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, […]
Legal Aid Alberta announces extension of new initiative to help Albertans prepare for court remotely
Legal Aid Alberta is urging Albertans to call the Advance Appearance Duty Counsel program up to 14 days ahead of their first court appearance Legal Aid Alberta is urging Albertans to call the Advance Appearance Duty Counsel (AADC) program up to 14 days ahead of their first court appearance. AADC is a new […]
“Honoured to serve”: Ryan Callioux appointed new Chair of Legal Aid Alberta Board of Directors
Called to the Alberta Bar in 2002, Ryan Callioux is an Edmonton-area lawyer who has dedicated his professional legal career to helping families and children. Legal Aid Alberta is pleased to advise that its Board of Directors has appointed Ryan Callioux as the new chair of the board at its Annual General Meeting on […]
Court finds that temporary guardianship orders must allow for the return of children and that trial judges not child welfare decide the terms of access between guardians and childr
In this Court of Queen’s Bench (QB) case which ultimately strengthened the rights of parents to have custody of their children, Legal Aid Alberta lawyer Douglas McLachlan represented a mother of three. September 01, 2020 By: Legal Aid Staff In this Court of Queen’s Bench (QB) case which ultimately strengthened the rights of parents to […]
Drywaller swaps toolbelt for lawyer’s briefcase
Legal Aid Alberta’s first Indigenous Summer Student Program placement a unique milestone in law student’s journey. 38-year-old Justin Hjlesvold knows a thing or two about hard work. Hjlesvold, a self-proclaimed family man from Edmonton and first-year law student at the University of Alberta, is pursuing his dream to become a lawyer after running […]
Co-parenting in a pandemic
During a crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, shared responsibility for parenting may seem overwhelming when you don’t have the information you need to make decisions. We’re here to help. By Jeff Keller, family lawyer at Legal Aid Alberta During a crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, shared responsibility for parenting may […]