Outstanding Lawyers Honoured with King's Counsel Designation

The Minister of Justice has released the 2024 list of King’s Counsel appointees. The individuals are a diverse group that includes both public and private sector lawyers from communities across the province.

The Law Society congratulates all the appointees on this significant honour.

Remote Client Identification and Verification Update

In summer 2023, the Law Society extended the temporary exemption from the requirement under Rule 119.50(6)(a)(i) to be in their client’s physical presence when using the government-issued photo ID method. Alternative means, such as verification by videoconference, were permitted. 

The extension of the temporary exemption was to give lawyers more time to find new methods of client identification and verification as well as to provide the Law Society with time to work on amending the rules and guidance regarding client verification and authentication to better align with the new guidance from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada regarding document authentication.

The Law Society is progressing its work on the Rule amendments and we anticipate that the temporary exemption will end sometime in the fall or by the end of 2024. We understand that lawyers require time to find new ways to verify a client and we will give adequate notice prior to lifting the temporary exemption. 

With this temporary exemption remaining in place for the time being, lawyers who do not use the credit file or dual-process methods have three different ways to verify a client using the government-issued photo ID method:

• In-person (when the individual is physically present): You or your agent may view the original document in the presence of the individual to ensure that their name and photograph match.
• Virtual (via videoconference): Using a video conference application on your computer (Zoom, Teams or other similar platform), you or your agent may participate in a live video call with the individual and compare the name and features in the video feed with those on the government issued identity document.
• Virtual (via technology platform): You or your or agent may virtually verify a client’s identity using one of the products for client identification and verification approved by the Law Society’s Innovation Sandbox.

See the FAQ for more information on obligations applicable to remote legal services. Please contact Customer Service for any other questions.

Seeking Feedback on Draft Amendments to Model Code in Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 27

The Federation of Law Societies of Canada (the Federation) is seeking feedback from law societies and the legal profession across Canada on draft amendments to the Model Code of Professional Conduct in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Call to Action 27.

The Law Society of Alberta is in the early stages of helping gather feedback on the draft TRC amendments. There are no decisions being made by the Benchers at this stage of the engagement and the feedback gathered will be presented at the June Board meeting for further discussion and feedback only. 

The Law Society is currently seeking lawyer volunteers to participate in a focus group. We will also be seeking feedback from members of the Reconciliation Advisory Roster through a separate outreach process. 

Current Focus Group Opportunity

The Law Society is seeking 10–12 volunteers from the legal profession to attend a virtual focus group to provide feedback on the draft TRC amendments to the Code. 

To participate in the focus group, lawyers must read the 47-page consultation report prior to the session being held on April 30 from noon to 1:30 p.m. 

Those interested in participating are asked to submit their expression of interest and CV to the Law Society before April 8, 2024, to be considered for the focus group. Each application will be carefully reviewed for inclusive representation of key stakeholder perspectives on legal practice. Please note that it is possible that not everyone who expresses interest will be appointed. 

Those lawyers selected to participate in the focus group will be contacted by April 15 and sent a meeting invite for the session, along with the materials for review in advance of the session. 

For those who are not selected for this focus group, we anticipate there will be additional opportunities for the profession to provide feedback prior to the Federation making any changes to the Model Code.

The Law Society of Alberta remains committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in a thoughtful and collaborative way that builds and strengthens relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Fraud Prevention Month: Trust Theft and Indemnity Coverage

March is Fraud Prevention Month, and we want to raise awareness about the risk of fraud in legal practice because when lawyers and firms become victims of fraud or theft, it affects the reputation of the legal profession and may impact their ability to attract and retain clients.

We want to remind lawyers that there is no coverage for theft by law firm staff under the Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association’s (ALIA) Group Policy.

Lawyers and partners are often busy with their legal practice and may be less focused on running the business. This can lead to duties, including trust accounting, being delegated to non-lawyer staff and often to one person with little or no oversight from a lawyer. This lack of oversight is frequently a product of the trust lawyers have in the staff members. Many of the thefts are not sophisticated and could have been prevented by relatively simple internal controls.

To learn more on how to protect yourself from fraud and review the most common forms of fraud perpetrated against lawyers and firms, visit the Law Society's website.

Edmonton City Hall Parkade Update

Edmonton City Hall will be reopening to the public on March 25, 2024. However, the City Hall Parkade will not be reopening to the public at this time. The City is aware that many members of the legal community use this parkade while attending the Edmonton Law Courts. Alternate parking is available at the Library Parkade, which connects to the Law Courts through the Churchill Pedway. Edmonton Transit also provides service to Churchill Station on the Capital, Metro and Valley Line LRTs.

Court of King's Bench Announcements

Further Expansion of the King's Bench Filing Digital Service (FDS) and Mandatory Filing

Effective March 25, 2024, the Court of King’s Bench Filing Digital Service program expanded to include filings for Civil Justice Chambers in Calgary for hearings scheduled on or after May 27, 2024.

Also effective March 25, 2024 Counsel submitting material for Civil Justice Chambers in Calgary or Edmonton must utilize the King's Bench Filing Digital Service for this purpose.

This pilot program enables lawyers to submit an Application for Civil Justice Chambers, accompanied by supporting materials and a Form of Order, which is mandatory. Reply materials will also be accepted. Materials will be digitally delivered to the Justice. Orders that are granted in the provided form will be digitally signed by the Justice and made available to counsel through the digital service.

View the full announcement for more information.

Surrogate Digital Service – Updated Process for Submitting Wills and Testamentary Documents for Storage

Commencing April 8, 2024, all wills and testamentary documents for Surrogate Digital Service (SDS) applications must be sent directly to the Wills Repository in Edmonton by registered mail to:

Attention: File Room – Wills Repository

Court of King’s Bench

1A Sir Winston Churchill Square

Edmonton, AB T5J 0R2

This change will ensure consistency of process across the province, reduce the risk of lost documents and speed up processing times.

View the full announcement for more information.

Upcoming Events

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