COVID-19 Update: Legal Aid Alberta services
We are committed to serving our clients through the ongoing period of uncertainty Legal Aid Alberta has and will remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though our physical offices aren’t open to the public, our staff have not stopped serving Albertans, whether it’s our client services centre, staff lawyers, or duty counsel. We […]
Hundreds attend Legal Aid Alberta webinar on emergency protection orders
Watch a recording of the session and browse FAQs. Hundreds of Albertans attended Legal Aid Alberta’s online information session on November 25 to learn about how an emergency protection order can keep someone safe from an abuser. Session Recording We received dozens of questions from participants. This is a summary of the live Q&A, […]
Legal Aid Alberta hosts first ever public event in response to growing family violence during COVID-19
“Family violence should not be a private matter. Everyone in the community needs to be vigilant.” Incidents of family violence are on the rise during COVID-19 and as the pandemic worsens and winter hits, more people are at risk. On November 25, Legal Aid Alberta lawyers are hosting their first ever public online event to talk […]
Legal Aid Alberta sends extra assistance to help victims of domestic violence as applications for emergency protection orders rise
November is Family Violence Prevention Month. To meet increased demand for emergency protection orders (EPOs) since April, Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) trained its students-at-law to provide after-hours supports for victims of family violence, a first for the organization. This led to a recently assigned staff lawyer position to work after hours to help justices […]
Legal Aid in Calgary is now closer to the courthouse and the clients we serve
The move marks a new chapter of progress and possibilities. Communications and Public Relations October 30, 2020 Note: We do not accept applications for Legal Aid at the Calgary office. To apply, call 1-866-845-3425. COVID-19 has made everything more challenging in 2020. Relocating an entire office of staff and lawyers in Calgary from […]
Seven scary legal situations that Legal Aid can help with
Being afraid of the legal system is as natural as being scared of the dark. Communications and Public Relations October 28, 2020 Fear of the legal system is normal and common. The law is hard to understand and going to court can be expensive and overwhelming, not to mention all the legalese […]
Meet the Legal Aid lawyer who’s been helping at-risk youth find their way for over 20 years
“The reason I fight so hard for my clients.” For two decades, Legal Aid Alberta lawyer Karen McGowan has helped countless at-risk youth navigate their way to a better future. A life turned around is the ultimate victory for any youth lawyer, but it is a job that’s not for the faint of […]
“A vital mission”
Long Service Awards celebrate 23 employees from around Alberta who’ve been with Legal Aid for five,10,15 and 20 years. Scott Hammond was a lawyer with Legal Aid Alberta when there were few computers – only stacks of boxes filled with legal paperwork, piled floor to ceiling, everywhere you looked. Technology has changed considerably in […]
Mental health court is a gateway to a better life for Alberta’s marginalized community, says Legal Aid Alberta lawyer
For Mental Health Awareness Week, LAA lawyer Amna Qureshi talks about how Edmonton’s mental health court is changing lives. Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Amna Qureshi has met countless Albertans who get in trouble with the law and suffer serious mental illness. Mental health court, she says, is their gateway to a better life, […]
Drug court graduate a “pillar of strength”
Two years ago, 33-year-old Tyson was living on the streets of Edmonton and addicted to meth. Today, he’s sober, works as an outreach worker, and has reconnected with his daughters. Two years ago, 33-year-old Tyson was living on the streets of Edmonton and addicted to meth. Today, he’s sober, works as an outreach worker, […]