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
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 […]
Researcher-turned-lawyer created largest database of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
What you need to know Dr. Sasha Reid is a family lawyer at Legal Aid Alberta. Reid has a background in psychology, criminology, sociology, education and law. Reid’s interest in serial homicide led to the creation of a database of 6,000 serial killers and a database of over 13,000 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and […]
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
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 […]
How Legal Aid Alberta’s roster program helps connect Albertans with legal representation
What many Albertans may not realize is that much of Legal Aid Alberta’s work is delivered through a network of private lawyers who take legal aid files in addition to their regular practice. Paul Welke, roster relations management lawyer, explains how the roster program works and why it’s essential to access to justice across Alberta. […]
From student placements to articling: Law school graduates share why they returned to LAA
Three law school graduates who previously worked at Legal Aid Alberta as summer or placement students have returned to complete their articling year. The aspiring lawyers share how practical legal experience, mentorship and exposure to criminal, family and Indigenous justice matters influenced their career paths and deepened their understanding of LAA’s role in supporting access […]
Legal Aid Alberta’s 2025–26 annual report now available
Legal Aid Alberta’s 2025–26 annual report highlights progress on strategic Quality, Access and Accountability priorities that shape how we deliver legal services to Albertans. A healthy democracy depends on a justice system that is accessible, fair and worthy of public trust, where the rule of law applies equally to all. At Legal Aid Alberta […]
What separated parents need to know about summer travel with children
Separated or divorced parents should plan ahead before making summer travel plans. Learn when to refer to a parenting agreement, what information to share with a co-parent and how to handle disagreements about travel plans. Summer is a time for family trips and making memories. But for parents who are separated or divorced, vacation planning […]