Ask a Lawyer: Mental health and the justice system
Mental Health Week is May 5 – 11, raising awareness of the fact that many people – regardless of demographics – struggle with different forms of mental health issues throughout their lives. Legal Aid Alberta staff and roster lawyers practicing all areas of law come into contact with individuals affected by mental health issues. […]
Legal help at your fingertips: Four easy resources to guide you through legal aid
Dealing with a legal issue is stressful. We understand that — especially when life is already overwhelming due to things like family violence, addiction, or mental health struggles. That’s why we’re committed to making things easier. Every year, Legal Aid Alberta supports hundreds of thousands of Albertans navigating the justice system. To better serve individuals […]
Legal Aid Alberta helps immigration and refugee applicants
Moving to a new country is an enormous undertaking, and one that thousands of people choose when coming to Canada each year. Some have been planning their move carefully; others are fleeing repressive regimes where the rule of law is not in effect. All are seeking a better life and a new beginning in Canada. […]
Ask a Lawyer: Protecting Albertans’ rights at police stations, 24-7
Imagine this scenario: After a night out, someone accepts a ride home from an acquaintance. Along the way, police pull the car over – and it turns out the vehicle was stolen. Everyone in the car is taken into custody and potentially faces serious criminal charges. Who do you call for help? Legal […]
Gift-wrapped for you: The 12 Months of Ask a Lawyer
For Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers, the season of giving lasts all year. In addition to protecting Albertans’ legal rights 24/7, our staff lawyers share their knowledge and insights on legal issues as guests on Global Edmonton’s morning news program once a month. Our lawyers bring their expertise and experience to a vast audience, providing […]
Ask a Lawyer: Using Emergency Protection Orders to help families facing domestic violence
Across Canada, Alberta is ranked third in self-reported spousal violence. It is important to raise awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence, ways to prevent it and the legal tools available to stop it. November is Family Violence Prevention Month – aimed at educating people on the warning signs of family violence and the resources […]
Ask a Lawyer: LAA brings Duty Counsel Day to the classroom
Every day, thousands of people appear in courts across the country for the first time, with little understanding of legal procedures, what’s going to happen, or even that they have a Charter right to legal representation. Fortunately, duty counsel lawyers are on the front line of the justice system to protect our Charter right […]
Ask A Lawyer: Preparation is the best defence when heading to a trial
Legal Aid Alberta’s experienced lawyers break down the work and planning necessary for a proper defence. Courtroom dramas on TV or in the movies don’t tell the full story. In real life, there is an incredible amount of research and planning required for a lawyer to defend someone in a trial. Legal Aid Alberta […]
Ask A Lawyer: Protecting your rights while in police custody
Legal Aid Alberta is available all day every day to protect our Charter rights Hospital emergency rooms don’t shut down overnight, firefighters don’t lock up the station for the evening and police keep patrolling our streets after dark. Just as these essential services operate around the clock, so do Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers […]
Supporting clients at Indigenous courts with knowledge and passion
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers are uniquely positioned to deliver quality representation for clients at Indigenous courts Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Jay Gill says lawyers representing clients in Alberta’s Indigenous courts need to bring patience and knowledge into the court in order to give clients the best representation. “I’m here doing what LAA […]