Lawyer Panels
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Quality representation for Legal Aid Alberta clients.
A lawyer panel is a group of LAA staff and roster lawyers who commit to excellence in a particular area of law. These panels ensure consistent, high-quality representation in matters requiring in-depth knowledge in certain legal practice areas. These panels are made up of staff and roster lawyers from across the province with interest, aptitude, and experience representing:
- Young people facing criminal charges;
- Children in high-conflict parenting matters;
- Complainants and witnesses exercising the right to respond to applications in criminal prosecutions, such as sexual offence trials in which the complainant’s medical or sexual history comes into question;
- Parents seeking representation to respond to proceedings against the state in child welfare matters;
- Clients charged with serious and complex criminal matters.
To be on a panel, lawyers must apply and demonstrate their experience while agreeing to ongoing professional development to strengthen their skills further and increase their knowledge. Panel members must also reapply when applications to join reopen every three years.
Quick Facts:
- Implemented in 2021.
- Panels help ensure disadvantaged Albertans have access to high-quality legal representation.
- The panels consist of lawyers experienced in representing and advocating for clients in particular areas of law, or willing to be mentored and undertake professional development in that field of law.
- Panels help improve the quality of legal representation, allowing LAA staff and roster lawyers to gain more experience in a unique area of practice, and ensures relevant and enhanced training and expertise.
News
Ask a Lawyer: Upholding the rule of law for major cases
Legal Aid Alberta Advisory Counsel Katie Clarey appeared on this month's segment of Ask a Lawyer to talk about how LAA's Major Cases Panel secures quality representation for clients.
Ask a Lawyer: Strengthening representation for parents involved with the child welfare system
Newly established legal group ensures lawyers have “innate knowledge” of complex laws and court practices to ensure quality legal representation.
Lawyer panels bring high quality legal expertise to Alberta’s most disadvantaged
Legal Aid Alberta has established lawyer panels in child representation, youth criminal law and complainant counsel to support Albertans in need.