Extended court restrictions: Q&A for legal aid clients and Albertans
Legal Aid Alberta is continuing to work closely with the judiciary to navigate this difficult period. In response to the increase in COVID-19 cases and specifically the spread of the Omicron variant in the province, the Provincial Court of Alberta has extended COVID-19 measures until at least February 18. What does this mean for Legal […]
Courts and COVID-19: What Albertans need to know
As the pandemic threatens to push our health care system to the brink, other essential sectors are also being stretched beyond their normal limits – including the justice system. Staff shortages and temporary closures of courts in Alberta due to COVID are causing a growing backlog of legal cases in all areas of law. […]
“The whole system needs you”
As a lawyer, helping some of Alberta’s most disadvantaged citizens can be a profound source of job satisfaction. At Legal Aid Alberta, we’re grateful to have over 1,200 roster lawyers working with us to deliver access to justice to Albertans across the province. Together, we are helping thousands of disadvantaged citizens navigate the justice […]
Legal Aid Alberta adopts temporary measures to support individuals in custody
Legal Aid Alberta has become aware that some individuals in custody have been unable to contact LAA in a timely manner due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Legal Aid Alberta has become aware that some individuals in custody have been unable to contact LAA in a timely manner to apply for coverage. We understand this is […]
Seven facts about Edmonton’s Mental Health Court and how it’s changing lives
Adults charged with a criminal offence who have some indication of mental health issues can request that their matters be heard in Edmonton’s Mental Health Court. Access to mental health services has become more essential than ever. Adults charged with a criminal offence who have some indication of mental health issues can request that their […]
LAA lawyer explains how Drug Treatment Courts are making a difference
Millions of people across the country struggle with addictions every day – it crosses all social boundaries. Too often, people are led to crime in order to feed their addictions. But innovative Drug Treatment Courts are making a difference, by guiding people trapped in this cycle of crime and addiction to take on the difficult […]
2021 was a year of transformation of client service, access to justice, and our organization
For nearly 50 years, LAA has supported disadvantaged Albertans during perhaps the most challenging days of their lives. When we look back at our accomplishments in 2021 we see incredible improvements in the way our clients are being served and in the way we operate as an organization. Here’s a high-level look at what happened […]
Ask A Lawyer: Tips for co-parenting and holiday visits
The holiday season is supposed to be festive but for many families it can be a difficult time of year – especially when it comes to families in which co-parenting means children are spending their holidays with different groups of family members. Pandemic safety issues have introduced a new level of complexity. Watch: Ask […]
Spreading the word: How to help someone in a family violence situation
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers share knowledge with the community during Family Violence Prevention Month. Every day, Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) helps Albertans facing family violence. This comes into sharp focus during Family Violence Prevention Month. This November, LAA staff lawyers attended public engagements across the province to spread the word about LAA’s Emergency […]
It’s harder than going to jail: How new drug treatment courts are breaking the chain of crime and addiction
Legal Aid Alberta has helped open new Drug Treatment Courts in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer and Grande Prairie this year, bringing a new collaborative approach to courts in smaller cities to help break the cycle of crime and addiction. The Lethbridge Drug Treatment Court marks its first anniversary this month. The Medicine Hat court opened soon after, and […]