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October 10, 2019
Rule Changes from September 2019 Board Meeting 
A new version of the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta is now available on our website following changes from the September 2019 Board meeting. The Benchers approved changes to the procedure the Law Society follows when reviewing and investigating lawyer conduct (Rule 85). They also approved changes to the procedures for appeals following conduct hearings (Rules 100, 100.1, 100.2, 100.3, 100.4 and 102)

Reminder: The Practice Foundations Advisory Committee is Looking for Volunteers
The Practice Foundations Task Force has put forward immediate steps for the Law Society to address the issues of discrimination and harassment, as well as competency and readiness to practice, revealed in the articling survey results report . One of those steps is establishing a Practice Foundations Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee will:
 
  • Serve as an important and meaningful link to the legal community and current state of articling
  • Develop recommendations to address immediate issues uncovered in the survey results and to improve the future of articling
  • Promote further engagement with the profession
 
We are seeking applications from current articling students, new lawyers (articled in the last five years), principals or mentors of articling students and internationally trained lawyers. Lawyers from demographics that have been traditionally underrepresented in the profession are encouraged to apply for this advisory committee.
 
Visit  our website  to find out more and apply. Application deadline is Friday, October 18, 2019
Reminder: Queen’s Counsel Application and Selection Process
It is tradition in the province of Alberta to have the Lieutenant Governor in Council appoint lawyers who have made particular contributions to the legal profession or public life in the province as Queen’s Counsel. This is done under the authority of the  Queen’s Counsel Act .
 
The Queen's Counsel application period is now open. The deadline for applications is Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 4:30 p.m.
 
Applications are to be addressed to the Queen’s Counsel Screening Committee and submitted using an online tool available  here . Hard copy (physical) submissions will not be accepted.
 
All completed application packages will be reviewed by the Queen’s Counsel Screening Committee. Individuals are evaluated based on detailed criteria of competence, professional qualities, their contribution to the administration of justice and their contribution to the community. The awarding of the Queen’s Counsel designation is solely within the discretion of the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Queen’s Counsel recipients are announced by the Alberta Government.
 
To review application eligibility and guidelines, read the  Minister’s letter . Further questions about the Queen’s Counsel application process can be directed to the Office of the Deputy Minister at  QC-Mail@gov.ab.ca   or 780.427.5032 (toll free in Alberta by first dialing 310.0000).
Apply to Serve on a 2020 Law Society of Alberta Committee
Committee volunteer work is offered to lawyers who work in law firms and other practice settings. This diversity of perspectives plays an important role in helping us achieve our mission of serving the public interest by promoting a high standard of legal services and professional conduct.

Annually in February, committee members are appointed for three-year terms. If you are interested in volunteering on the following committees, please fill out this online application form .
Please note that parking and mileage costs will be reimbursed in accordance with Law Society policy.

Committee Volunteer Positions Anticipated

  • Audit and Finance Committee 3
  • Conduct Committee 3

The Audit and Finance Committee has approximately seven, two-hour meetings per year. The Conduct Committee may meet for a half or full day as required. All committee meeting materials are provided electronically. You are encouraged to review the committee descriptions.

Please note: Lawyers currently serving on committees are not required to complete this form. You will be contacted directly by email.

The deadline for applications is October 31, 2019.
Court of Queen's Bench: Notices to the Profession and Public