By Cecily Zeppetella
As law students, we’re often told to find summer work that elevates our resume. But what about work that also builds our character? Or sharpens your mind, serves a greater purpose, and reminds you why you went to law school in the first place? That’s what I found this summer at Christian Legal Fellowship (CLF).
My name is Cecily, an incoming 2L at Western Law, and I just spent the last 10 weeks completing a summer placement with CLF.
Members of CLF’s team and 2025 Summer Students.
When considering what to do in my 1L summer, I wanted more than just legal experience. I wanted an environment where my work would matter, where my values would be reflected, and where I could grow intellectually and professionally. CLF offered all of that and more.
For students who are not familiar with CLF, they are a non-profit organization of Christian lawyers and law students. CLF serves the legal profession by “deepening and strengthening the spiritual life of its members, and [encouraging] Christians in the vocation of law.”[i] CLF also “seeks to advance the public good by articulating principles that are consistent with, and illuminated by, our Christian faith in public discourse.”[ii]
CLF’s work includes cutting-edge academic symposiums, court interventions at all levels, renowned legal scholarship, meaningful mentorship, impactful conferences, professional networking, and an amazing student program.
“Put simply, CLF is one of the rare placements that gives you responsibility, purpose, and support all in one. ”
If you summer with CLF, you will be contributing to legal scholarship and court interventions. Some potential responsibilities include:
Researching, writing memos, and helping with intervention applications, factums, and arguments at all levels of court;
Supporting the research of legal scholarship, including journal articles and books;
Writing blog posts for CLF; and
Brainstorming with CLF’s team of lawyers, creative problem solving, and critical thinking.
CLF Summer Students and staff, pictured preparing Clubs’ Day Packages for CLF’s 20 law student chapters across Canada.
During my summer placement, what stood out to me was that CLF does not sideline its students. Rather, they rely on them. As a non-profit on the front lines of some of the most pressing constitutional and human rights issues in Canada, CLF entrusts its students with substantive legal work from day one. That means you’re not just shadowing lawyers or helping with administrative tasks, but you are part of the team. You contribute to active files on some of the most debated societal issues today, tackle complex legal problems, and see your work reflected in national-level advocacy.
From my first day, I was immersed in legal research and writing that directly informed Supreme Court interventions, scholarly publications, and advocacy strategies. I wasn’t just building legal research and writing skills — I was helping shape arguments, learning to think critically about the intersection of law, faith, and justice, and collaborating with mentors who took my ideas seriously.
For example, over the course of my placement, I (among other tasks):
Wrote 17 legal memos on various topics;
Completed research on the following subject matter:
CLF’s Bill 21 SCC intervention application and factum;
CLF’s MAID work on personal autonomy and consent;
Various United Nations Declarations;
Charity law scholarly work;
Division of powers and the notwithstanding clause in the context of freedom of religion;
Helped edit and format a SCC intervention application;
Mastered legal citations; and
Engaged with CLF’s lawyers, conversed and brainstormed on multiple topics.
“By the end of my placement, I didn’t just feel more capable — I felt rewarded. I learned to examine legal problems from multiple perspectives, wrestle with competing rights and values, and articulate arguments with precision and care. ”
My favourite experience was working on the Bill 21 file. I conducted research on emerging division of powers and freedom of religion issues. I conversed with lawyers daily as I canvased potential arguments and precedents. The work was fast paced and immersive. I enjoyed the experience of an energized office working together to compile our application to intervene and continue research for the factum. During this time, I learned the value of exploring, discussing, and anticipating opposing arguments as we developed our own.
Therefore, what really sets CLF apart from other summer experiences is the depth of the experience. It’s not only about becoming a better law student — it’s about becoming a thoughtful advocate, a confident researcher, and an informed professional in the legal field. CLF helps you grow intellectually while working on issues that matter. You’re also surrounded by a team who cares deeply about mentorship, integrity, and supporting the next generation of Christian lawyers.
Members of CLF’s team and 2025 Summer Students.
By the end of my placement, I didn’t just feel more capable — I felt rewarded. I learned to examine legal problems from multiple perspectives, wrestle with competing rights and values, and articulate arguments with precision and care. Watching experienced constitutional lawyers navigate nuanced and controversial terrain also taught me how to think about legal issues. These are lessons I’ll carry into the rest of law school and my career.
If I had to sum up my experience in five words, I would say: hands-on, collaborative, impactful, cutting-edge, and transformative.
Thinking of Applying?
For students considering where to spend their 1L or 2L summer, CLF offers something truly special. Based on my experience, here is what sets CLF apart:
1. You will be trusted with real and meaningful work from day one
At CLF, students are not given busy work. You are entrusted with substantive responsibilities that contribute directly to national legal advocacy. Whether you’re researching a constitutional question for a Supreme Court intervention, drafting memos on international law, or editing scholarship for publication, you are helping to shape arguments that matter and are on the frontlines of Canada's imminent legal and social justice issues.
2. CLF offers a welcoming and flexible workplace environment
CLF’s head office is located in London, Ontario. The workplace is beyond collegial and friendly. Being able to pop into a lawyer’s office at any given moment is the epitome of an open-door policy. Also, as a student with summer plans and participating in recruits, CLF was extremely flexible. They make sure you get the most out of your placement while also tending to personal commitments.
3. You will work on live, high-impact files
CLF is actively engaged in interventions, public policy submissions, and academic publications typically on constitutional and human rights issues. As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to research and contribute to real-world legal problems with significance. Your work will help inform litigation strategies and public discourse.
4. You will be mentored by lawyers who lead with integrity
CLF’s team has some of the most thoughtful and principled legal minds working at the crossroad of faith and law. But what stands out most is their approachability and generosity. These lawyers take the time to explain, engage, and invite your input. They don’t just want you to do good work, they want to see you grow into a lawyer who leads with excellence, conviction, and your Christian values.
5. You will join a community that cares deeply about calling and conscience
CLF isn’t just a workplace, it’s a community. You’ll be surrounded by lawyers and students who are asking the big questions: What does it mean to be a Christian in law? How do we stay rooted in our faith while engaging in difficult and contested legal terrain? These conversations are woven into the work you do and form the basis of a supportive environment where faith is not sidelined but welcomed.
6. It will challenge you (in the best ways possible)
You’ll sharpen your legal reasoning, develop your writing and research skills, and deepen your ability to think critically about law and its relationship to ethics, religion, and human dignity. But you’ll also grow personally, becoming more well-rounded, resourceful and articulate. CLF doesn’t just train law students — it invests in their careers and callings.
Final Thoughts
Put simply, CLF is one of the rare placements that gives you responsibility, purpose, and support all in one. Without summer students, CLF cannot operate at the capacity they do. CLF relies on and trusts the help of students. Therefore, if you’re seeking a summer placement that combines complex legal work with meaningful, real-world impact and a team that cares about your journey into the legal profession, then CLF is the place to be.
“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
If you are interested in becoming a CLF summer student, speak with your career office to determine if your law school has funding available for self-proposed summer placements. Then reach out to Vivian Clemence at vclemence@christianlegalfellowship.org to express interest.
Still have questions? Reach out to a past CLF summer student or your campus CLF chapter leader. We would love to share more!
Cecily Zeppetella is an incoming 2L at Western Law. She is passionate about serving her community by using her strengths and finding creative solutions to problems. Additionally, Cecily is a Law Clerk, which has given her the opportunity to help serve clients with their legal issues. Cecily spent her 1L summer with CLF engaging with constitutional, social, and religious topics in the legal landscape.