Mental Health Court in Edmonton: How it works
Legal Aid Alberta plays an important role in Mental Health Court and protecting access to justice. Mental Health Court is a specialized court in Edmonton for adults charged with a crime who also have a mental illness. The court focuses on addressing the underlying mental health issues that can contribute to criminal charges, with the […]
Who gets custody of the pets in a divorce in Alberta?
Most people consider pets part of the family, but the law says otherwise. Legal Aid Alberta lawyers Sheila Raffray and Chuck Easton explain. Division of property and assets is an essential step in a divorce proceeding. Things can get more complicated when children and custody arrangements are involved. But what happens to pets? […]
How does bail work in Alberta?
Albertans are innocent until proven guilty. But upon arrest, and prior to having their day in court, they are at a distinct disadvantage. What does it mean to be “out on bail?” We hear it all the time in movies, but most Albertans are unsure of their rights and how to exercise them […]
Growing number of Albertans value Legal Aid Alberta for its positive impact, role in protecting access to justice: poll
New independent study shows rising public trust, awareness and positive impact on the lives of Albertans. More Albertans than ever understand and value the positive impact that Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) has on the lives of citizens in the province. A province-wide poll by the independent research firm Leger found that recognition of […]
Celebrating the women of Legal Aid Alberta
On International Women’s Day, March 8, we celebrate the women whose knowledge, talent and commitment are critical to protecting access to justice. Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) exists to protect access to justice through high-quality legal representation, especially for our most disadvantaged. This work takes a team of dedicated leaders, lawyers and professional staff […]
Woman to woman: Two Legal Aid Alberta lawyers on the role of women in law, leadership and fair justice
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers Katie Clackson and Krista McFadyen on why it’s important to see more women in the courtroom, and the role of women, equality, inclusion and empathy in a healthy justice system. Women have long played a transformative role in the legal profession in Canada, advancing access to justice, strengthening public […]
Legal Aid Alberta celebrates staff at long-service awards
Legal Aid Alberta celebrates 35 long-time employees When Tahira Karim first joined Legal Aid Alberta (LAA), she was an ambitious articling student seeking opportunities to deepen her courtroom experience and litigation expertise. Tahira, a University of Ottawa law grad, was already applying her knowledge while articling at another law firm. Thanks to the mentorship of […]
Black History Month: learning from Black history to build stronger communities
Learning, listening and honouring Black brilliance across generations February is Black History Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, contributions and lived experiences of Black people and Black communities across the country. The 2026 theme, 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries, marks three decades of national recognition. It honours the […]
Legal Aid Alberta and Alberta Union of Provincial Employees sign new collective agreement
The Collective Agreement reflects our commitment to supporting employees and strengthening access to justice across Alberta. Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) signed a new collective agreement on Jan. 30, 2026. A collective agreement is a contract between a union and an employer that sets out the basic rules […]
Who speaks for the kids? Representing children in family court
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Douglas McLachlan explains how children and youth are represented in court. For most Albertans, Family Day is a chance to take a break and spend quality time with our loved ones. But for many families, reality is much different, especially when a child’s safety or home environment is at […]