Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) is introducing new Designated Sexual Offence Standards, effective Jan. 1, 2026. These standards will establish clear eligibility and training requirements for roster lawyers representing clients in sexual offence matters.
Sexual offence cases are among the most complex and sensitive areas of criminal law, requiring strong legal and evidentiary skills.
This change is being made to ensure that clients receive the highest quality representation; it supports LAA’s commitment — outlined in The Path Forward: Strategic Plan 2023–2026 — to maintaining a roster of qualified, effective and accountable counsel.