The Law Society of Alberta is the self governing body for Alberta's lawyers, whose mandate is to regulate the profession in the public interest. As a regulator, the LSA sets standards and enforces those standards for Alberta lawyers. 

The menu on the left will assist lawyers and the public in finding information about the LSA. This includes the Rules of the LSA and Code of Professional Conduct and forms needed to practise law as well as model policies, publications and any new information for Alberta lawyers. This site also includes information about complaints, public conduct hearings, news releases and contact information for various LSA departments.

Upcoming Events

June 30, 2009 2009/2010 Insurance Levy Due

September 4, 2009 Queen's Counsel Applications Due

Highlighted Content

eBulletins are available on our website with the latest news and announcements

Review of the Legal Aid Alberta program to improve access to justice to Albertans in need

Benchers Advisory - May 2009

New webpage available, Fraud Alerts and Tips, including a fraud reporting mailbox

2008 Annual Report - April 2009

2009 Queens Counsel Selection Process

Client ID and Verification Requirements Effective December 31, 2008

Requirements for “negotiated cheques” as digital images under Rule 122(2)(i) (PDF 28k)

2009/2010 Insurance Levy

Increased investment loss in an adverse business economy is the major factor impacting the 2009/2010 insurance levy. To renew your insurance coverage for the upcoming policy year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010), active insured lawyers are required to remit a levy payment on or before June 30, 2009. The Law Society of Alberta will be mailing out invoices soon. For more details, please see:

• 2009/2010 Insurance Levy (PDF - 30k)
• CLIA Voluntary Excess Program (PDF - 25k)

2009 Queen's Counsel Selection Process

Every two years, Alberta lawyers may be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the legal profession or in public life by being appointed as Queen's Counsel.

The Minister of Justice, with the assistance of the Law Society of Alberta, has announced the process for reviewing the 2009 nominations.

All applications will be reviewed by a Queen’s Counsel Screening Committee, which includes:

• President, Law Society of Alberta
• President-Elect, Law Society of Alberta
• President, Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Branch
• Chief Justice of Alberta or Nominee
• Chief Justice, Court of Queen’s Bench or Nominee
• Associate Chief Justice, Court of Queen's Bench or Nominee
• Chief Judge, Provincial Court or Nominee
• an Assistant Chief Judge
• the Minister of Justice and Attorney General or Nominee
• a Non-lawyer Public Representative (Lay Bencher)
• a Representative from each of the North, Central and Southern Districts
• Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General

The committee will submit names to the Minister of Justice who will make the final selections.

The deadline for new applications is September 4, 2009.

See also:

• Letter from Minister Redford re: Queen's Counsel Selection Process (PDF 114k)
• Criteria for Queen's Counsel Selection (PDF 17k)
• Candidate Data Sheet (WORD format 25k)
• Candidate Data Sheet (PDF format 12k)
• Consent to the Disclosure of Personal Information (PDF 10k)

Client Identification and Verification

Coming into effect on December 31, 2008, there will be new “know your client” rules.

The Law Society of Alberta, working with the Federation of Law Societies, is acting in the public interest to ensure that lawyers are in the forefront of the fight against money laundering. The new rules around client identification and verification requirements will protect solicitor-client privilege and the independence of the legal profession.

The Law Society of Alberta has approved new rules, to be effective December 31, 2008. Click here for more details.

The Law Society of Alberta offices

Toll Free numbers valid only in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Lower Mainland British Columbia, Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut

Mission Statement

To serve the public interest by promoting a high standard of legal services and professional conduct through the governance and regulation of an independent legal profession.

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