Legal Aid Alberta has created a dedicated panel of roster lawyers with significant experience, training, and interest in serious and complex criminal files. Serious and complex criminal matters include matters where the client is:
- Facing criminal charges pursuant to section 469 of the Criminal Code.
- Is the subject of a Dangerous Offender or Long-Term Offender Application.
- Facing charges that LAA has determined are serious and complex enough to fall within the definition of “major case.”
- The appellant or respondent in a criminal appeal relating to the above (1)-(3).
The goal of this panel is to help ensure lawyers receive the appropriate support, training and mentoring needed to work on these files.
Panel members will receive priority when LAA offers certificates to roster lawyers in this service area where choice of counsel has been waived. While LAA reserves the right in extraordinary cases to appoint lawyers who are not on this panel, panel members are given first preference when LAA appoints a lawyer from the roster.
This is a province-wide panel, and LAA will consider geographic service locations when assessing panel applications. Subject to any changes to LAA’s business needs, lawyers will initially be appointed to this panel for three years. Panel members may reapply before their term expires.