Students

Practical experience. Positive impact.

Why join LAA?

Because you are the future of legal aid in Alberta.

At LAA, we are working hard to create an Alberta where everyone is able to understand and protect their legal rights. Students like you, who share our values and passion, will help us protect and carry out our mission for years to come.

Who we're looking for

You are eager to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged people. You have excellent communication skills, especially in tough situations.  You thrive in fast-paced work environments and you’re always up for a challenge.

Requirements

    • Law school degree
    • Excellent to exceedingly good grades in law school.
    • Experience in student legal services or student legal assistance or equivalent in from another Canadian law school.
    • High interest in criminal, family, or immigration law.
    • Previously taken criminal, family, immigration courses.
    • Volunteer experience working for a nonprofit or serving low-income individuals
    • Some law related experience is considered an asset.
    • Fluency in other languages would be an asset but is not required
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    What you will learn

  • At LAA, you will develop practical skills to benefit your career, help disadvantaged clients, and get valuable courtroom experience.
    • Be ethical and professional at all times.
    • Exceptional client focus. 
    • Be understanding of clients needing additional support that is available under the service model.  
    • Excellent client interview skills and experiences. 
    • Proficient management of practice.
    • Time keeping and record management.
    • Ability to instruct and work well with support staff 
    • Ability to accurately draft legal documents including pleadings, letters, and memo writing skills.   Develop useful research skills. 
    • Professional courtroom skills. 
    • Presence and demeanor.
    • Rules of Evidence as they apply to Trials and Evidence. 
    • Resolution focused mentality.  
  • Programs we offer

  • Articling Students

    Where: Edmonton and Calgary

  • Family and Civil Supervising Lawyers for Student Legal Services

    Where: Edmonton

    Legal Aid Alberta family staff lawyers in Edmonton are the supervising lawyers for the University of Alberta’s Student Legal Services Family and Civil Law Projects.


    Indigenous Summer Students Program

    Where: Edmonton and Calgary

    As an Indigenous law student, spend four months working at Legal Aid Alberta to gain exposure to child welfare, family, youth, and criminal law.


    Student Placements in “Low Income and the Law” Course

    Where: Edmonton

    We provide four students registered in this University of Alberta course with a community field placement of 196 hours working in family, youth, or adult criminal law.

    Current openings

  • Check for student job postings.
  • Stories

    See how students at LAA are making an impact.

    Contact

    We look forward to hearing from you.

    Andrea Doyle

    Senior Advisory Counsel, Family and Immigration Law

    [email protected]

    Find out how we can help you.