Lawyers hold a privileged position in our society and with that position comes responsibilities. Lawyers taking on new cases have an obligation to ensure that legal services are generally available to those that require them, which includes an obligation to support legal aid plans and referral services.

In this issue of the Advisory we focus on the issues facing Legal Aid Alberta in fulfilling its mandate to provide legal services to those who are unable to pay for those services. The Law Society has consistently taken the position that a properly funded legal aid program is necessary to a functional system of justice. Along with funding, a legal aid program requires a roster of lawyers qualified and ready to do the work.

In mid-2008, Legal Aid Alberta reported a decline in their numbers of roster lawyers. From 2004 to 2007, the number of lawyers taking on new legal aid cases annually dropped by nearly two-thirds from 1,198 to 466. This is a serious concern as the demands upon the legal aid program continue to grow.

In its 2008 Annual Report, LAA reported that the number of assists has steadily grown to 161,400 in 2007/08 from 135,400 in 2003/2004. The number of assists by case types in this time period show that criminal youth assists have increased to 20,000 from 17,100, criminal adult assists have grown to 118,400 from 103,200 and civil assists have increased to 23,000 from 11,100.

We recognize that in Alberta there are many opportunities for lawyers, particularly those who practice family and criminal law.

A vibrant economy has also increased demand for legal aid services. Legal Aid Alberta fills a vital role in the justice system and I expect the profession will rise to the occasion and provide the necessary support for its services.

This is my last message as President of the Law Society of Alberta. It has been an honour and a privilege to hold this office.