“A vital mission”

Long Service Awards celebrate 23 employees from around Alberta who’ve been with Legal Aid for five,10,15 and 20 years.

Scott Hammond was a lawyer with Legal Aid Alberta when there were few computers – only stacks of boxes filled with legal paperwork, piled floor to ceiling, everywhere you looked.

Technology has changed considerably in the last 15 years but his motivation for working at Legal Aid has stayed constant – to provide fair and equal access to justice.

“In Canada, we have rule of law. People can go to the courts, have their dispute heard, and they can expect to be treated fairly,” he says. “Extending rule of law to every member of our society is a vital mission and one that I am proud to support.”

Hammond is one of 23 employees celebrating a milestone work anniversary in 2020. LAA’s Long Service Awards – held virtually for the first time – honour employees who have been with the organization five,10,15 and 20 years.

“As long service awards recipients, you are and have always been, LAA Ambassadors,” says President and CEO John Panusa. “You’ve kept us going. You keep us going.”

“Best work ever”

Award recipient Lorena Melara started her LAA career as a receptionist. Fifteen years later she works with lawyers on youth and criminal adult law cases.