Common Questions
Do I need to bring anything with me when I apply?
It would be helpful for you to bring the following information to the interview:
What will they ask me about when I apply?
Be ready to answer questions about:
Can I choose a lawyer myself?
When applying for legal aid, you will no longer have the right to choose your lawyer (effective April 6, 2010). You can tell us who you would like as your lawyer at the time of your assesment; however please understand that Legal Aid Alberta reserves the right to appoint a lawyer to you from an existing list of lawyers who take legal aid cases.
If you want to tell us who you would like as your lawyer, you need to first ask the lawyer:
If you are unsure where to start, you may want to try one of the following:
I am a youth. What if I don't have income?
If a young person is found financially ineligible for legal aid, but needs a lawyer and is unable to retain one, they will be referred to the Court Ordered Counsel Program. The Court Ordered Counsel Program is administered by Legal Aid Alberta, on behalf of Alberta Justice. Certificates are issued by LAA and payment of services are made according to the LAA Tariff. The Youth Criminal Defence Office (a program of LAA) handles most of the Court Ordered Counsel cases in Edmonton and Calgary.
What if I have a legal issue in Alberta, but am a resident of another province?
Legal Aid Alberta also provides legal services in relation to a reciprocal agreement with other Canadian legal aid plans. This inter-provincial reciprocal agreement states that provinces and territories in Canada are to provide the same level of civil and family legal aid coverage to people who live outside, but face legal proceedings within their own jurisdiction, as would be provided to their own residents.
What can I do if LAA refuses coverage?
You may not qualify for legal aid coverage for financial reasons or for reasons related to your case. If coverage is refused, you will be notified of the refusal in writing. Your letter from Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) will include the reason for refusal and instructions on how to appeal LAA’s decision to refuse coverage. The two levels of appeal at LAA are the Regional Committees and Appeals Committees.
If you want to appeal, please send LAA a letter explaining why you feel your case should reconsidered. Your letter will be forwarded to the appropriate committee. We will advise you of the date your matter is scheduled to be reviewed. If you wish to appear before the either of the committees in person, you must contact LAA to request a personal appearance.
First level of appeal: Regional Committees
There is a Regional Committee in each LAA region across the province. The members of the Regional Committees are made up of independent lawyers and community members. Committee members are volunteers and are not employees of LAA.
The Regional Committees meet every two weeks in Edmonton and Calgary, and as required in the smaller regions.
Second (final) level of appeal: Appeals Committees
If you are unsuccessful in your appeal to a Regional Committee, you will again be notified in writing of the Regional Committees’ refusal decision. You can then ask for a second review by the Appeals Committee (Northern or Southern). The decisions made by the Appeals Committee are final.
The members of the Appeals Committee are made up of independent lawyers and community members who are not LAA employees or members of any of the Regional Committees. The Appeals Committee members volunteer their services to LAA.
The Northern Appeals Committee meets once a month in Edmonton and the Southern Appeals Committee meets once a month in Calgary.
Can I apply for legal aid if I still owe for a previous legal issue?
You may apply for legal aid coverage on a new legal issue even if you have an outstanding LAA bill from a previous issue. (whether or not have you made payments yet).