Who We Are – Class Action Clinic

The Class Action Clinic at Windsor Law is the first clinic of its kind in North America. Our focus is on class members – people who are part of a large civil lawsuit launched on their behalf by representative plaintiffs and class counsel.

The Clinic is staffed by a team of law students, a staff lawyer, and a faculty director who provide a range of legal services, information, assistance with filing claims in settlement distribution processes, public education and outreach.

Because we serve class members across Canada, the Clinic provides its services online, by telephone and by video conference, as well as in person for those in the Windsor–Essex community.

Academic Clinic Director

Gemma Smyth

Education

BA(Hons), 1999, University of Western Ontario
LLB, 2002, University of Windsor
LLM, 2004, Osgoode Hall Law School

Professor Gemma Smyth (she/her) is Associate Professor and Externship Director at the Faculty of Law, University of Windsor, on the territories of the Three Fires Confederacy. She manages and teaches in the Judicial Internship Program and Externship Program at Windsor Law, and is the Academic Clinic Director for the Class Actions Clinic.

Professor Smyth has held various positions including Law Foundation Chair at the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan, Associate Dean (Academic), Academic Clinic Director and Associate Professor and Externship Program Director and Director of University of Windsor Mediation Services. She has taught Clinic Seminar, Learning in Place (an Externship Program seminar), Dispute Resolution, Access to Justice, Mediation Clinic, and Research Methods. Professor Smyth researches and writes in the areas of clinic law, dispute resolution, lawyering skills, and legal education. Professor Smyth is the co-author of the first text on clinical legal education in Canada, with Professors Sarah Buhler and Sarah Marsden. Professor Smyth has written and annually published updates to an online, open source book, “Learning in Place: A Living Landscape of Practice”, now in its third edition. This text is freely available to clinical, internship, externship, co-op and other work-informed learning programs.

Professor Smyth hosts an open-access Youtube channel with materials on law practice with a focus on clinical law skills and a website on clinic supervision for lawyer-supervisors and law students in work-integrated learning environments. She is Past President of the Association for Canadian Clinical Legal Education, a national collaborative working on issues related to clinical and experiential legal education in Canada. Professor Smyth’s papers and other publications can be found on the University of Windsor’s digital repository . Professor Smyth is also a member of the Judicial Advisory Committee (West and South) and a Board member for the Canadian National Negotiation Competition.

Staff Lawyer

Andrew Eckart

Email: [email protected]

Education

B.A. (Economics and North American Studies), McGill University, 2005
LL.B., University of Windsor, 2010
Mediating Disputes, Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, 2017

Andrew is the founding Staff Lawyer at the Class Action Clinic. Prior to his role here, he gained class action experience in private practice as a plaintiff side lawyer. His first introduction to this work was as a an articling student clerking at the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, where he assisted judges on many class action matters, including a multi-year common issues trial.

As the Clinic’s Staff Lawyer, Andrew supervises and mentors student caseworkers and routinely represents clients through claims processes, at settlement approval hearings, and providing important, non-partisan, independent legal advice.

In addition to his work at the Clinic, Andrew is a mediator of civil disputes and sits on the OBA’s Class Action Bench-Bar Liaison Committee.

Articling Student

Jessica Rocha

Email: [email protected]

Jessica is a recent graduate of the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. Prior to law school, she earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Toronto. Motivated by a passion for community engagement, Jessica has gained valuable experience working in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.

During her second year of law school, Jessica served as a student caseworker with the Class Action Clinic, assisting class members across Canada. She is excited to return to the clinic to continue this meaningful work.

Jessica enjoys Pilates, cooking, and exploring new coffee shops when she’s not working.

Student Case Workers

Nick Kinnish

Nick is a second-year student at the University of Windsor's Faculty of law. Prior to law school, Nick earned a double major in Philosophy & Political science and a master's degree in Philosophy.

Nick comes to law with a variety of career experiences ranging from working in the UK music industry to retail management here in Canada. As a passionate cyclist and road safety advocate, he is involved in several projects working towards safer roads for vulnerable road users.

Outside of his studies, Nick can usually be found training on his bike for the next big race he has planned, or volunteering at the community bike shop.

Alexis MacDonald

Alexis is a second-year law student at the University of Windsor and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Queen’s University.

Prior to law school, Alexis worked in the equestrian industry for 12 years training horses and clients in Ireland, Germany, and throughout Ontario. Her interest in access to justice was sparked during her experience at Community Legal Aid and Canadian Centre for Housing Rights and she is thrilled to be working at the Clinic this summer.

In her spare time, Alexis enjoys horseback riding, chess, guitar, and spending time with her dogs.

Gabby Mackintosh

Gabby is a second-year law student at the University of Windsor and holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in an Honours Specialization in Philosophy, Reasoning and Ethics from the University of Western Ontario.

Gabby brings hands-on experience to the Clinic through her previous support role in a class actions legal department, where she supported clients throughout the claims process on a variety of matters.

Drawing on both her academic background and professional experience, Gabby has developed a strong ability to reimagine problems and craft strategic solutions. Guided by a deep commitment to ethical inquiry, she is motivated to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to the legal field.

At Windsor, Gabby is active in team sports and activities, including the Windsor Law Hockey Association, and intramural leagues, which reflect her collaborative and team-oriented approach at addressing issues head on.

Outside of her legal studies, Gabby is committed to community engagement through volunteer work with the Children’s Health Foundation and in her spare time, Gabby is a competitive soccer player and avid baker.

Shakiba Sadeghi

Shakiba is a third-year law student at the University of Windsor. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts with High Distinction from the University of Toronto, with a double major in Criminology and Sociology, and a minor in Ethics.

Prior to law school, Shakiba kept busy through her job working with children and her involvement on campus, including being a part of the executive team for the Pre-Law Organization and Women in Law Association, and volunteering with the Student Union, Accessibility Services, and as a peer mentor. At Windsor Law, Shakiba volunteers with Pro Bono, and recently completed a placement at the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights through the externship program.

In her spare time, Shakiba enjoys watching movies, trying new food spots and spending time with children and animals.