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 […]
A message from the Chair of the Legal Aid Alberta Board of Directors
“Our honour to partner with the over 1,200 roster lawyers that deliver essential legal services to tens of thousands of disadvantaged Albertans every year.” Communications and Public Relations August 25, 2022 August 19, 2022 — As the Legal Aid Board Chair, on behalf of the Board and Legal Aid Alberta, it is our honour […]
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 […]
Legal Aid Alberta responds to possible withdrawal of services by some private sector roster lawyers
Legal aid support will continue to be available in provincial courts. EDMONTON — Yesterday, members of three criminal defence organizations who do legal aid work voted in favour of withdrawing provincial court duty counsel services for two weeks starting on Monday, August 8. Roster lawyers who do legal aid are not employees of Legal Aid Alberta […]
How Legal Aid Alberta lawyers navigate challenging client relationships
Tips and tricks for managing situations that involve not-so-easy-to-work-with individuals. Good communication, time management, and appropriate expectation-setting are fundamental to representing your clients effectively. With many clients, this comes easily — but occasionally, lawyers encounter situations where navigating that client relationship is particularly challenging. For more difficult client situations, Legal Aid Alberta […]
Ask a Lawyer: Ins-and-outs of bail hearings in Alberta
What to do if you’re arrested and denied bail. Protect your legal rights. Legal Aid Alberta bail lawyers are free for all Albertans. Bail hearings and self-representation have become trending topics in nationwide news coverage and social media amidst the so-called “Freedom Convoy” protests. Dave Lloyd, Justice of the Peace bail lawyer with […]
It started with a pair of shoes
Legal Aid Alberta’s Jenny Le shares the story of her journey to Canada and, ultimately, the Client Services team Jenny Le took a leap of faith when she moved to Canada. Living in the large, bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, Le was content with her day-to-day life in Vietnam—raising her two daughters […]