Nine things you can do to support Duty Counsel Day
The justice system is complex. Here’s to the lawyers who make it a little easier. October 27 is Duty Counsel Day across Canada. Duty counsel are legal aid lawyers who give free advice in criminal, family and immigration cases in Canada. Duty counsel help Canadians more than 1.2 million times a year. In Alberta, duty […]
Ask a Lawyer: Elder abuse
Legal Aid Alberta family lawyers increasingly concerned by cases of elder abuse. Legal protections are available for Alberta seniors. With domestic violence on the rise, elder abuse is becoming an increasing concern in Alberta communities. Jessica Chapman, Family Lawyer with Legal Aid Alberta, appeared on Global TV’s Ask a Lawyer to explain what elder abuse […]
Interim increase to LAA Financial Eligibility Guidelines and tariff rate paid to roster lawyers
The Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General has authorized interim increases to the LAA Financial Eligibility Guidelines (FEG) and hourly rate paid to tariff lawyers. The Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General has authorized interim increases to the LAA Financial Eligibility Guidelines (FEG) and hourly rate paid to tariff lawyers. Both the FEG and […]
Legal Aid Alberta lawyers are “part of the solution” at new Edmonton Indigenous Court
Indigenous courts aim to address over-representation of Indigenous people in criminal justice system Legal Aid Alberta lawyers are playing an important role representing clients in the newly established Edmonton Indigenous Court. Indigenous courts are specialized courts that focus on healing individuals impacted by the trauma of colonization practices like residential schools, the 60s […]
Mentorship, hands-on experience for Indigenous law students
Legal Aid Alberta’s Indigenous Summer Students Program “a great way to give back,” says University of Calgary law student Tayla Basawa It started with the Hollywood glamour of the legal profession for Tayla Basawa—watching shows like Legally Blonde and Suits, Tayla found inspiration in the hearts of characters like Elle Woods and Mike Ross […]
A message to roster lawyers from the LAA Board of Directors, CEO and Executive Team
Roster lawyers are integral to LAA. They are our closest partners and though we do not control the rate of pay, we remain committed to keeping the dialogue open and advocating for a solution. The Board of Directors of Legal Aid Alberta (LAA), the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, having met on September 20, […]
Legal Aid Alberta honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30
An opportunity to listen, learn and take action. Legal Aid Alberta is observing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) by providing our staff with the afternoon away from their daily work responsibilities to learn, participate in, and reflect on the role we play in reconciliation. Courts across Alberta are continuing to operate throughout […]
Legal Aid Alberta adjusting operations in response to escalating job action by criminal defence lawyers
We are focused on continuing to serve clients and to minimize service disruptions Legal Aid Alberta does not control the rate of pay for roster lawyers. This is solely in the control of the Ministry. We are adjusting operations accordingly to prioritize those who are in the most disadvantaged situations. At this time, Albertans […]
Legal Aid Alberta prepares for escalating job action by criminal defence lawyers
What Albertans need to know about accessing legal aid. EDMONTON – Yesterday, Legal Aid Alberta learned through media reports that criminal defence lawyers participating in job action are planning to escalate withdrawal of legal aid services starting on September 1 and will begin refusing certain types of criminal cases. Job action by private […]
One day at a time: Legal Aid Alberta managing withdrawal of duty counsel services by contracted criminal defence lawyers
LAA is making significant efforts to support Albertans in provincial courts. EDMONTON – Right now, more than 35,000 Albertans in 75 communities are receiving legal aid assistance and demand for help never stops. People who depend on legal aid face extraordinarily difficult life circumstances such as mental health issues, past trauma and addiction. The […]