The most special day, bar none
LAA’s newest duty counsel lawyer: “I knew I wanted to be a lawyer…to make a difference.” Desiree Syroid knew in her undergrad that working in law was how she would make a difference in people’s lives. On August 16, 2021, her hard work paid off when she was called to the bar in […]
Three LAA lawyers mark 30 years at the bar
The 90 years of combined experience for three LAA lawyers celebrating three decades in the profession includes diverse backgrounds and an undying passion to help the disadvantaged and vulnerable. Wayne Webster, JP Bail lawyer, Calgary Wayne Webster will be the first to acknowledge that working as JP Bail lawyer might seem tedious to […]
Duty Counsel Day: raising awareness of the profound impact of dedicated lawyers
Canadians benefit from outstanding social services. We’re all familiar with our public health care, but few know about our legal services. We made a day to change that. Duty Counsel lawyers make a difference in the lives of Canadians. Our right to legal representation is as Canadian as health care. Not everyone is […]
Ask A Lawyer: When your freedom is on the line, LAA is here to help
Many Albertans find themselves at a disadvantage if they’re arrested and being held in custody by police. They can be too frightened, confused, or overwhelmed to exercise their rights or make informed decisions. It’s a more common situation than you might think. In 2020, Legal Aid Alberta’s Justice of the Peace Bail lawyers […]
Mental Health Court provides support for LAA client to “do the hard work”
Teh Yellowbird was at one of the lowest points of his life. Unable to get his hands on the drugs he was addicted to, and suffering from withdrawal, he took a desperate measure: he sought relief in an emergency room. That was in 2019. Today, his life has changed dramatically – and a celebration following […]
On the front lines with the Emergency Protection Order Program
Applying for an EPO can be overwhelming, emotionally charged, and confusing. Legal Aid Alberta reduces barriers and makes the process easier. LAA’s Emergency Protection Order Program (EPOP), offered in Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge, provides EPO claimants with a duty counsel lawyer to represent them in court throughout the EPO application and confirmation process. Because applying for […]
On the front lines with adult criminal duty counsel
“It’s fantastically rewarding work. You’re dealing with people, often at their first court appearance, who are frightened and uncertain and don’t fully understand the situation.” When an accused person attends court before securing a lawyer to represent them, they are usually confused and overwhelmed by our complex and adversarial court system. LAA provides duty […]
Improving access to justice with Early Appearance Assistance, prioritization of calls
Starting July 15, Legal Aid Alberta is making changes that position us at the forefront of legal aid plan innovations while improving access to justice, our services, and the ways LAA supports the efficient administration of justice. During COVID, many self-represented accused could not access the courthouse to speak to duty counsel due to closures of in-person services. In […]
Ask A Lawyer: The Vital Role of Duty Counsel
Legal Aid Alberta lawyer Andrew Holko appears on the July 6, 2021 episode of the Ask A Lawyer segment of the Global Morning Show in Edmonton. Watch: Celebrating duty counsel lawyers across Canada Every day across Canada, duty counsel lawyers provide free legal services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people, providing access to justice and […]
Fleeing LGBTQ2S+ persecution, refugee claimant starts a new life with help from Legal Aid Alberta
Western countries have made a great deal of progress providing equal rights to people identifying as LGBTQ2S+ but in many parts of the world the reverse is true. Diane fled her home country in east Africa, where same-sex relations are punishable by up to life in prison. But the trauma she endured in her […]