Finding Legal Help

Finding a Lawyer

Law Society of Alberta – Find a Lawyer
The Lawyer Directory allows you to search for a lawyer by their name, firm, location, practice areas, language(s) spoken, gender, and whether a lawyer offers limited scope retainers. There are approximately 7,500 lawyers in private practice in Alberta who are eligible to provide legal assistance.

Legal Aid Alberta (LAA)
1-866-845-3425 (Toll Free)
Provides a range of legal services to eligible low-income Albertans in many areas of law:

To determine service and financial eligibility answer the questionnaire on their website. Legal aid has offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge & Red Deer.

Office of the Child and Youth Advocate of Alberta 800-661-3446 (Toll Free) or email ca.information@ocya.alberta.ca Provides legal representation for children and youth

Alberta Legal Coaches and Limited Legal Services – Lawyers who provide limited services allowing you to reduce costs and still have assistance when needed.

Centre Albertain D’Information Juridique / Alberta Legal Information Centre
1-844-266-5822
Provides referrals to bilingual lawyers and legal information.

Canadian Law List

Martindale.com

Last Revised Feb. 12, 2024

Duty Counsel and Court Support

Duty Counsel are lawyers who assist with court matters and court appearances and can offer limited legal advice. Duty Counsel services are provided free of charge.

Duty Counsel at the Courthouse for first appearances
Provided by Legal Aid.
Call 1-866-845-3425 up to 14 days prior to attending court (early appearance assistance) if you require duty counsel assistance for criminal (adult and youth) matters.

Legal Aid also provides duty counsel for the following dockets courts:

  • Drug treatment court
  • Bail Hearings
  • Child Welfare dockets – Alberta Court of Justice
  • Family Matters – Alberta Court of Justice and Court of King’s Bench — Calgary Courthouse – 10th Floor N (KB) room 1004 & 12th Floor S. (PC). Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, St. Paul & Wetaskiwin courthouses.

Duty Counsel – Provided by Pro Bono Law Alberta

  • Civil Claims Duty Counsel (CCDC) – Alberta Court of Justice – assists self represented litigants with civil matters in Alberta Court of Justice. Assistance is not guaranteed. They provide one free 30 minute session to assist with procedural information, preparing for trials, motions and other appearances and help with completing forms.
    • This program does NOT assist with:
      • Family, criminal or corporate law matters
      • Matters in Court of King’s Bench or Appeal Courts
      • Pre-trial conferences and mediation.
  • For times in Calgary and Edmonton check their website.
  • King’s Bench Court Assistance Program – assists self represented litigants in civil matters at the Court of King’s Bench, including Applications Judge and Justice chambers. They can provide legal advice and assistance with court procedures, forms, and trial preparation.
    • For times in Calgary and Edmonton check their website.
  • Emergency protection orders – Calgary
    • 12th floor

Calgary Legal Guidance – Domestic Violence

  • Calgary King’s Bench N45 -10th Floor – help with family domestic violence family matters

Elizabeth Fry Society

  • Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary 403-294-0737 Toll free 1-877-398-3656 or contact them at reception@elizabethfrycalgary.ca. They provide assistance to youth and adults in a variety of matters including criminal, traffic, bylaw, and domestic violence court matters.
    • Calgary courthouse lobby near public entrance
    • Youth Criminal Court (courtroom 303)- support on the youth criminal court floor
    • Domestic Violence Court (courtroom 508)- triage services and connecting clients to appropriate resources when needed.
    • Calgary Indigenous Court (courtroom 1800)-support clients attending CIC with legal information, guidance, and resources.
    • Case Management Office (4th floor)
  • Elizabeth Fry Northern Alberta 780-421-1175 Located on the 4th Floor North Tower, Courthouse Edmonton – Provides assistance in criminal court, they will help explain court procedures, terminology and will provide emotional support.

Native Counselling Services of Alberta – Courtwork program
1-780-451-4002 or email info@ncsa.ca
They provide province wide assistance for criminal and family court matters for Indigenous youth and adults.

Court Support
Court support is offered free of charge to victims and witnesses when appropriate.

Court Support Program
1-888-327-7828
Free service for victims of crime and witnesses for the crown providing court information, preparation and accompaniment to court.

Homefront Assist (Calgary)
403-206-2100
The Domestic Violence Intervention & Resource Team (DVIRT) provide victims support through the court process. Their services are provided free of charge. You must be referred to them by the Calgary Police Services.

Last revised Feb. 12, 2024

Representing Yourself

Online

For further assistance with Alberta court procedures see the Alberta courts tab in this guide.

In Print

Legal Assistance

Province-Wide

Court and Justices Services (CJS) Resolution and court supports for people in legal disputes offered by the Government of Alberta, Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the courts of Alberta.
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 1-855-738-4747
CJS staff work to:

  • help find solutions for legal issues
  • offer programs at no cost or a nominal charge
  • provide services across Alberta
  • provide administrative support to all the courts within the province

Support Services for Albertans – Legal Aid
Provides a list of services located near you.

Emergency Protection Order Program – Legal Aid
Free service that provides help to obtain and confirm protection orders.

  • Calgary courthouse 403-297-5260 – 7th floor South
  • Edmonton 780-422-9222
  • Lethbridge 403-388-3162
  • Other areas 1-866-845-3425
  • Or call 911 if it is an emergency

AJEFA (Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Alberta)

Operates the Alberta Legal Information Centre, which offers legal information, support and referral services with regard to clients’ legal questions. These services are provided in 10 different languages, in person or remotely, free of charge. Their mission is to inform the general public of their rights to access legal services in the language of their choice

  • Edmonton 780-450-2443
  • Calgary 403-619-9081

Office of the Child & Youth Advocate Alberta
1-800-661-3446

Provides lawyers for children and youth in intervention matters

Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
403-284-0945
Will assist with questions about civil liberties and human rights.

Alberta Human Rights Commission
780-427-7661 – Edmonton (Confidential Inquiry Line)
403-297-6571 – Calgary (Confidential Inquiry Line)

Toll Free within Alberta dial 310-0000 and then enter one of the phone numbers above.
An Independent commission of the Government of Alberta. They help Albertans resolve human rights complaints.

Alberta Human Services – Office of the Public Guardian & Trustee (OPGT)
1-877-427-4525
They provide information and assistance in obtaining guardianship. Also, they will assist with burial and may help with the administration of the estate when someone dies and no one is willing or available to settle their affairs.

Alberta – Ministry of Justice
Responsible for the administration of justice, including information on victim’s services, legal services for vulnerable persons, corrections, prosecutions, and policing.

Alberta Ombudsman
Toll Free 1-888-455-2756
403-297-6185 – Calgary
780-427-2756 – Edmonton
Investigates complaints of unfair treatment by provincial government authorities and designated professional bodies.

BLG Business Venture Clinic
For entrepreneurs or those starting up a business, law students will assist your legal questions.

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta
780-422-6860 (Edmonton)
1-888-878-4044 (Toll free)
Investigates privacy complaints regarding the collection and use of personal or health information.

Workers’ Resource Centre
403-264-8100 or Toll Free 1-844-435-7972
Free and confidential services for various employment related issues. Appointments are needed.

For more information see the tab for Duty Counsel in this guide.

Calgary

Calgary Legal Guidance
403-234-9266
A non-profit legal organization that provides legal information, advice and advocacy to low income Calgarians who would otherwise not have access to legal services. If you can not afford a lawyer and do not qualify for Legal Aid, Calgary Legal Guidance may be able to help. Staff accept or reject applications for assistance on a case-by-case basis.

Unison at Kerby Centre
403-705-3246
Offers free 20 minute legal assistance sessions for low income seniors over the phone.

Student Legal Assistance (SLA) – Calgary
403-220-6637
Law students provide low income Calgarians with legal services and representation in family, traffic, criminal and civil matters (claims up to $100,000). To determine if your matter is eligible for their services check their website. A small disbursement fee may apply.

Homefront Assist
403-206-2100
The Domestic Violence Intervention & Resource Team (DVIRT) provide victims support through the court process. Their services are provided free of charge. You must be referred to them by the Calgary Police Services.

Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary
403-294-0737 or Toll Free 1-877-398-3656
The Elizabeth Fry Society works with, and on behalf of, low income individuals involved with the justice system, particularly women in conflict with the law. They help with various matters including landlord and tenant, employment, immigration, family and administrative law. They provide information on court procedure, plea options, process and provide assistance filling out forms. They also provide referrals to duty counsel and other community and legal resources.

Child Witness Court Preparation – 403-289-8385

Women’s Centre of Calgary
403-264-1155
They offer free 30 minute legal advice appointments to women, for preliminary matters and next steps. They do not assist with criminal matters.

Edmonton

Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC)
780-702-1725
45 minute free legal advice clinics are offered to low-income individuals in the areas of family, immigration, social benefits and civil law. You need to fill out an online intake form to confirm eligibility and to set up an appointment time. In person appointments are available in Edmonton and Grande Prairie while all other northern communities have access to phone appointments only.

Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton
780-422-4775 or Toll Free 1-866-421-1175
They work with low income women involved with the justice system, particularly women in conflict with the law. They help with various matters including landlord and tenant, employment and family. They provide access to court workers who provide information on court procedure, plea options, process and forms. They also provide referrals to duty counsel and other community and legal resources.

Student Legal Services of Edmonton
780-492-2226
Free legal assistance by students to those who don’t qualify for Legal Aid and are not able to afford a lawyer. They may assist you in court in some situations. Check their website to determine your eligibility. Their website is also a great source for information on many legal topics.

Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie Legal Guidance
780-882-0036
Provides free legal advice and information to low-income individuals who do not qualify for legal aid. Legal representation is not available.

Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC)
780-702-1725
45 minute free legal advice clinics are offered to low-income individuals in the areas of family, immigration, social benefits and civil law. You need to fill out an online intake form to confirm eligibility and to set up an appointment time. In person appointments are available in Edmonton and Grande Prairie while all other northern communities have access to phone appointments only.

Lethbridge

Lethbridge Legal Guidance
403-380-6338
Provides free legal advice and information to low-income individuals who do not qualify for legal aid.

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat Legal Help Centre
403-712-1021
Volunteer lawyers provide legal advice during evening legal clinics. Clients must meet certain eligibility requirements. Legal representation is not available.

Community Legal Clinic – Medicine Hat
403-712-1021 or 1-877-314-9129 (Toll Free)
Provide free legal advice to people throughout Central Alberta who do not qualify for Legal Aid. The Community Legal Clinic also delivers public legal education and information sessions on various legal topics.

Red Deer

Community Legal Clinic (Red Deer) 403-314-9129 or 1-877-314-9129 (Toll Free)
Provide free legal advice to people throughout Central Alberta who do not qualify for Legal Aid. The Community Legal Clinic also delivers public legal education and information sessions on various legal topics.

Women’s Outreach 403-347-2480 or 1-866-347-2480 Provide legal information, support and referrals.

Legal Clinics and Workshops

Provincial

Bearpaw Legal Education and Resource Centre
780-451-4002
Provide many workshops on request, throughout the province, on topics such as divorce, going to court, kids and the law and traffic violations.

Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta
Provide online and on demand workshops on a number of legal topics.

Edmonton Community Legal Center
Provide video recordings on various different topics.

Portage College Public Legal Education (PLE) 
Provide various seminars on a variety of legal topics

Calgary

Calgary Legal Guidance – clinics
Provide various clinics for specific matters at multiple venues across the city check out their website for full details.

Public Interest Law Clinic
For those who want to change the system, in regards to the environmental assessment process, landlord-tenant dispute resolution and environmental protection.

Lethbridge

Lethbridge Legal Guidance
403-380-6338

“Know before you go” seminars provide an overview of issues relating to separation and/or divorce. Please call ahead to book an appointment.

Alberta Courts

General

Alberta Courts

Alberta Court locations

Court Calendar

Court and Justice Services — Contact Centre 1-855-738-4747 (Toll Free)
Monday to Friday 8:15am – 4:30pm

Court Fees & Waivers in Alberta
Waiving a filing fee

Court Generated orders Court of King’s Bench Family and Civil

Court clerks will prepare orders granted by the court for self represented litigants in KB family and civil matters.

Court and Justice Services (CJS) Can help you with civil and criminal matters in the Court of King’s Bench and the Alberta Court of Justice. They can provide assistance with general court procedures, alternatives to court, court forms, explain the steps in making legal applications, and refer you to other resources.
Locations in Alberta:

  • Calgary courthouse 7th floor N.
  • Edmonton – John E. Brownlee Building 8th Floor
  • Grande Prairie courthouse main floor
  • Red Deer courthouse main floor

Family Law Assistance only:

  • Lethbridge courthouse
  • Medicine Hat courthouse

Court of Justice

Court of King's Bench

Court of Appeal

Other

Forms

Alternative Dispute Resolution & Mediation

Translation services

Alberta courts provide translators for criminal and child welfare matters only. If you require a translator or translation services for another matter the services below may be able to assist you.

Areas of Law

Aboriginal

For more information on indigenous law see our research guide: Indigenous Law

Abuse, Harassment and Violence

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call 1-866-606-7233  to get connected with resources if you are in immediate danger call 911.

Calgary Communities against Sexual abuse Police and court education and support program
1-877-237-5888
Provides information on your rights, and options and will attend meetings with the police or crown prosecutor. Also provide court orientation sessions.

Emergency Protection order Program – Legal Aid
Free service that provides help to obtain and confirm protection orders. They will assist both claimants and respondents.
Calgary courthouse 403-297-5260 – 7th floor South
Edmonton 780-422-9222
Lethbridge 403-388-3162
Other areas 1-866-845-3425

Restraining and protection orders – with the Alberta courts
How to file an Emergency Protection order

Restraining order overview

Applying for an Emergency Protection Order (EPO)

Emergency Protection Orders

Review hearing for EPO

Domestic and Sexual violence resources in the Calgary area  – Calgary Domestic Violence Collective

Homefront Assist 403-206-2100
The Domestic Violence Intervention & Resource Team (DVIRT) provide victims support through the court process. Their services are provided free of charge. You must be referred to them by the Calgary Police Services.

Chinese Community Response to Family Violence (Calgary) – 403-261-7956

Elder Abuse

Abuse of persons in care

Last revised May 25, 2023

Bylaws & Traffic

Charity & Not-For-Profit

Complaints against Lawyers

Consumer

Criminal

For further information look at our various criminal law research guides.

Employment

Services

Information

Employment standards

Rules & regulations & filing a complaint

For further information see our research guides: Employment and Labour

Family

Property Division

Child Custody and Access

Child and Spousal Support

Maintenance Enforcement

Parenting after separation online courses – No cost to attend

For Domestic abuse issues see the tab Abuse, Harassment and Violence.

For further information see our research guide: Family Law

Videos

Landlord & Tenant & Property

Human Rights

Immigration

Police

Private Prosecution

Record Suspension (formally called pardons)

Seniors

For information on elder abuse see the tab on Abuse, Harassment and Violence.

Victims

Youth

For more information on youth criminal law issues see the Criminal Law – Youth Research guide

Last revised March 14, 2024

Online Legal Information and Resources

Booklets

Definitions

Additional Resources

Alberta’s Province Wide Service Directory – Provides information on services across the province searchable by location.

Alberta Health Advocate

Alberta Supports – Provides access to various programs and community services.

Homeless outreach Program – Calgary Legal guidance provides assistance, advice and referrals through lawyer and non-lawyer team.

Safer Communities Initiative – Judgment free service to all individuals, 24hr. real-time response centre, 365 days a year.

Service Alberta – Provides information on many topics including consumer protection, housing and vehicles.

Social Benefits Assistance Program – Calgary Legal Guidance. They can help you with accessing social benefit programs including AISH, Alberta Works and the Alberta/Child Health benefit.

Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program –  780-427-8255 Toll Free within Alberta dial 310-0000 and then enter the phone number above. They protect victims injured by uninsured or unknown drivers.

Sorce –  403-428-3300 (Calgary) They provide a collaborative service between many Calgary based organizations.

Victim Services Alberta –  780-427-3460 Toll Free within Alberta dial 310-0000 and then enter the phone number above. They provide services throughout the province. For locations check the website.


John Howard Society They assist with the transition from prison, may help with records suspensions and offer various other services to help reduce crime. Services vary depending on the location. See the locations below for the one nearest you.

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