Major Cases and Youth Panel application deadline extended
The deadline for submitting new and renewal applications for the Roster lawyer Major Cases Panel and Youth Panel has been extended to August 31, 2026. This extension is intended to provide sufficient time for the submission, evaluation and processing of the significant number of applications received. Roster lawyers who have already submitted their application materials need not resubmit and […]
Changes to Tariff 17.13 / Former Tariff 8.12 – photocopies
LAA has observed continued high volume, billing anomalies and elevated costs for invoices submitted under the Tariff for photocopying (Tariff item 17.13 and former Tariff item 8.12). Given the widespread availability of secure digital solutions, the costs and inefficiencies associated with photocopying are increasingly difficult to justify — particularly in the context of serving individuals with limited financial means. Across […]
Indigenous languages added to the Lawyer Portal
In recognition of June as National Indigenous History Month, LAA turns its attention to Indigenous languages as we consider the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, especially those which seek to eliminate barriers to full and meaningful participation within the justice system. With this in mind, we are pleased to announce that we have added the […]
Duty counsel opportunities across Alberta
LAA is hoping to add to our valued group of roster lawyers currently providing duty counsel services in criminal and/or family in communities outside of Edmonton and Calgary. Demand for duty counsel exists in: Grande Prairie (and associated Circuit Points at Valleyview and Fox Creek) High Level (and associated Circuit Points at Fort Vermilion […]
Why Gladue principles matter and how Indigenous Courts are changing justice in Alberta
Reflecting on justice and reconciliation during National Indigenous History Month. June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the histories cultures and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Canada. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how institutions, including the justice system, are responding to longstanding inequities. One of the most pressing challenges remains […]
TGO/PGO legal issue changes
Effective June 1, the current combined legal issue — Oppose Temporary Guardianship Order (TGO) / Oppose Permanent Guardianship Order (PGO) — will be separated into two distinct legal issues: Oppose Temporary Guardianship Order (TGO) Oppose Permanent Guardianship Order (PGO) Certificates will include only one of these legal issues, not both. To help clarify […]
Lawyer Portal outage after-hours on May 21
A routine outage to the Lawyer Portal is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, and will run until 7 a.m. on Friday, May 22. This outage will allow for the implementation of a few minor enhancements to CRM and Lawyer Portal. What’s changing: New attestation form will be available under the Memberships tab as part of our quality […]
Reminder: Hotel expenditures for travel over 250 km
When travel for LAA services requires overnight accommodation, and your destination is 250 km or more from your Lawyer Courthouse, please keep in mind the most cost-effective means when selecting accommodations. As per section 9 of the Travel and Disbursement Guidelines, before booking, consider: Prevailing market rates for similar accommodations in the area; Proximity […]
Quality standards for roster lawyers in Siksika Nation
LAA is committed to improving access to culturally informed legal services for Indigenous clients and Indigenous people and communities engaging with the justice system. As part of this work, LAA is introducing service requirements and standards, effective June 15, 2026, for roster lawyers who accept certificates for criminal, child welfare and family matters at the Siksika Nation courthouse. […]
You can’t pour from an empty cup: Mental health awareness for Alberta’s criminal defence, family and immigration lawyers
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — and if you practise criminal defence, family law or immigration and refugee law, this is for you. The legal profession prizes resilience, analytical thinking, emotional control and a relentless focus on clients. But behind that professional armour, the impact is real. Lawyers experience mental health challenges at more than three times the rate of the general population, and substance use issues […]