New faces, renewed energy: Meet Legal Aid Alberta’s 2025 summer students
There are sure signs that spring has sprung: temperatures rise, flowers bloom, and, at Legal Aid Alberta, summer students join the team and begin their placements. This team of five students brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to LAA. Eager to learn and grow, they are ready to work alongside our experienced lawyers, and to […]
Thank you for 52 years of access to justice
On May 24, LAA celebrates another year of protecting the legal rights of Albertans. Since 1973, Legal Aid Alberta has played a pivotal role in equal access to justice for all. Back in our first year, we had nearly 7,500 case files and 16 employees. Today, we have over 300 staff members and 1,200 private […]
In youth court, Legal Aid Alberta is there to protect your rights
“The right to a lawyer includes the right to understand and be understood,” says Marcus Threndyle, youth criminal duty counsel lawyer. On a Friday morning in Calgary’s youth criminal court, the hallway is packed. A father anxiously waits for news about his son, who’s in custody. A nervous teenage girl arrives with an adult companion. […]
How to prepare your students for successful roster applications
Over the next few months, Legal Aid Alberta expects many applications from new students-at-law seeking to join the LAA roster. By following these tips, you can increase their chances of success in being approved to join the roster. Note that students-at-law are only permitted to apply for one area of law and should select the […]
Bail webinar series draws hundreds: register now
A new five-part webinar series on bail hearings produced by Legal Aid Alberta is proving to be popular with lawyers across the province. Nearly 200 lawyers and articling students have registered for the entire series, which premiered May 14. The series premier was co-presented by LAA staff lawyer Katie Clackson and Sarah Kondor, with the […]
Gladue Program survey
Access to justice and quality legal representation are priorities for Legal Aid Alberta. On behalf of the Ministry of Justice, we’re sharing a request for criminal lawyers to complete an online survey regarding the Gladue Report Program. Details and the survey are available online until May 30.
Ask a Lawyer: Mental health and the justice system
Mental Health Week is May 5 – 11, raising awareness of the fact that many people – regardless of demographics – struggle with different forms of mental health issues throughout their lives. Legal Aid Alberta staff and roster lawyers practicing all areas of law come into contact with individuals affected by mental health issues. […]
Learn everything about bail: register for our five-part webinar series
Learn everything you need to know about bail hearings by registering for Legal Aid Alberta’s five-part bail webinar series, hosted by LAA staff and roster lawyers sharing practical knowledge, experiences and insights. Kicking off May 14: Bail Basics with LAA staff lawyer Katie Clackson and roster lawyer Sarah Kondor. Learn about: Primary, secondary and tertiary grounds […]
Client Gateway is expanding to new areas of law
Client Gateway, an alternate way for lawyers to help new and existing clients apply for coverage from Legal Aid Alberta, is about to expand to include all areas of law LAA covers. At present, Client Gateway is only in use by criminal lawyers for their clients. But starting in June, lawyers practicing family, child […]
Coming soon: the new LAA Portal
In June, we’ll begin transitioning to a new, unified platform that combines the Lawyer Portal, DC Portal, and Client Gateway into a single, streamlined system: the LAA Portal. With one login and a user-friendly interface, the LAA Portal will make it easier to complete Gateway applications and manage certificates and duty counsel interactions – all […]