September 17, 2020
Justice Digital and Surrogate Reform Committee Seeking Feedback
Justice Digital is collaborating with the Surrogate Reform Committee to produce a significant modernization of court forms and processes. This work is being done to benefit the profession, the public and the court system.

At the Surrogate Town Hall meetings in 2019, the courts and lawyers recognized the need to reform the Surrogate Court Application forms. The current forms are cumbersome, difficult for the public to understand, and include frequent repetition of information.  

The Surrogate Reform Committee is an ad hoc subcommittee of the Surrogate Rules Advisory Committee. The Committee has prepared a Surrogate Reform Consultation Memo with New Forms, Table of Concordance, and Sample Documents for review and comment by the profession and other stakeholders. 

The Justice Digital team and the Surrogate Reform Committee are inviting lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants throughout the province to provide feedback about the design and usability of the new forms and how they will support surrogate estate practices in Alberta. 

Please review the materials listed above and provide comments to SurrogateReform@sagecounsel.com.

To learn more about Justice Digital, read this overview. Upcoming opportunities for online and remote feedback over the coming months may include interviews, workshops or usability testing. Provide your contact information to participate.
Reminder: Recruiting Firms and Organizations for the 2021 Indigenous Summer Student Program
The Indigenous Summer Student Program (ISSP) for first and second year law students is recruiting firms and organizations to participate in the 2021 summer student cycle.

The purpose of the program is to:
  • Foster understanding - allow law firms and organizations and the legal profession to gain greater insight into Indigenous culture and issues.
  • Improve opportunities - for Indigenous students early in their legal careers to gain work experience in a law firm or organization.
  • Help Indigenous students achieve success - building ongoing mentorship and networking relationships between the students and practising lawyers.
  • Provide ongoing support - to participating firms and organizations and students through cultural awareness training, and application and interview preparation for students.

Firms and organizations that are interested in participating can review the criteria for program and submit their application on our website.

Over the past 15 years, this program has received wide support, with employment opportunities from small firms, large firms, government and organizations. The Law Society of Alberta does not have a role in the interview or hiring process or the employment relationship but will provide ongoing support and education to program participants, firms and organizations. 

We encourage you to submit your applications as soon as possible, and if you have questions please reach out to the Program Coordinator.
Reminder: Practice Management 101 Retirement Webinar
The Practice Management team is offering a free webinar on Wednesday, September 23 (noon) about retiring from the practice of law. Do you have questions about the process and timelines for winding up your practice? The team has strategies, resources and more to help you navigate this significant stage of your career.

Topics that will be covered include:
  • Making the decision to retire
  • Options for your status with the Law Society
  • Setting your effective date
  • Additional resources
Court of Queen's Bench Announcement

There will be a virtual Family Town Hall Meeting for members of the Bar on Monday, September 28, 2020 at 12:30 pm in both Edmonton and Calgary. For meeting details, connection information and the agendas, please refer to the full announcement document located on the Town Hall Meetings information page.