Year after year, “LAA has been there” to provide access to justice
“Thank you for listening.”
These are the most gratifying words Kevin Livingstone can hear in his long and accomplished career as a family lawyer with Legal Aid Alberta (LAA).
For the past 20 years, Kevin has been on the frontlines of the family justice system, advocating for individuals in family matters and championing the rights of children involved in court proceedings.
Kevin and 27 of his LAA colleagues are celebrating work milestones ranging from 5-25 years with LAA. With a combined 290 years of service, these dedicated individuals play a critical role in safeguarding the rights of Albertans.
Practicing in all areas of family law including custody, divorce, Emergency Protection Orders and child welfare matters, Kevin’s passion is representing children in high-conflict family matters. Last month, Kevin shared his expertise in a webinar attended by hundreds of Albertans.
“It’s gratifying when a child says, ‘Thank you for listening and telling my parents how I feel,’” Kevin explains. “I enjoy ensuring their voices are heard, and it’s so important they are heard in matters that directly involve them.”
Supporting the client journey
Before going to court, many Albertans’ first point of contact with LAA is with our dedicated team of intake officers. Celebrating her 25-year milestone, April Graham is among our most senior intake officers. In her role, she speaks with a broad spectrum of Albertans facing legal issues to determine if they qualify for LAA’s services.
With empathy and interviewing techniques honed over many years, April ensures clients feel heard and supported while she efficiently gathers key information to determine their eligibility.
“I have had wonderful experiences with so many clients, just to know that LAA has been there in their vulnerable times,” April shares.
Eligible clients receive representation from a lawyer to assist them with their legal matters. LAA provides affordable legal representation to low-income Albertans in adult and youth criminal defence, family law, including child welfare, and immigration.
Staff lawyer Karen McGowan has been with LAA for 25 years and represents youth charged with a criminal offence. Reflecting on her years of service, she remarks, “I often hear from former clients who said my work helped them change the course of their lives.”
She shares that her greatest professional achievement at LAA was winning a solitary confinement case, ending the use of solitary confinement for youths in custody in Alberta.
“Knowing that I make a difference makes this job special,” Karen adds.
Bail lawyer Dave Lloyd, who is celebrating a five-year milestone, represents Albertans at bail hearings and provides on-demand brief legal advice to those detained in police custody, regardless of the time of day. Dave comments, “It’s still special every time a client says, ‘I appreciate you’ or ‘thank you for your help.’”
Behind the scenes
While Dave and others provide direct support to Albertans, other dedicated professionals work behind the scenes to support operations. Rosalie Lasay started her LAA career on our intake team then jumped at the opportunity to follow her true passion of working with numbers.
Now, 10 years into her LAA journey, Rosalie works as a financial analyst, playing a vital role in overseeing accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely and accurate financial transactions that keep LAA’s finances running smoothly.
“In my current job, I have achieved what I have dreamed of doing since childhood,” Rosalie says.
More meaningful reflections
What has made your time at LAA special?
“Providing mentorship has been a personally satisfying experience and reminder that one can learn from others at any point in their career.”
Andrew Holko, senior advisory counsel, 15 years with LAA
“Getting to work with clients and focusing on doing an excellent job.”
Bobbi Jo Hennigar, lawyer, 5 years with LAA
“The amazing people, I’ve made some lifelong friends of some of my colleagues.”
Holly Thomas, operational resource developer, 10 years with LAA
“I am immensely passionate about training and am endlessly grateful that for the opportunity to step into a manager role focus on training.”
Megan Phillips, manager, client intake services, 5 years with LAA
“I’m proud of the role I played handling COVID-19, working to get all the IT equipment necessary to support our remote workforce.”
Paul McCallum, systems analyst, 5 years with LAA
Congratulations to everyone celebrating a milestone:
5 years
10 years
15 yeas
20 years
25 years
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