Registration Open for Mentees in the 2023–2024 Mentor Express Program

Mentor Express is a non-traditional mentorship program. Mentees browse an online listing of mentors and choose one-hour sessions with those they are interested in meeting. This self-match system allows mentees to seek guidance and insight relevant to their own career development with a variety of mentors in different work settings.

The 2023–2024 Mentor Express program begins in October, but registration is open now. Register as a mentee on our website. 

Any Alberta lawyer is eligible to participate as a mentee, but this program is particularly beneficial for:

• articling students;
• new lawyers recently called to the bar;
• lawyers in their first years of practice;
• internationally trained lawyers;
• Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) candidates; or
• any lawyer seeking advice about transitioning to a new practice area or practice setting.

As a mentee, a mentoring relationship can encourage and empower your professional development, help you identify and achieve career goals, and increase your confidence. Watch this short video featuring Len Polsky, Manager of Legal Technology and Mentorship at the Law Society of Alberta, and Alberta Court of Appeal Justice, Bernette Ho, as they chat about the importance of mentorship for lawyers.

Win a Free LESA Course

Mentees in the upcoming 2023–2024 Mentor Express program have a chance to win free registration for one Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) webinar or on-demand program of their choice (valued at $95, plus GST).

To learn more about the contest and how you could win, register as a mentee on our website. Full contest details and eligibility criteria will be shared with registered mentees closer to the program start date.



For more information about Mentor Express, please read our FAQ or contact Customer Service.

Honouring Justice Ernest Hutchinson

The Law Society was saddened to learn of the passing of former President, the Right Honourable Ernest Arthur Hutchinson. An accomplished lawyer in Alberta for more than 30 years, he was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench (now Court of King's Bench) of Alberta in 1985, where he served until his retirement. As well, he served as a Bencher with the Law Society of Alberta from 1978 to 1982 and was appointed President in 1983.

We thank Justice Hutchinson for his years of service to the Law Society and Alberta’s legal community, and offer our deepest condolences to his friends and loved ones.

Court of King's Bench Announcement

Court of King's Bench of Alberta Judicial Swearing-in Ceremonies – Fall 2023

Calgary – Ceremonies will take place in Courtroom 1801 of the Calgary Courts Centre.

• Justice Lisa A. Silver – Thursday, Sept. 14 at 4 p.m.
• Justice Allison G. Kuntz – Friday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m.
• Justice Melanie R. Gaston – Friday, Nov. 24 at 4 p.m.
• Justice Christopher D. Simard – Friday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m.

Edmonton – The ceremony will take place in Courtroom 317 of the Edmonton Law Courts.

• Justice Kent J. Teskey – Friday, Sept. 8 at 4 p.m.

Grande Prairie – The ceremony will take place in Courtroom 202 of the Grande Prairie Court House.

• Justice Christopher D. Millsap – Friday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m.

Red Deer

• Applications Judge Matthew R. Park – Friday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m., Red Deer Court House – Courtroom 202
• Justice Christopher A. Rickards – Friday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m., Red Deer Court House – Courtroom 201

Government of Canada Announcement

Soliciting Views and Questions Regarding Canada’s Participation in Treaty Negotiations on Artificial Intelligence in the Council of Europe

The Government of Canada is seeking your views on Canada’s participation in international negotiations in the Council of Europe (CoE) for a treaty on artificial intelligence (AI), human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The purpose of the treaty is to address potential risks from the design, development and use of AI. While negotiated in the CoE, the treaty has the potential to establish common legal standards internationally to minimize the potential risks of AI.

Canada formally joined the negotiations in February 2023, and is participating in these negotiations in order to help shape the new rules. The Canadian delegation is co-led by Justice Canada and Global Affairs Canada, with support from Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. Once the negotiations are complete, Canada will decide whether or not to become a Party to the treaty.

The Government of Canada invites you to review the Consolidated Working Draft and backgrounder to respond to the questions provided. Please send your responses in the official language of your choice via the Simple Survey link before Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. If you prefer, however, you may share your views by emailing your comments to AI-treaty_traite-IA@justice.gc.ca instead.

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