The purpose of the competition is to develop students' skills in interviewing and counselling clients. Practising lawyers assess the competitors and other students play the role of clients. The winners of the intramural competition compete in the regional final, and possibly the national and international competitions. In the 1996-1997 academic year, two Western students represented the school in the North American competition and the World competition which was held in Bristol, England. Murray P. Austin and Jason Voss.
Students handle cases involving summary conviction offences and civil matters.
The students are advised and assisted by senior students and a full-time review lawyer. Participation in CLS is voluntary. CLS now has several clinical courses which allow students to gain experience while obtaining academic credit. These courses are advocacy-oriented and familiarize students with most aspects of litigation. Walk-ins cannot be guaranteed an immediate appointment due to sporadic heavy intake loads.