Canada's first independent tax dispute clinic launched at the Schulich School of Law this fall, with the goal of providing free assistance to Canadians navigating tax disputes while offering third-year law students a first-of-its-kind experiential learning opportunity.
For many, challenging a tax assessment can be expensive and intimidating as few legal clinics offer specialized support in tax law. This new course aims to improve access to justice in an often-overlooked area of law, while giving students the chance to deepen their knowledge of tax law and gain experience representing clients so they can assist people in Nova Scotia and across Canada with federal tax disputes.
"The Tax Dispute Clinic represents an exciting step forward for both legal education and access to justice," says Schulich School of Law Dean Sarah Harding (LLB ’89).
The Tax Dispute Clinic represents an exciting step forward for both legal education and access to justice.
"The Clinic embodies the law school’s commitment to the Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service by giving students the opportunity to put their legal knowledge into practice while helping Canadians navigate complex tax disputes," she says. "It is a powerful example of how experiential learning and public service can work hand in hand to benefit both students and the communities they serve."
Training the next generation of tax lawyers
Planning for this new experiential learning opportunity first began in 2024 and was made possible through the generous support of the Canerector Foundation, whose commitment over five years will help bring the Clinic to life.
Open to third-year students in the fall and winter semesters, the course has both a clinical and academic component. Through weekly seminars and supervised client work, students learn how to navigate tax disputes from beginning to end, covering issues frequently encountered in disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), including carriage of objections and appeals to Tax Court on a wide variety of issues such as disability tax credits, Canada Child Benefits, or spousal separation issues impacting their ability to access benefits and credits. They also develop practical skills, namely client interviewing, legal research, advocacy, and case management. Law students will liaise with the CRA and Tax Court as well as counsel individuals on their tax issues, meeting with clients within four weeks of the course beginning.
Leading the Clinic
James Rhodes, who joined the Schulich School of Law in 2026, will serve as the Tax Dispute Clinic’s inaugural director. He brings more than 25 years of experience spanning private practice, government service, teaching, scholarship, and advocacy, giving him a broad perspective on the development, administration, and litigation of tax law.
“I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to work with members of the community, as well as Schulich Law students,” he shares. “My hope is that the Tax Dispute Clinic becomes a trusted resource for Canadians seeking help with federal tax disputes. If we can help people achieve fair outcomes while preparing students to become skilled, service-minded lawyers, the impact of this program will extend far beyond the classroom."
Rhodes began his legal career articling at the Tax Court of Canada, where he worked directly with judges on domestic and international taxation matters. Since that time, he has worked with the federal Department of Justice, major law and accounting firms, and the Department of Inland Revenue for the Ministry of Finance in the Bahamas, as well as running his own tax law practice. He holds an LLB from the University of Manitoba and a BSc from the University of Toronto.
“The strongest legal education combines the academic rigour and actual practice in the field,” says Rhodes. “This Clinic will allow students to develop as tax lawyers while making a meaningful impact in the lives of the individuals and families we are able to serve.”