Everyone is subject to the laws and legal systems in which they live, but systemic barriers – like language, education, and cost – continue to make access to legal guidance difficult for many. Older adults, in particular, can face legal responsibilities but are often under-equipped to be able to make informed decisions. 

“The law can be incredibly dense and feels very exclusive, yet it operates in and around us our entire lives, and even thereafter. Knowing our rights and responsibilities ensures more resilient futures, which is why addressing access to justice is so critical for everyone, no matter what their age is,” said Elenor Marano, a graduate of the Trent/Swansea Law Dual Degree and student-at-law at Sullivan Law Ptbo. 

Fresh off convocation, Elenor ‘18 (Traill College) is already making a powerful impact in her community through the use of her Law and Political Studies education. Building on her Public Policy Field Placement with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society (TCAS) during undergrad, she is now a community associate and member of Street Law, developing pro bono programming that addresses the gap in access to legal information to empower communities.  

Elenor facilitated Trent's inaugural Street Law workshop, Creating a Lasting Legacy through Estates Planning, a free and open to the public workshop that introduced community members to essential concepts like wills, powers of attorney, and the importance of making one’s wishes known. Through personal storytelling and creative activities, the workshop helped break down barriers around often-taboo topics like death and decision-making, offering participants practical legal knowledge in an inclusive and digestible way. 

“Workshops like Street Law are incredibly important for older adults, who can face complex legal decisions but often have limited means to understand or engage with a complex legal system. By creating a space for open dialogue and accessible information, Elenor and the workshop series is helping seniors feel more confident, informed, and in control of their choices,” said Nadine Changfoot, executive and past director of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. “This kind of programming aligns perfectly with TCAS’s mission to support aging with dignity, knowledge, and empowerment.” 

Elenor has also received an Impact Microgrant from Trent University to expand the program with TCAS and Political Studies to cover other in-demand topics such as tenant rights, property inheritance, and protest rights. 

Rooted in the values of education and advocacy, the workshops are helping realize Elenor’s vision of a long-term program in Peterborough that builds community capabilities and confidence in making significant decisions with legal implications. 

Learn more about the Trent/Swansea Dual Degree, Political Studies, and the Trent Centre for Aging & Society.