The legal landscape in Alberta and around the world, looks much different today than it did a century ago and yet the way law is practised remains largely the same.
We know that legal services are becoming increasingly inaccessible and this has led consumers to challenge the traditional ways that legal services are offered. The public is looking for alternatives and frequently resort to a do-it-yourself approach, often involving the internet and technology.
The Law Society is concerned about access to legal services for all Albertans. A stable democratic society requires access to institutions and services that create order inContinue reading
The legal landscape in Alberta and around the world, looks much different today than it did a century ago and yet the way law is practised remains largely the same.
We know that legal services are becoming increasingly inaccessible and this has led consumers to challenge the traditional ways that legal services are offered. The public is looking for alternatives and frequently resort to a do-it-yourself approach, often involving the internet and technology.
The Law Society is concerned about access to legal services for all Albertans. A stable democratic society requires access to institutions and services that create order in our lives for daily living, business, and dispute resolution. We all need access to services that help maintain stability and preserve the rule of law.
The independence of the legal profession is critical in a free and democratic society. The Law Society plays an essential role in maintaining that independence as the regulatory body that governs lawyers and legal practice in Alberta. We act in the public interest with the aim of ensuring that the public receives high quality legal services.
We are seeing pressures within our own system to make changes that will enable the delivery of legal services that work for Albertans in the 21st century. Some of the drivers for change are new technologies, new business models, access to justice concerns, and a growing public demand for more affordable legal services.
Currently, we are trying to be responsive to this changing legal landscape and we need amendments to our legislation to change the way we do our work as a regulator
Phase 1: Entity Regulation and Compliance-Based Regulation Consultation
Legal Profession Act has finished this stage
Closed June 30, 2016. View report.
Phase 2: Law Firm Practice Management Self-Assessment Pilot
Legal Profession Act has finished this stage
We want to equip law firms with an effective Assessment Tool to support practice and client management and to mitigate risk to both the public and the profession. We will work with participating law firms to ensure that concerns and aspirations are incorporated in the development of the Assessment Tool and will report back on how feedback was used.
Phase 3: Amending the Legal Profession Act Open Houses
Legal Profession Act has finished this stage
The Law Society of Alberta is hosting open houses for lawyers across Alberta throughout October and November to discuss the proposed amendments to the Legal Profession Act.
Phase 4: Amending the Legal Profession Act Open House and Survey Report
Legal Profession Act is currently at this stage
A summary report is being prepared and will be released in the new year.