How LSA supports Lawyers Providing Pro Bono Services
By Don Thompson, QC, Executive Director, Law Society of Alberta |
 The Law Society of Alberta has provisions in its insurance requirements to provide support for those lawyers who provide pro bono legal services.
These provisions are in alignment with the LSA's third strategic goal which is to "manage risk and stand up for the public interest in the principles of justice". In realizing this goal, the LSA strives to be an advocate to protect the public, increase access to legal services and preserve the rule of law.
If you are an active member of the LSA and provide pro bono services through the Volunteer Lawyers Service Program, Calgary Legal Guidance, and Edmonton Centre for Equal Justice, you are deemed exempt from liability insurance coverage. You are automatically covered under the group professional liability insurance policy for this volunteer work. Please see Rule 148 (2.1).
Pro Bono Law Alberta fully operational
Pro Bono Law Alberta is now operating at capacity with all positions staffed in the LSA's Calgary office. The not-for-profit organization promotes access to justice by creating and promoting opportunities for lawyers to provide pro bono legal services. |
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Executive director Gillian Marriott, who practised family law with Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP, commenced her role January 5, 2009. The PBLA team includes project manager Cecelia Frohlick, executive assistant Myra Skerrett, and program coordinator Bianca Cooper (contract position). Pro bono lawyer Janice Pasay provides pro bono services to PBLA for outreach to the legal profession. This past summer, PBLA hired two summer students entering their third year of law at the University of Calgary, Aidan Henderson and Adolfo Peters.
New Staff Welcomed and New Positions Open
The Law Society of Alberta welcomed new staff Dora Choi as a claims examiner for ALIA, and David Baker as Business Analyst with the IT department.
Currently the LSA is seeking to fill several senior and key positions. They include that of Director of Policy and Research, Counsel, Complaints Resolution Officer and Accountant.
For more details on these positions, please visit www.lawsociety.ab.ca The Law Society of Alberta values diversity in its workforce and equal access to opportunity. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.
Interested candidates should contact Maureen Forbes at 1-800-272-8839 or e-mail
Maureen.Forbes@lawsociety.ab.ca  |
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Distinguished Service Awards Recognize Outstanding Lawyers |
Four outstanding Alberta lawyers were recognized for excellence at the 2009 Distinguished Service Awards on January 30, 2009. The Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association - Alberta presented awards to:
- John B. Ballem, QC for Distinguished Service in Legal Scholarship,
- J. Alan Bryan, QC for Distinguished Service to the Community,
- Anne S. de Villars, QC for Distinguished Service to the Profession, and
- Douglas H. McCallum for Distinguished Service in Pro Bono Legal Service.
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