July 6, 2022 – Legal Aid Alberta’s new centralized duty counsel scheduling system, Shiftboard, is now operational for our roster duty counsel lawyers. We have prepared an FAQ to help answer some common questions about using this system.
May 16, 2022 – An email has been sent to all roster duty counsel with your login and password information for Shiftboard, a new, user-friendly scheduling system to help roster lawyers manage duty counsel scheduling. Roster lawyers will receive a separate email invite this afternoon to sign up for July and August duty counsel shifts.
Updated version of the LAA Duty Counsel Manual now available
May 9, 2022 – Legal Aid Alberta’s Duty Counsel Manual has been updated and is now available.
Sign up for Duty Counsel Scheduling Training
April 26, 2022 – LAA has launched Shiftboard, a new, user-friendly scheduling system to help roster lawyers manage duty counsel scheduling. Register for one of the available training sessions in May to get the 101 on the new system.
System testing underway for centralized duty counsel scheduling system
February 2, 2022 – Soon, schedules for duty counsel lawyers working across Alberta will be available in one easy-to-access location so you can check on your computer, phone or wherever you are. System testing is underway and we expect training sessions to be scheduled in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Everything you need to know about how duty counsel scheduling is changing
September 16, 2021 – A brand new way to schedule duty counsel shifts is coming soon and will make your life way easier.
New duty counsel scheduling system goes live for small group of test users
August 25, 2021 – Duty counsel scheduling is moving from different systems for every court to one centralized system for all of Alberta. This makes LAA processes more efficient and makes it easier for us to respond to requests and changes. The new system is called Shiftboard and will be introduced to roster lawyers this fall.
July 13, 2021 – During COVID, many self-represented accused could not access the courthouse to speak to duty counsel due to closures of in-person services. In response, Legal Aid Alberta and our roster lawyers pitched in with a program called Advanced Appearance Duty Counsel to ensure continued access to legal advice, guidance and support. Now known as Early Appearance Assistance, this service is being provided permanently, effective July 15, 2021.
Adjournment Digital Services and Legal Aid Alberta
July 13, 2021 – Over the summer, the Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General is rolling out a new online adjournment service for Criminal Provincial Court known as Adjournment Digital Services (ADS). Lawyers and duty counsel can use this service for initial appearances that would have typically been handled at a court location that has a Case Management Office (CMO).
March 3, 2021 – Legal Aid Alberta is improving access to justice for rural Albertans with a new full-time staff lawyer in Grande Prairie—the first in many years. Full-time LAA presence in Grande Prairie began March 1, helping meet demand for duty counsel services in the region.
February 12, 2021 – As you know, under LAA’s administrative policies, roster lawyers must submit a final invoice within six months of when they complete work on a certificate. But, when possible, we’d like our roster lawyers to submit their duty counsel certificates earlier – and ideally, within 30 days of when you acted as duty counsel.
November 18, 2020 – Last week, we became aware that ACPS has advised all Crown prosecutors to appear virtually for all docket courts, as well as for trials whenever feasible. While LAA’s operations at the courthouse continue to be business as usual, given the Crown’s approach we wanted to remind you that you are encouraged to contact us in advance with any concerns you may have about appearing in person.
November 3, 2020 – LAA is launching a new process to improve client service by streamlining the process for clients who already have active coverage for an adult criminal matter.
