Drug court graduate a “pillar of strength”

Graphic with a quote by Tyson who says "drug court has given me the opportunity to go forward in life and be stronger than I ever was."

Two years ago, 33-year-old Tyson was living on the streets of Edmonton and addicted to meth. Today, he’s sober, works as an outreach worker, and has reconnected with his daughters.    Two years ago, 33-year-old Tyson was living on the streets of Edmonton and addicted to meth. Today, he’s sober, works as an outreach worker, […]

Drywaller swaps toolbelt for lawyer’s briefcase

Legal Aid Alberta’s first Indigenous Summer Student Program placement a unique milestone in law student’s journey.    38-year-old Justin Hjlesvold knows a thing or two about hard work.   Hjlesvold, a self-proclaimed family man from Edmonton and first-year law student at the University of Alberta, is pursuing his dream to become a lawyer after running […]

Common questions about parenting conflicts during COVID-19

A woman wearing a disposable face mask holds a baby while sitting at a desk.

Co-parenting during a pandemic is no different than when there is no pandemic: decisions should be made in your child’s best interests.   By Jeff Keller, family lawyer at Legal Aid Alberta    Co-parenting during a pandemic is no different than when there is no pandemic: decisions should be made in your child’s best interests. […]

Co-parenting in a pandemic

During a crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, shared responsibility for parenting may seem overwhelming when you don’t have the information you need to make decisions. We’re here to help. By Jeff Keller, family lawyer at Legal Aid Alberta    During a crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, shared responsibility for parenting may […]

Op-ed by President and CEO John Panusa in the Globe and Mail

John Panusa is the president and CEO of Legal Aid Alberta and the Western Canadian Representative for the Association of Legal Aid Plans of Canada. Legal Aid AB August 20, 2020 For Canada to truly recover economically, we need new thinking around access to justice.  The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments to make tough policy […]

Albertans can remotely prepare for court thanks to new Legal Aid Alberta initiative

LAA duty counsel team steps in this summer to help provide critical services to rural and urban communities during COVID-19.    Whether they’re in Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray or Drumheller, Albertans have access to Advance Appearance Duty Counsel from now until August 28, allowing them to prepare for court by phone or e-mail instead of […]

Fighting the ‘fear of the legal system’ for the Indigenous community

One of the biggest obstacles for First Nations people is fear and lack of trust in the legal system, but there are ways to change that. Legal Aid Alberta Indigenous lawyers say now is the time for change.    One of the biggest obstacles for First Nations people is fear and lack of trust in […]

LAA lawyers share what Alberta courthouses look like amid COVID-19 reopening

As youth courts are opening next week and adult criminal courts are set to open in the near future, LAA lawyers share what Alberta courthouses look like amid COVID-19 reopening.    As youth courts are opening next week and adult criminal courts are set to open in the near future, some of Legal Aid Alberta’s family practice lawyers wanted to share […]