Celebrate International Women’s Day 2022

#BreakTheBias is this year's theme for International Women's Day.

March 8 is International Women’s Day. At Legal Aid Alberta, we’re celebrating the incredible contributions and leadership of women in the legal profession. We recognize that we are all responsible for breaking the bias in our personal and professional communities in favour of inclusive and equitable environments.

Below is a selection of news stories and recorded webinars that highlight the contributions LAA women are making toward fairness in the justice system.

Putting Families First

• LAA child welfare and family law staff duty counsel lawyer Sara Peacock taps into her wealth of knowledge and experience to help litigants in family docket courts and, in the child welfare arena, assists clients in accessing legal resources. 
• Lawyers like LAA staff duty counsel Christina Riddoch are protecting families from domestic violence.
• LAA staff family lawyer Jessica Chapman was the inaugural guest on Global Edmonton’s monthly Ask A Lawyer segment, discussing child support payments and co-parenting children during the pandemic.
•  LAA staff duty counsel lawyers Gwen May and Julia McGraw are helping victims of domestic violence apply for Emergency Protection Orders.  

Champions for a Therapeutic Approach to Justice

• Millions of Canadians struggle with addiction. In her role as an LAA staff duty counsel in the Edmonton Drug Treatment Court, Sonia Haer is helping Albertans break the cycle of addiction and crime.
• Amna Qureshi, experienced an dedicated LAA staff duty counsel lawyer appeared on Ask a Lawyer to discuss mental health and its relation to the law.

Helping People Start Again

• LAA staff lawyer Ruth Williams helps people from around the world who are fleeing persecution find freedom and a safe haven in Canada. 

Support for Indigenous Albertans

• LAA staff duty counsel lawyer Jessica Buffalo is a respected and experienced lawyer practicing in Indigenous Courts. She was a key presenter in a public webinar on Indigenous Courts and restorative justice. Jessica serves as duty counsel in the Calgary Indigenous Court. 
  
• Jessica Buffalo appeared on Ask a Lawyer to share her expertise on Indigenous Courts and significance of restorative justice.

A Voice for Alberta Youth

• LAA staff duty counsel lawyer Karen McGowan appeared on Ask a Lawyer to share her experience working with youth in trouble with the law.

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