Chinatown clinic specifically because I know the needs of the community – both in terms of language and culture. I’m from the community, so I know the struggles and frustrations people have. I also try to help our clients understand the system better.
How has participating in LSLAP helped with your studies?
Frank: LSLAP teaches you to listen, communicate strategic goals clearly, and work toward achieving them. It’s where classroom learning, like identifying issues and applying legal principles, starts to click.
Annika Thorton
Annika Thornton is a second-year law student and an LSLAP Clinic Head. Last summer, she worked in one LSLAP’s paid summer positions.
Why should students apply to LSLAP?
Annika: I highly recommend applying to LSLAP. It offers a practical understanding of how the legal system works beyond case law in the classroom. For example, conducting intake interviews helped me learn how to spot issues in a client’s story and identify which legally relevant questions to ask. I also strengthened my legal writing skills by drafting advice letters and preparing submissions for courts and tribunals.
You also get to see how legal issues play out in everyday life, and it’s incredibly rewarding to use your skills to support people who might not otherwise access legal help.
How has LSLAP helped shape how you see your future role as a lawyer?
Annika: LSLAP teaches the human side of law. You learn to listen, build trust, and approach clients with compassion. It also shapes how you interact with opposing parties. Respect matters, and I’ve learned a lot from counsel who treat vulnerable clients with courtesy. Aggressive tactics only cloud the issues. LSLAP showed me you don’t need to be aggressive to be an effective advocate.
Anders Mirabee
Anders Mirabee is a third-year law student and recently completed his term as Executive Director of LSLAP.
Tell us about your most memorable experience working with a client.
Anders: My most memorable experience was the profound sense of dread I felt when I saw the decision for my first Residential Tenancy Branch hearing in my inbox, quickly followed by excitement when I read it and found that my client was awarded 12 months of rent. It was my first litigation victory, and it felt especially rewarding because that case wasn't an easy win.
What was it like helping run one of BC’s largest providers of free legal services?
Anders: It was hectic and difficult, but incredibly rewarding. In less than a year as Executive Director, I gained more practical skills and meaningful connections than in all of my undergraduate studies. I’ve learned about legal practice, governance and organizational administration in ways I never would have otherwise.
I’m proud of what our team accomplished in 2025. We overhauled LSLAP's file-management and closing system to make it more clinician-friendly. We cut thousands in redundant spending to help prepare the organization for the challenging economic times ahead, and we oversaw the most successful fall recruitment drive for the program in years.
