Answers to three common questions about the duty counsel role
While criminal duty counsel (DC) performs damage control to assist accused persons until they can obtain counsel, their role is more complex. Practically speaking, DC lawyers ensure the smooth operation of the court system. This means that duty counsel is not there just to adjourn matters but can and should seek appropriate resolution whenever possible. […]
October 27 is Duty Counsel Day in the Classroom
More than 1,700 students in schools across Canada are learning about Duty Counsel Day, their legal rights, and the justice system. This week, junior and senior high school students across Canada are learning about their legal rights and how front-line lawyers called duty counsel protect Canadians and keep the justice system functioning. […]
Duty Counsel: First Line of Defence
Regardless of your income, LAA duty counsel are on the spot in provincial docket courts in Alberta to help you make informed decisions Legal trouble doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can suddenly find themselves in a courtroom wondering what to say or do next. Without understanding the law and court procedures, you’re at a definite disadvantage. […]
Remember to input your Duty Counsel stats in Lawyer Portal
Statistics collected by staff and roster duty counsel are important and functional. Not only does this information allow Legal Aid Alberta to scan the provincial legal landscape correctly, but it also informs our work planning process. For example, accurate statistics help us identify where we need additional duty counsel boots on the ground. This […]
Duty counsel: The unsung heroes of the justice system
Oct. 27 is a day to honour staff and roster lawyers who support Albertans on the frontlines of the justice system In busy courthouses around Alberta, dedicated Legal Aid Alberta staff and roster lawyers provide invaluable duty counsel services to Albertans facing criminal or family legal problems. These passionate lawyers have made it […]
Legal Aid Alberta offers a free webinar for parents and youth on teen crime on Oct. 4
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer on 630CHED to discuss upcoming webinar on teens and crime Whether it’s a matter of poor judgment or something more serious, teen crime has always been a social challenge. Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act ensures swift legal action so that young people facing criminal charges clearly understand the connection […]
Ask a Lawyer: National Duty Counsel Day can be a powerful tool for those heading to court
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Sean Smith shares the significance of knowing your rights and the crucial role of duty counsel in Canada Stepping into a courtroom can feel like entering a whole new world, filled with unfamiliar language and uncertainty. Whether you’re facing a criminal charge, dealing with a family issue, or […]
How to deal with a rejected authorization request
At times, Legal Aid Alberta must reject an authorization request due to lack of information. When this occurs, the comment section will outline to counsel what is missing. Counsel should then re-submit their request with all the information provided in the earlier request and add the missing data. If seeking more clarity about the rejected […]
LAA welcomes new roster members through enhanced onboarding
Key takeaways of LAA’s new enhanced onboarding for roster include: Enhanced onboarding includes a more detailed application and a brief information exchange. LAA is in the process of contacting more than 30 applicants who have expressed interest in joining the roster over the last few months. Since the summer, more than 30 lawyers […]
Legal Aid Alberta announces early closure Sept. 29 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Legal Aid Alberta allows employees time for learning and reflection to honour residential school survivors on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Legal Aid Alberta offices will close early to the public on Friday, September 29 to allow our teams to participate in an […]