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 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 core documents and forms needed to practise law as well as model policies, publications and any new information for Alberta lawyers. The public will find information about the LSA, including the Code of Professional Conduct which outlines ethics that all Alberta lawyers must adhere to. This site also includes information about complaints, public conduct hearings, news releases and contact information for various LSA departments. Fraud Alert – Bank Drafts and Counterfeit Certified Cheques The Law Society of Alberta has become aware of a new series of frauds involving bank drafts and counterfeit certified cheques. While there are scams occurring all the time, new ones and variations of existing scams, this one involves what appear to be legitimate certified cheques/bank drafts. Sole practitioners and lawyers in small firms are often targeted. The deals look legitimate, and typically the client is in a hurry and is new to the firm. Typically, the fraud unfolds like this:
Click here for Red Flags to watch for (PDF 33k). Coming in December 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 1, 2008. In December 2007, the federal government published regulations regarding “know your client” rules. Earlier in 2004-2005, law societies adopted the “no-cash” rule. The new “know your client” rules includes verification requirements for recording client identity, for different types of transactions, timing, record keeping and retention, etc. Continuing Professional Development Builds on Intentionality The Benchers have approved the implementation of a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program for all active members of the Law Society of Alberta to come into effect by March 2009. The new program will require the preparation of annual CPD plans. Lawyers will develop their plans but advise the LSA on an annual basis that these are completed. Plans will be submitted only on LSA's request. For more information, please see: Introductory Video (WMV 18.8Mb), Introduction, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF 60k) or www.CPDalberta.ca. 2008 Distinguished Service Awards The award recipients are: Gerald B. Robertson, Q.C. for Distinguished Service in Legal Scholarship B.A.R. (Quincy) Smith, Q.C. for Distinguished Service to the Community Allan G.P. Shewchuk, Q.C. for Distinguished Service to the Profession Shirzad S. Ahmed for Distinguished Service Pro Bono Legal Service The awards were presented on March 14, 2008 at the Distinguished Service Awards luncheon during the Alberta Law Conference in Calgary, Alberta. Awards were presented by LSA past president Jim Peacock, Q.C. and CBA Alberta president Michelle Hollins. (For more details, click here)
The Law Society of Alberta offices
Toll Free numbers valid only in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Lower Mainland British Columbia, Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut 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. © 2004 Law Society of Alberta | Site development by Media Dög Productions Inc. |
