Remembering Former Law Society Bencher, Dennis Edney, KC

The Law Society is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Bencher, Dennis Edney, KC. Edney served as Bencher from 2011 – 2018. 

“Dennis was an excellent lawyer and truly a paragon of criminal law in the Edmonton legal community. As an Edmonton lawyer myself, I know that he leaves behind an impressive legacy in our city and our profession, and his contributions and intrepid nature will not be forgotten. He will be dearly missed,” says Law Society of Alberta President, Bill Hendsbee, KC. 

Our hearts are with loved ones, friends and colleagues who are impacted by this loss. Please read Dennis’ obituary honouring the life, character and accomplishments of a leader and exemplary member of our community. 

2024–2026 Strategic Plan Now Available 

The 2024–2026 Law Society Strategic Plan is now available on our website. The Strategic Plan provides direction and focus to our Board (Benchers) and the entire organization by providing a framework for decision making, resource allocation and priority setting.  

Our strategic goals are: 

• Effective Regulation – The Law Society regulates the legal profession in a transparent, proportionate and efficient manner. 
• Competence – The Law Society supports the legal profession in meeting standards of competency and supports the well-being of the legal profession. 
• Public Confidence – The Law Society strives to increase public confidence and trust in the legal profession, the administration of justice and the Rule of Law. 

View the full 2024–2026 Strategic Plan. 

Invitation to Apply as an Adjudicator for the Law Society of Alberta

The Law Society of Alberta’s Tribunal Office is currently recruiting for non-Bencher adjudicators to preside over disciplinary hearings. If you are interested in applying, please apply through our website by Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

New Resource: The Generative AI Playbook – How Lawyers Can Safely Take Advantage of the Opportunities Offered by Generative AI

Since ChatGPT exploded onto the market late in 2022, interest in artificial intelligence (AI) has been at an all-time high. Generative AI (Gen AI) has become the thing that everyone in the legal community is talking about. Words like ‘seismic’ and ‘revolutionary’ are routinely used to describe the potential impact this technology will have on the practice of law.

The Code of Conduct calls on all lawyers to “develop an understanding of, and ability to use, technology relevant to the nature and area of the lawyer’s practice and responsibilities” (Rule 3.1-2, Commentary [5]). When it comes to Gen AI, this means understanding both its potential benefits as well as its risks.

This resource serves as a starting point for Alberta lawyers seeking to harness the benefits of disruptive technologies like Gen AI while safeguarding their clients’ interests and maintaining their professional competence.

Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society – Community and Support Services Available

The Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society (Assist) provides free and confidential professional counselling, peer support, well-being education and awareness, and community programming to lawyers, articling students, law students and members of their families. From helping to build community and proactively maintain good mental health, to providing support during challenging times, Assist has something for every lawyer. 

The Law Society is a funder and supporter of Assist’s work, but Assist is an independent organization and no personal information is shared between the two organizations. 

Visit the Assist website or call 1.877.498.6898 for more information. To access Assist’s crisis counselling with a registered psychologist, offered 24/7, please call 1.877.498.6898 and follow the prompts.

Judgment Interest Act Interest Rate for Awards Set

Please be advised that the interest rate for awards under section 4(2) of the Judgment Interest Act has been set at 5.15 per cent for the period of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024.

Upcoming Events

Alberta Court of Justice – Child Protection Town Hall | Jan. 15, 2024

Danger Assessment Training | Jan. 18, 2024

Assemblée du Barreau francophone et bilingue de l’Alberta | Jan. 29, 2024

Visit our website for a full list of upcoming events.

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