On International Women’s Day, March 8, we celebrate the women whose knowledge, talent and commitment are critical to protecting access to justice.
Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) exists to protect access to justice through high-quality legal representation, especially for our most disadvantaged.
This work takes a team of dedicated leaders, lawyers and professional staff to collectively deliver critical services to thousands of Albertans across the province. Among them are remarkable women whose talent, leadership and commitment shape every facet of our work.
On International Women’s Day, March 8, we celebrate the women of LAA who make this a special place to work and help keep us focused on what matters: justice for everyone.
Woman to woman: Two Legal Aid Alberta lawyers on the role of women in law, leadership and fair justice
Women have long played a transformative role in the legal profession in Canada, advancing access to justice, strengthening public trust in the legal system and expanding representation in areas historically closed to them.
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers Katie Clackson and Krista McFadyen discuss ongoing challenges women face inside and outside the courtroom, and the role of women, equality, inclusion and empathy in a healthy justice system.
Finding motivation in helping Albertans
When Tahira Karim first joined Legal Aid Alberta, she was an ambitious articling student seeking opportunities to deepen her courtroom experience and litigation expertise. After 15 years with LAA, she’s found that and more. Today, she helps mentor the next generation of women leaders in law.
Supporting Albertans facing family violence matters
Legal Aid Alberta supports women and families in numerous ways, including through emergency protection orders. Staff lawyer Jessica Chapman shares how emergency protection orders and other legal tools can be used to address family violence.
Duty counsel: Your first line of defence
Going to court can be a stressful experience for anyone. Fortunately, Canadians have a Charter right to legal representation and legal aid organizations across the country provide duty counsel lawyers free of charge to Canadians who need on-the-spot legal advice.
Legal Aid Alberta lawyers Nicole Sissons and Stephanie Ma explain the role of duty counsel and its critical role in protecting access to justice.
Helping Albertans take their first steps toward justice
Legal Aid Alberta is often the first point of contact for Albertans involved in the justice system. The Contact Centre handles roughly 80,000 calls a year from all over Alberta. Go behind the scenes on a typical day with a legal intake specialist.
Legal Aid Alberta helps immigration and refugee applicants
Moving to a new country is an enormous undertaking, and one that thousands of people choose when coming to Canada each year. Legal Aid Alberta helps guide newcomers through what can be a challenging legal process.
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Ruth Williams shares insight on helping newcomers to our country.
