Update on Government of Alberta consultation
The Government of Alberta’s consultation sessions regarding legal aid services have now concluded, with a total of three sessions held over the past two to three weeks. The consultation also included the invitation to provide written submissions. Participants in these sessions included representatives from Legal Aid Alberta, CDLA and CTLA, the Canadian Bar Association, Alberta […]
Ask a Lawyer: Travel and co-parenting during the holiday season
The holiday season is upon us, and for many Alberta families experiencing separation or divorce, there are questions about holiday travel with children, from domestic to international trips. As families navigate the complexities of co-parenting during the holiday season, understanding the legal considerations can help ensure a smoother experience for both parents and children. Legal […]
National Addictions Awareness Week: Drug Treatment Courts Breaking the Cycle of Addiction and Crime
This week marks National Addictions Awareness Week. Legal Aid Alberta supports fairness in the criminal justice system through active involvement in Alberta’s therapeutic courts. Our dedicated staff duty counsel lawyers play a crucial role in Drug Treatment Courts across the province, representing Albertans accepted into the programs and helping them break free from the cycle […]
New online feedback form; standards compliance at LAA
LAA is introducing a standardized online form on our website for clients, roster lawyers and others to share their feedback about LAA services. This form replaces the [email protected] email and will ensure the proper team reviews of submitted concerns, allowing for more efficient tracking and managing of feedback. As part of the rollout, Lawyer Portal […]
Emergency Protection Orders and support for family violence complainants and respondents
Legal Aid Alberta plays an important role in addressing domestic violence. In addition to providing training to family violence prevention organizations and police services across the province, LAA lawyers assisted Albertans with more than 2,000 Emergency Protection Order applications last year. Roster lawyers are a key part of the Emergency Protection Order Program. Roster […]
Remembering those who have paid the ultimate price, honouring those who continue to serve and protect our democratic rights
While Legal Aid Alberta’s staff and roster lawyers, along with their support staff, work tirelessly to ensure that disadvantaged Albertans are able to enjoy their legal rights and the freedoms guaranteed under The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, we recognize that these liberties have come at a cost. Canadians have paid with their lives […]
Certificates for cross-examination of witnesses at trial (s 486.3 CC)
When LAA receives a court order for s 486.3 counsel, a certificate is created for a roster lawyer to conduct cross-examination of the specified witness or complainant at trial. The scheduled trial date will be in the “Next Court Appearance & Time” field on the certificate as well as the “Certificate Start Date” and “Certificate End […]
Ask a Lawyer: Using Emergency Protection Orders to help families facing domestic violence
Across Canada, Alberta is ranked third in self-reported spousal violence. It is important to raise awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence, ways to prevent it and the legal tools available to stop it. November is Family Violence Prevention Month – aimed at educating people on the warning signs of family violence and the resources […]
Classrooms, courthouses and connections: LAA celebrates fourth annual Duty Counsel Day
Lawyers and staff take to the community to help spread the word about the importance of duty counsel October 27 marks Duty Counsel Day in Canada — a day to recognize and give thanks to the unsung heroes of the justice system: duty counsel lawyers. Legal Aid Alberta held its fourth consecutive year of Duty […]
Apply now to join the duty counsel roster
Legal Aid Alberta has opened applications for roster criminal duty counsel. We are looking to add to our current DC complement, especially with lawyers whose primary court location is in or near underserved rural communities. Email [email protected] to begin your expression of interest. While we are happy to consider applications for any called lawyer who […]