About

As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, we provide affordable legal services in family law, domestic violence, child welfare, immigration, and youth and adult criminal defence.

Vision

An Alberta where everyone is able to understand and protect their legal rights.

Mission

We resolve legal problems for disadvantaged Albertans and, in doing so, protect the Rule of Law for the benefit of everyone.

Governance

As a registered society incorporated under the provincial Societies Act, Legal Aid Alberta is an organization independent from government, but is accountable to the Minister of Justice and to the Law Society of Alberta.

Values

Our organization strives to always focus on what matters, to stay true to our values in everything we do. These values are the underpinning of our organization, reflecting on what is truly important to us and guide us in the decisions we make every day.

We Are One

We work together in a collaborative and supportive manner to deliver unwavering and innovative services to our clients as one unified organization.

We Are Protectors

We serve Albertans, often the most vulnerable of us, and work tirelessly to protect their rights and to ensure a fair process.

We Are Exceptional

We are experts at what we do and we continually strive for improvement.

We Are Independent

We operate and provide legal counsel free from outside involvement.

Executive Team

Our executive team is responsible for strategic and business planning and ensuring that LAA delivers crucial legal services to Albertans while operating within the Governance Agreement. They – along with all of LAA’s dedicated team members – strive to achieve our vision of an Alberta where everyone is able to understand and protect their legal rights.

Legal Aid Alberta CEO and President John Panusa sitting in a red chair smiling at the camera

Gianpaolo (John) Panusa, KC

President and Chief Executive Officer

Reporting to the board of directors, John is responsible for the executive planning and coordination of the organization. He also represents the organization in dealing with Alberta Justice, the Law Society of Alberta, the federal government, other legal aid plans in Canada, the legal community, and the public.

Lori Haughian

Vice President, Justice Services

 

Lori leads, directs, and oversees all client services functions. This includes client intake and assessment, appointing, client payments, and certificate and tariff administration. Lori also guides and oversees the day-to-day operations of the staff law offices and the corporate law and case management group.

Laurie Wang

Vice President, People, Culture and Communications

Laurie oversees the Communications, Culture and Human Resources functions at Legal Aid Alberta, including board governance and policy development. She is responsible for the leadership, strategy of LAA values, culture and brand — telling the LAA story, recruiting and retaining the best talent, and engaging teams and the community.

Dale Burgess

Executive Director, Finance

Dale oversees the financial accountability, reporting, and business analysis that supports Legal Aid Alberta’s day-to-day operations as well as our many innovative initiatives. LAA’s finance, business solutions and reporting, and procurement and facilities teams report to Dale, who will set direction and oversee these important areas.

Johnathan McFarlane

Executive Director, Information Technology

Johnathan leads the strategic partnership between IT and operations at Legal Aid Alberta (LAA), overseeing the organization’s technology infrastructure, systems improvement, and digital transformation initiatives. He focuses on fostering collaboration across departments to enhance service delivery and improve access to justice for Albertans, and ensures that LAA’s technology solutions effectively support both daily operations and innovative projects.  

Portrait

Greg Lazin

Fractional General Counsel

Greg leads the legal advisory team at Legal Aid Alberta, providing strategic legal advice to support decision-making across the organization. He offers guidance on legal issues affecting Legal Aid Alberta and its clients, and assists in mitigating legal, regulatory, and commercial risks.

Board of Directors

Legal Aid Alberta is governed and guided by a carefully chosen board of directors. The board makes decisions that are carried out by our executive and management teams.

The Board can consist of up to 11 members – with at least four members of the Law Society and three public directors.

News

Stories that showcase our positive impact.

Careers

Join us in helping to protect Albertans’ legal rights.

Initiatives

Innovative solutions to improve access to legal aid.

Find out how we can help you.