How long until I find out if I have a lawyer?
If it has been determined that you are eligible to recieve full representation, it may take several days or weeks to assign a lawyer to your case. This may happen if your case is complicated or simply because lawyers are in high demand in your area.
You should know that Legal Aid Alberta staff will be discussing your case with your lawyer, but all information is kept confidential. We will not release any information about you or your LAA client files to anyone but you and the lawyer that has been assigned to assist you, unless you give us your permission to do so.
You should also know that we will be checking on the progress of your case and may contact you or your lawyer to ask for updates regarding either your legal issues or changes to your financial situation or living arrangements.
Once You Have Been Approved For Coverage
Once you have been approved for coverage:
- Write down your lawyer’s name and phone number
- Call your lawyer’s office to make an appointment – do not just drop by your lawyer’s office.
- Always call your lawyer to reschedule if you can’t keep an upcoming appointment
Before Meeting With Your Lawyer
Before meeting with your lawyer:
- Write down any questions you have
- Make notes of things you want to tell your lawyer at your meetings
- Keep all if your legal papers in an envelope or file and bring them to every meeting. It can also be for you to bring a notebook and pen to your appointments so that you can make your own notes of your meetings.
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.