October 27 is Duty Counsel Day in the Classroom
More than 1,700 students in schools across Canada are learning about Duty Counsel Day, their legal rights, and the justice system. This week, junior and senior high school students across Canada are learning about their legal rights and how front-line lawyers called duty counsel protect Canadians and keep the justice system functioning. […]
Duty Counsel: First Line of Defence
Regardless of your income, LAA duty counsel are on the spot in provincial docket courts in Alberta to help you make informed decisions Legal trouble doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can suddenly find themselves in a courtroom wondering what to say or do next. Without understanding the law and court procedures, you’re at a definite disadvantage. […]
Duty counsel: The unsung heroes of the justice system
Oct. 27 is a day to honour staff and roster lawyers who support Albertans on the frontlines of the justice system In busy courthouses around Alberta, dedicated Legal Aid Alberta staff and roster lawyers provide invaluable duty counsel services to Albertans facing criminal or family legal problems. These passionate lawyers have made it […]
Ask a Lawyer: National Duty Counsel Day can be a powerful tool for those heading to court
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Sean Smith shares the significance of knowing your rights and the crucial role of duty counsel in Canada Stepping into a courtroom can feel like entering a whole new world, filled with unfamiliar language and uncertainty. Whether you’re facing a criminal charge, dealing with a family issue, or […]
Legal Aid Alberta offers a free webinar for parents and youth on teen crime on Oct. 4
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer on 630CHED to discuss upcoming webinar on teens and crime Whether it’s a matter of poor judgment or something more serious, teen crime has always been a social challenge. Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act ensures swift legal action so that young people facing criminal charges clearly understand the connection […]
Gladue principles and factors: What you need to know
R. v. Gladue established guidelines for courts when dealing with Indigenous people If you identify as an Indigenous person and find yourself charged with a criminal offence, the Court must consider these Gladue Principles and the Gladue Factors that apply to you. Be sure to ask your lawyer, duty counsel, or Indigenous court […]
Legal Aid Alberta announces early closure Sept. 29 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Legal Aid Alberta allows employees time for learning and reflection to honour residential school survivors on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Legal Aid Alberta offices will close early to the public on Friday, September 29 to allow our teams to participate in an […]
Ask a Lawyer: Canadian Justice System v. American TV Legal Dramas
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Cameron Mitchell addresses common misconceptions about our justice system and how our courts work The allure of American legal dramas on TV like Law & Order and Suits often portray a day in the life of a lawyer with gripping courtroom showdowns and dramatic plot twists – but have you ever wondered just […]
A day in the life of a Contact Centre Intake Officer
Contact Centre team members are on the front lines of the justice system It’s 8 a.m. on a Thursday morning. Susan Roth, Contact Centre Intake Officer (CCIO) at Legal Aid Alberta is beginning her shift for the day at LAA’s Contact Centre. Just minutes after clocking in, she answers a call from an individual […]
Ask a Lawyer: Upholding the rule of law for major cases
Legal Aid Alberta Advisory Counsel Katie Clarey appears on this month’s segment of Ask a Lawyer to talk about LAA’s Major Cases Panel When you’re faced with serious criminal charges, it’s critical to have quality representation by your side – a lawyer with years of experience, knowledge and understanding of criminal investigations can make […]