Lawyer Portal: Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

To better protect our systems and data, we are improving our security, which includes the implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in the Lawyer Portal.

Two-step login makes it much more difficult for intruders to use your identity to access systems.

Even if your password has been stolen, the second step in the login process will prevent someone from logging in.

Starting Sept. 23, you must complete the new MFA steps to access your Lawyer Portal account. See Get Started with MFA for important information about your username.  

Benefits and Features

Decrease the impact of identity theft and compromises to your account.

Use your smartphone, tablet, or landline phone to confirm your login requests.

Get notified if your password is stolen as soon as someone unknown to you tries to log in.

Allow MFA to trust your browser for up to 90 days.

Self-Service Password Reset

An additional feature of this upgrade is the implementation of the Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR). The setup of this feature requires one extra step in adding a secondary verification method, which will allow us to introduce the SSPR.

SSPR makes it easier to manage your own password in the future.

Get started with MFA

  1. Go to: https://lawyerportal.legalaid.ab.ca

  2. In the pop-up, enter your Legal Aid Alberta username, including the ‘@legalaid.ab.ca’ suffix (e.g., [email protected])

  3. Click Next.

  1. Enter your password.
  2. Click Sign In.

Note: If you cannot remember your password, select Forgot my password and a new window will open to reset your password. Follow the steps. 

  1. You will see a pop-up stating More information required.
  2. Click Next to setup the MFA. A new browser window will open. 
  1. Set up the multi-factor authentication by selecting one of the following options:
    • Option 1: Microsoft Authenticator App (Recommended)
      • Download the application on your mobile phone or tablet.
    • Option 2: Using your phone number
      • Set up your phone number to receive a text message or phone call to reverify your identity.

This is the recommended method because the app is the most secure verification method.

  1. After Step 7, download the app to your phone.
  2. With the Authenticator App installed, open the app and add a new account. Select Next.

  1. Scan the QR code. If you are unable to scan the QR code, enter the numbered code. Click Next.

  1. Test your setup. You will receive a two-digit code to enter. Enter that code into your authenticator app.

  1. You will get a Notification Approved message. Click Next.
  2. Almost there! The final step is completing the setup of Self-Service Password Reset. This is the second method of contact which could be a phone number or personal or law firm email.
  1. After selecting I want to use a different method on the pop-up shown in the previous slide, select Phone from the drop-down methods provided.

  1. Select Confirm.

  1. A new Phone pop-up will display.
  2. Enter the phone number you wish to use for your verification.
  3. Choose between receiving a text (Receive a code) or a phone call (Call me).
  4. Select Next. If you selected the Receive a code option, go to Step 7. If you selected the Call me option, skip to Step 10.

  1. If you selected Receive a code, you will receive a text message on your phone with the 6-digit code. Enter that code in the window provided. An example code is shown in the green box below:


  1. After entering the code, select Next and you will get a note saying you have been verified. Select Next again.
  2. Go to Step 12.

  1. If you selected Call me, you will receive a phone call with prompts to verify your identity. When you accept the phone call, press # on your phone to verify.

  2. Once you’ve accepted that phone call, your next screen will indicate you were registered successfully. Click Next again.

  3. Almost there! The final step is completing the setup of Self-Service Password Reset. This is the second method of contact which could be the Microsoft Authenticator App or personal or law firm email.

Adding the secondary contact method

After you have set up the MFA, you will now add a secondary contact method to complete the Self-Service Password Reset process.

  • If the mobile app is your primary method of verification: Choose your phone number or email as your secondary method of contact.
  • If your phone number is your primary method of verification: Choose to download the app as or use your personal or law firm email as your secondary method of contact.

Example: The primary method is your phone number and an email is your chosen secondary method:

  1. Select I want to set up a different method.
  2. You will then need to enter your email, select Next and enter in the code you receive by email.

All done! You will see a message showing that you have successfully completed the Multi-Factor Authentication and Self-Service Password Reset set up.

You may now log into your Lawyer Portal account.

How to sign-in

After entering your username and password, you will be asked to verify your identity with the MFA option (app or phone number).

If you verify through the app:

  1. Enter the code provided. 
  2. Save the identity verification for 90 days by checking the box Don’t ask again for 90 days. You will not be prompted with a text or call for the next 90 days.

If you verify through your phone number:

  1. Select your preferred method to verify your identity.
    • If you select Text, you will receive a text code to enter on the next screen.
    • If you select Call, press # to accept​.
  2. Save this identity verification for 90 days by checking the box Don’t ask again for 90 days. You will not be prompted with a text or call for the next 90 days.
  3. Select Verify and you will be redirected to the Lawyer Portal application.

Video Tutorial

Watch this tutorial on how to set up your Lawyer Portal login for MFA and how to sign in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about MFA? Check out our FAQ for more information.

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