October 27 is Duty Counsel Day: Time for Albertans to know and celebrate their legal rights
Anyone can end up in court. When the stakes are high, frontline duty counsel lawyers are there for you. Not commonly known to Albertans, every day in courtrooms across the province, duty counsel lawyers — the unsung heroes of the justice system — provide free legal services to ensure access to justice and fair treatment. They’re the legal team you didn’t know you have. October 27 is […]
Legal Aid Alberta offers free public webinar to bust myths about Indigenous people and the law
There is a common misconception that Indigenous people “get off easy,” and Legal Aid Alberta lawyers want to set the record straight. “Considering the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in our prisons, I can’t imagine where that idea comes from,” said Jessica Buffalo, LAA staff lawyer who works in the Calgary Indigenous Court. She […]
Sweeping changes to divorce law in Canada and what it means for Canadian parents and children
Amendments to the Divorce Act geared toward putting the needs of the child first Significant changes to Canada’s Divorce Act are coming into force March 1. These new laws are designed to promote children’s best interests, reduce family violence, help reduce poverty, and make the justice system more accessible and efficient. Legal Aid Alberta […]
Teens and the Law: What to do if bad behaviour turns criminal
Legal Aid Alberta is improving access to justice for rural youth and teaching parents about the criminal justice system . Communications and Public Relations February 19, 2021 Is it normal teen acting out or is it something far more? Legal Aid Alberta is helping its network of lawyers provide better legal service to young […]
Legal Aid Alberta adds new way of assisting sexual assault complainants in complex legal territory
New procedure will help reduce delays and provide Albertans with lawyers who can help protect their rights in sexual assault trials. Communications and Public Relations February 03, 2021 Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) is speeding up the ways they help vulnerable Albertans in sexual assault cases by providing legal support for all complainants whose sexual history, […]
Legal Aid Alberta hosts first ever public event in response to growing family violence during COVID-19
“Family violence should not be a private matter. Everyone in the community needs to be vigilant.” Incidents of family violence are on the rise during COVID-19 and as the pandemic worsens and winter hits, more people are at risk. On November 25, Legal Aid Alberta lawyers are hosting their first ever public online event to talk […]
Legal Aid Alberta sends extra assistance to help victims of domestic violence as applications for emergency protection orders rise
November is Family Violence Prevention Month. To meet increased demand for emergency protection orders (EPOs) since April, Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) trained its students-at-law to provide after-hours supports for victims of family violence, a first for the organization. This led to a recently assigned staff lawyer position to work after hours to help justices […]
Legal Aid Alberta announces extension of new initiative to help Albertans prepare for court remotely
Legal Aid Alberta is urging Albertans to call the Advance Appearance Duty Counsel program up to 14 days ahead of their first court appearance Legal Aid Alberta is urging Albertans to call the Advance Appearance Duty Counsel (AADC) program up to 14 days ahead of their first court appearance. AADC is a new […]
Albertans can remotely prepare for court thanks to new Legal Aid Alberta initiative
LAA duty counsel team steps in this summer to help provide critical services to rural and urban communities during COVID-19. Whether they’re in Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray or Drumheller, Albertans have access to Advance Appearance Duty Counsel from now until August 28, allowing them to prepare for court by phone or e-mail instead of […]
LAA staff lawyer honoured with Queen’s Counsel designation
On March 4, 2020, Legal Aid Alberta Queen’s Bench Duty Counsel lawyer Christine Le Quéré was appointed as a Queen’s Counsel for the province of Alberta. On March 4, 2020, Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) Queen’s Bench Duty Counsel lawyer Christine Le Quéré was appointed as a Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.) for the province of […]