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 […]
Ask a Lawyer: National Duty Counsel Day can be a powerful tool for those heading to court
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Sean Smith shares the significance of knowing your rights and the crucial role of duty counsel in Canada Stepping into a courtroom can feel like entering a whole new world, filled with unfamiliar language and uncertainty. Whether you’re facing a criminal charge, dealing with a family issue, or […]
Ask a Lawyer: Canadian Justice System v. American TV Legal Dramas
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Cameron Mitchell addresses common misconceptions about our justice system and how our courts work The allure of American legal dramas on TV like Law & Order and Suits often portray a day in the life of a lawyer with gripping courtroom showdowns and dramatic plot twists – but have you ever wondered just […]
Ask a Lawyer: Upholding the rule of law for major cases
Legal Aid Alberta Advisory Counsel Katie Clarey appears on this month’s segment of Ask a Lawyer to talk about LAA’s Major Cases Panel When you’re faced with serious criminal charges, it’s critical to have quality representation by your side – a lawyer with years of experience, knowledge and understanding of criminal investigations can make […]
Ask a Lawyer: Legal challenges when co-parenting during the summer
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Sunaina Kakkar joined Global News Morning Edmonton to talk about the challenges co-parents face during the summer and how overseas travel works when parents are in conflict. Summer is officially here: For kids, this is a time for fun activities with friends and family, to try new and exciting […]
Ask a Lawyer: Mental Health Court and the collaborative approach to justice
Mental Health Court is a specialized court that helps Albertans dealing with criminal charges and mental illness get the support they need. May 1-7 is Mental Health Week across Canada. It’s a time to raise awareness, spark dialogue and reduce the stigma behind mental health in communities. Part of that conversation also includes […]
Ask a Lawyer: Strengthening representation for parents in conflict with the child welfare system
Newly established legal group will ensure lawyers have “innate knowledge” of complex laws and court practices to ensure quality legal representation Protecting children in child welfare cases is always a priority, but not always easy to do as a parent involved in the child welfare system. Child welfare law can be complex and difficult […]