December 14, 2023
Dear roster colleagues,
As Legal Aid Alberta commemorates its 50th anniversary, it has been a rewarding experience collaborating with you to deliver access to justice to Albertans.
2023 marks a significant stride forward. The modernized tariff has brought greater clarity and simplicity to your work. The recently implemented Client Gateway online application has made legal aid more accessible for many of your clients without reliable phone or Internet access.
Experienced and early-career roster lawyers and students are taking diverse paths to assist disadvantaged Albertans through legal aid. Many new lawyers and students-at-law have seamlessly joined the roster through an updated onboarding procedure, ensuring clients are served by lawyers with the necessary skills to navigate them through the legal system.
Hundreds of roster lawyers demonstrated their commitment to professional development this year, participating in LAA training sessions focused on the new tariff, child welfare law, and immigration law. Close to 100 roster lawyers have joined LAA’s Major Cases Panel, contributing their legal expertise to clients facing serious charges and jeopardy.
Legal Aid Alberta has embraced an elevated commitment to quality legal representation, a commitment that resonates with our roster colleagues.
I am honoured to collaborate with each of you to ensure that individuals facing some of the most challenging moments in their lives have compassionate and skilled professionals by their side.
I eagerly anticipate continuing this journey with you as we progress into 2024.
With gratitude,
Paul R. Welke
Roster Relations Liaison
