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 […]
No need for merit opinion on supervision orders
Legal Aid Alberta is committed to continual review of current processes and strives to gain efficiencies wherever possible. During a recent conversation with some family roster lawyers, the question of the need for merit opinions on supervision orders was raised. The concern was valid, and our executive team took it into account while coming to […]
Consultation update: LAA Overview as shared with the Ministry of Justice
Hello LAA roster lawyers, Last week, the Ministry of Justice shared its plans for a legal aid consultation involving key justice system partners, including Legal Aid Alberta (LAA). As we mentioned before, we understand that not everyone is familiar with the complexities of our organization. We have provided the Ministry with detailed materials, an Overview of […]
Ministry-led consultation on legal aid
This week, Ministry of Justice shared its plans for a legal aid consultation involving key justice system partners, including Legal Aid Alberta (LAA). As you know from the new Governance Agreement (GA), this was agreed upon to be completed by March 2025 (Appendix 3). The three parties preferred this timing as it formalizes the Government […]
Ministry-led consultation on legal aid
Hello LAA roster lawyers, This week, Ministry of Justice shared its plans for a legal aid consultation involving key justice system partners, including Legal Aid Alberta (LAA). As you know from the new Governance Agreement (GA), this was agreed upon to be completed by March 2025 (Appendix 3). The three parties preferred this timing as it formalizes […]