Demand for legal aid services increases
by 43 per cent compared to 2004. Some factors may have included Alberta’s economy, growing population and changing demographics.
The compiled list of events were collected through archives, newspapers, old annual reports and interviews with Legal Aid Alberta employees.
Demand for legal aid services increases
by 43 per cent compared to 2004. Some factors may have included Alberta’s economy, growing population and changing demographics.
LAA opens Legal Services Centres
providing tailored services to clients by offering legal information, legal advice and access to early resolution programs or full representation.
Emergency Protection Order Program expands to Calgary
and provides critical support to individuals facing domestic violence.
LAA growth continues
with 18 offices established across the province in both urban and rural areas, and 275 employees to support its expansion.
Milestone moment
LAA issues over 30,000 certificates annually for the first time.
New President named
LAA establishes Criminal Resolution Unit
to manage bail hearings and guilty pleas.
LAA scales back regional offices
to streamline client service and reduce costs.
Record call volumes
34% increase since 2010.
Client services restructured to meet rising demand
LAA establishes a one point of contact for lawyer inquiries and repayment inquiries. LAA sees an increase in priority calls from individuals in custody by 41 per cent or 58,000 more calls.
Increases to financial eligibility guidelines and tariff rate
The Government of Alberta increases financial eligibility for clients by 3 per cent. The hourly tariff rate paid to roster lawyers rises from $84 to $92.40.
Interim President and CEO named
Maria David-Evans is appointed interim President and CEO.
Gianpaolo (John) Panusa named President and CEO
and sets out a transformative era for LAA with a sharp focus on LAA clients, strengthened relationships with justice system partners and funders, and continuing work on a new Governance Agreement.
LAA enters Edmonton Mental Health Court
for the first time, expanding the availability of duty counsel services for Albertans facing both criminal charges and mental health issues.
LAA plays role at Alberta’s first Drug Treatment Court
for the first time, expanding the availability of duty counsel services for Albertans facing both criminal charges and addiction issues.
Justice of the Peace Bail Representation Program begins
offering bail hearing representation across the province. All Albertans held in custody are eligible.
LAA obtains intervener status at Supreme Court of Canada
to advocate for a lower presumptive ceiling for youth proceedings.
LAA signs new Governance Agreement
A sustainable funding model is introduced that guarantees funding for LAA to provide mandated services as outlined in the agreement, signed by LAA, the Government of Alberta and the Law Society of Alberta.
COVID-19 pandemic begins
LAA adapts to the changes in working environments, providing an employee work from home program, advanced appearance duty counsel service by phone, and Webex for virtual courthouse appearances.
Criminal Trial Group begins taking complex cases
The Criminal Trial Group is comprised of staff lawyers who assist clients with challenging cases and require more time and resources from the courts and lawyers.
Out of Court Duty Counsel Program begins
with the goal of reaching more Albertans in need.
First lawyer panel established
The Youth Criminal Law Panel is comprised of lawyers with specific training to represent youth in criminal matters.
First ever Duty Counsel Day
recognizes the crucial role of duty counsel in protecting our legal rights.
LAA establishes two more lawyer panels
The Child Representation Panel and Complainant Panel consist of lawyers with specific training to support clients facing unique legal challenges.
LAA plays role in new Indigenous Court
for the first time, expanding the availability of duty counsel services to support Indigenous clients. An official opening ceremony takes place in September 2022.
Bail hearings top 120,000
Since its inception in 2018, the Justice of the Peace Bail Program records 120,000 bail hearings for Albertans held in custody.
Tariff of Fees review begins
with the goal of modernizing the codes that roster lawyers use to invoice LAA. The hourly tariff rate paid to roster lawyers, controlled by the government, is excluded. Some criminal defense lawyers begin refusing to accept legal aid cases demanding an increase in the rate.
Changes to financial eligibility guidelines and tariff rate
The Government of Alberta announces an 8 per cent increase to financial eligibility and an 8 per cent increase to the hourly tariff rate for roster lawyers, bringing the rate from $92 to $110 per hour.
Additional changes to tariff rate
The Government of Alberta announces a 25 per cent increase to the hourly tariff rate paid to roster lawyers bringing the rate from $110 to $125 per hour.
New Tariff of Fees introduced
improving the simplicity of the invoicing process and providing roster lawyers with the proper recognition for the complexity of work put into any given legal matter.
Additional lawyer panels
introduced to focus on quality legal support for clients in the child welfare system and those facing major crimes.
LAA celebrates 50th anniversary
since incorporation as a non-profit society in 1973.