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 […]
Ask A Lawyer: Ensuring fair treatment in court for people with mental health issues
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers have a key role in Edmonton’s Mental Health Court Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Justin Hjelsvold’s role as duty counsel in courtrooms in and around Edmonton brings him into contact with people worried about the legal challenges they’re facing. Often, there’s more going on than criminal charges. “Almost […]
Ask a Lawyer: What happens to pets during divorce proceedings?
Division of property is just one step of many for Alberta families in a divorce proceeding. You can split the couch, the car and the house, but what about the beloved pets? Does “pet custody” exist in the eyes of the court? This month on Ask a Lawyer: Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers Sheila […]
Ask a Lawyer: More low-income Albertans will be eligible for legal aid
Legal Aid Alberta’s Cameron Mitchell discusses upcoming changes to the financial eligibility guidelines beginning April 1 on this month’s segment of Ask a Lawyer A single mother employed as a retail store greeter seeking freedom from a controlling relationship. A young adult working in a local diner, with no support is accused of a […]
Ask a Lawyer: Family Violence Prevention
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers Jessica Chapman and Ruth Williams join Global News Morning Edmonton to shed light on family violence, the overlaps for those in immigration matters and the supports available. November is Family Violence Prevention Month. It can happen to anyone, and it’s important to work together to spread awareness, educate and […]