Time to celebrate: One-year milestone for LAA’s modernized Tariff
April 1, 2024, marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of our modernized Tariff. The modernized Tariff has received an overwhelmingly positive response, and we want to thank our colleagues for their patience during the implementation process. Legal Aid Alberta staff and our roster colleagues worked together to navigate various processes, including utilization of Extra […]
LAA roster lawyers named King’s Counsel
Congratulations to LAA roster team members who were recently named King’s Counsel in recognition of their contributions to the legal community. Announced March 28, a total of 103 lawyers across the province were recognized with the designation, including LAA roster members: Adebanke Adediran Michael Bates Suchetna Channan Shamsher Kothari Ian McKay Paul Moreau Kim Ross […]
Updating availability
Delays in appointing counsel can contribute to court delays, uncertainty for clients and unequal access to justice. Keeping your availability status up to date can mitigate these delays and ensure our clients get the help they need in a timely manner. If you are on leave or have a planned vacation coming up, use the […]
News: Financial Eligibility Guidelines Changes
On Monday, April 1, Legal Aid Alberta’s Financial Eligibility Guidelines will be increasing. The primary impact for roster lawyers is that more Albertans will be eligible for legal aid funding, resulting in a larger pool of certificates in the long run. Over the next few weeks, however, the more immediate impact is likely to be […]
Merit Opinions: What Are We Looking For?
LAA is seeking the background information that you have as trial counsel so that we can determine if there is merit to fund an appeal for the matter. Our staff lawyers make the final determination on merit for every appeal file, but the information in your opinions helps us know what issues were at play […]
Reminder: Indigenous Background Report requests must be submitted online
Note: Effective Sept. 1, 2026, the Alberta Court of Justice uses the term “Indigenous Background Report” in place of “Gladue Report.” This post has been updated to reflect the new terminology. A friendly reminder from Legal Aid Alberta’s representatives on the Indigenous Background Report Committee that effective April 1, 2024, only electronic requests will be accepted for […]
Changes to LAA’s Financial Eligibility Guidelines
On Monday, April 1, Legal Aid Alberta’s Financial Eligibility Guidelines will be increasing. The primary impact for roster lawyers is that more Albertans will be eligible for legal aid funding, resulting in a larger pool of certificates in the long run. Over the next few weeks, however, the more immediate impact is likely to be an increase […]
#InvestInWomen: International Women’s Day
Every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8; this year’s theme is Invest in women: Accelerate Progress. At Legal Aid Alberta, we are enriched by the hundreds of women who work with us as roster lawyers and staff lawyers. Their expertise and unwavering commitment to access to justice for all Albertans changes lives […]
When child welfare matters intersect with criminal matters
On occasion, some Child Welfare clients face criminal charges that involve allegations of harming the children of the relationship. These charges could include sexual interference, assault or failure to provide the necessaries of life, among others. If the client is maintaining their innocence and intending to plead not guilty, they would be proceeding to a criminal trial. You may […]
Inspiring access: The women of Legal Aid Alberta
Celebrating the inspirational women of Legal Aid Alberta March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration recognizing women’s rights, achievements, and the advancement of equity and inclusion in our communities. This year’s theme, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress,” presents an opportunity to push for gender equality in our community and highlight the amazing […]