Category: News

Julia McGraw: Helping families navigate difficult days

đź“ŤCalgary, Alberta For Julia McGraw, family law is about helping people navigate some of the most stressful and emotional moments of their lives. Whether she’s assisting a parent with a matter during divorce proceedings, assisting as duty counsel in child welfare court or helping someone obtain an Emergency Protection Order (EPO), her goal is to […]

Bobbi Jo Hennigar: On the frontlines of the justice system

đź“ŤFort McMurray, Alberta Legal Aid Alberta’s Bobbi Jo Hennigar describes her role as a duty counsel as the legal equivalent of an emergency room doctor. But instead of triaging several patients every hour, she helps clients with little to no legal knowledge navigate a complex and, often, overwhelming justice system. Duty counsel are lawyers who […]

David Paull, K.C: Standing up for clients in rural Alberta

đź“ŤWetaskiwin, Alberta    When David Paull, KC, joined Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) as a staff duty counsel in 2012, he was already 27 years into an accomplished law career that saw him practise largely as a sole practitioner in criminal law in Edmonton and the surrounding area.    LAA was preparing to open its first […]

Duty Counsel Day shines a light on Alberta’s frontline legal advocates

What you need to know Oct. 27 is Duty Counsel Day across Canada Duty counsel are lawyers who provide free, on-the-spot legal information, advice and representation to people who don’t have a lawyer on the day of their scheduled court appearance In 2025, duty counsel lawyers assisted over 125,000 clients across Alberta Duty counsel plays […]

Legal Aid Alberta welcomes two new members to the Board of Directors

Headshot of new board members Meryl Whittaker and Kristy Isert

Experienced leaders join Legal Aid Alberta Board of Directors.  Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) is pleased to welcome Meryl Whittaker and Kristy Isert to its Board of Directors. Both bring extensive experience in governance, law, public administration and public service that will help support LAA’s work to improve access to justice for Albertans.   Whittaker brings […]

First Nations clients can get on-the-spot legal advice in their own communities

What to know  Legal Aid Alberta offers duty counsel office hours in several Indigenous communities in Alberta, including Stoney Nakoda communities and Alexander First Nation. Meeting clients in their own communities improves access to justice by helping people get free legal advice before court and reducing transportation barriers. In-community duty counsel services can help reduce […]

Office closure on Sept. 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) offices and phone lines will be closed in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.   On Sept. 30, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day dedicated to remembrance and reflection, acknowledging both past and present, and committing to making a difference now and in the future. […]

Understanding Indigenous Peoples experiences in the justice system

Smiling photo of Legal Aid Alberta lawyer on the Global Edmonton morning show tv set

As National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches on Sept. 30, it is an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing challenges Indigenous Peoples face and how the effects of historical policies remain visible within the justice system.    Andre Landry is a bail hearing lawyer with Legal Aid Alberta. Although he is not Indigenous, he has spent more than […]