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 […]
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 […]