Ask a Lawyer: What is the Gladue report?
Legal Aid Alberta’s Jessica Buffalo appeared on Global News Morning Edmonton to explain the process that goes behind the Gladue report and its impact on the Canadian justice system. An individual’s family, community and personal history can often affect a person’s life and decision-making. For Indigenous people in Canada, there can be a complex […]
Being a lawyer takes practice!
Vanessa Cork joins Alberta Law Society’s Practice Review Committee You could be the hardest-working lawyer in the world—but sometimes, everyone needs a little bit of help—and that’s where Alberta Law Society’s Practice Review Committee steps in. Vanessa Cork, LAA Legal Services Manager in Lethbridge, felt compelled to share her skills and knowledge […]
Lawyer panels bring high quality legal expertise to Alberta’s most disadvantaged
To better connect marginalized Albertans with the expertise they need, Legal Aid Alberta has established lawyer panels in the areas of child representation, youth criminal law and complainant counsel. A child caught in the middle of a high-conflict parental dispute. A young person charged with a serious crime. A survivor of sexual assault facing […]
Ask a Lawyer: Navigating the court system for the first time
Senior Advisory Counsel Danny Lynn appears on Global News Morning to talk about a day in the life of a duty counsel lawyer and training opportunities for private practice lawyers on the LAA roster. “It’s like being pushed onto the stage during a Shakespearean play. You don’t understand what people are saying, and you […]
Legal Aid Alberta, Government of Alberta announce long-awaited tariff review and modernization
New tariff will provide the simplicity needed for a more timely, stronger legal aid system for all Albertans. In consultation with the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General, Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) has been asked to lead the review and update of our tariff, starting immediately – something that has not been done […]
Access to justice milestone: Legal Aid Alberta surpasses 120,000 bail hearings for Albertans held in custody
Justice of the Peace Bail Program ensures Albertans have proper legal representation at no cost during one of the most difficult points in their lives. This year marks over 120,000 bail hearings completed by Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) lawyers. Imagine this: you’re driving, and the police pull you over. They take your cell phone and […]
Student placement program offers hands-on experience to legal education
Law student Casey Caines shares her experience in the student placement program with Legal Aid Alberta At the beginning of her legal career, Casey Caines was unsure of what area of law she wanted to practice in—but a placement at Legal Aid Alberta led her one step closer to her answer. “I wouldn’t […]
LAA President, Board Chair each awarded Queen’s Counsel designation
Awards recognize exceptional merit and exemplary service in the Canadian justice system Members of the Legal Aid Alberta community have been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Counsel designation. The QC designation is a centuries-old tradition originating in England in 1603. In Alberta, the title is conferred on lawyers by the Minister of Justice and […]
Ask a Lawyer: Refugee options for those fleeing war in Ukraine and elsewhere
Williams appeared on Ask a Lawyer to share Legal Aid Alberta’s involvement in supporting individuals with immigration and refugee claims, and other ways Canadians can provide aid to those seeking refuge. As the world continues to watch the devastating crisis in Ukraine, the Government of Canada has announced additional supports for those seeking refuge with […]
Your questions about bail, answered
Albertans are innocent until proven guilty. But upon arrest, and prior to having their day in court, they are at a distinct disadvantage. What does it mean to be ‘out on bail’? We hear it all the time in movies, but most Albertans are unsure of their rights and how to exercise them […]