How Gladue reports help courts set sentences
The over representation of Indigenous people in the justice system has been well documented. A Government of Canada survey indicates that while Indigenous people make up five per cent of the total Canadian population, the number of Indigenous people in federal prisons is 21 per cent. That figure rises to an average of 42 per […]
New faces, renewed energy: Meet Legal Aid Alberta’s 2025 summer students
There are sure signs that spring has sprung: temperatures rise, flowers bloom, and, at Legal Aid Alberta, summer students join the team and begin their placements. This team of five students brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to LAA. Eager to learn and grow, they are ready to work alongside our experienced lawyers, and to […]
Thank you for 52 years of access to justice
On May 24, LAA celebrates another year of protecting the legal rights of Albertans. Since 1973, Legal Aid Alberta has played a pivotal role in equal access to justice for all. Back in our first year, we had nearly 7,500 case files and 16 employees. Today, we have over 300 staff members and 1,200 private […]
In youth court, Legal Aid Alberta is there to protect your rights
“The right to a lawyer includes the right to understand and be understood,” says Marcus Threndyle, youth criminal duty counsel lawyer. On a Friday morning in Calgary’s youth criminal court, the hallway is packed. A father anxiously waits for news about his son, who’s in custody. A nervous teenage girl arrives with an adult companion. […]
Ask a Lawyer: Mental health and the justice system
Mental Health Week is May 5 – 11, raising awareness of the fact that many people – regardless of demographics – struggle with different forms of mental health issues throughout their lives. Legal Aid Alberta staff and roster lawyers practicing all areas of law come into contact with individuals affected by mental health issues. […]
Legal help at your fingertips: Four easy resources to guide you through legal aid
Dealing with a legal issue is stressful. We understand that — especially when life is already overwhelming due to things like family violence, addiction, or mental health struggles. That’s why we’re committed to making things easier. Every year, Legal Aid Alberta supports hundreds of thousands of Albertans navigating the justice system. To better serve individuals […]
Legal Aid Alberta helps immigration and refugee applicants
Moving to a new country is an enormous undertaking, and one that thousands of people choose when coming to Canada each year. Some have been planning their move carefully; others are fleeing repressive regimes where the rule of law is not in effect. All are seeking a better life and a new beginning in Canada. […]
Legal Aid Alberta celebrates 28 long-service employees
Year after year, “LAA has been there” to provide access to justice “Thank you for listening.” These are the most gratifying words Kevin Livingstone can hear in his long and accomplished career as a family lawyer with Legal Aid Alberta (LAA). For the past 20 years, Kevin has been on the frontlines […]
Ask a Lawyer: Women in the legal profession
This Saturday, March 8, marks International Women’s Day. It is a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action and is celebrated in many countries worldwide. The Government of Canada’s theme for IWD 2025 is “Strength in every story”. In Alberta and most of the country, women are well-represented in the legal profession. For example: […]
Ask a Lawyer: Representing children in family court
In high-conflict family cases, child representation is vital In family breakups, especially when parents are at an impasse, it is important that the voices of children are heard. Legal Aid Alberta lawyers are highly skilled in child representation. LAA staff lawyer Krista McFadyen appeared on the Global News Morning Ask A Lawyer segment to […]