October 29, 2026

Bencher Election: Official Candidate Information  

As voting in the Bencher Election approaches, lawyers are encouraged to consult the Law Society’s official Bencher Election website for information about the candidates.

The Law Society’s election website contains the official candidate statements and CVs submitted by candidates, including information about their experience, qualifications and approach to the governance role. Other websites, communications and commentary about the election may be produced by third parties. The Law Society does not control or verify information appearing on those sources. Lawyers are encouraged to inform themselves about the candidates and participate in the election process.

As a reminder, Benchers serve in a public-interest governance and adjudication role. They do not represent constituencies, causes or interests. Once elected, Benchers exercise independent judgment and collectively establish the Law Society’s strategic priorities in furtherance of its statutory purpose, as set out in section 2.1 of the Legal Profession Act:

The purpose of the Society is to uphold and protect the public interest in the administration of justice by:

• ensuring the independence, integrity, competence and ethical conduct of lawyers,
• establishing standards, programs and education and training with respect to the competence, ethical conduct and professional responsibility of lawyers and students-at-law,
• regulating the practice of law, and
• supporting and assisting lawyers and students-at-law in fulfilling their duties in the practice of law.

Continuing Legal Education Preferences Survey for Alberta Lawyers

The practice of law is continually evolving, and so should your continuing legal education. To meet the needs and wants of Alberta lawyers, including those from various practice areas and geographical locations, the Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) is seeking your input on future offerings.

Take the survey and get one free on-demand LESA program ($95) and entry into a draw to win one of three $200 Indigo gift cards. The survey takes approximately 8–10 minutes to complete.

The survey and contest are open until Friday, Nov. 20 with full contest details available online.

Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society Welcomes Alberta Lawyers Counselling Service

Effective Nov. 1, 2026, the Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society’s (Assist) professional counselling program will transition from Dr. Brian Forbes and his team to Alberta Lawyers Counselling Service (ALCS). Assist thanks the Forbes team for 18 years of service to the legal community.

Assist provides four hours of counselling per person, per issue, per year to Alberta lawyers, students and dependent family members.

Lawyers, students and dependent family members can continue to access services through their toll-free number, 1.877.498.6898, but if you experience issues during the transition, please call 780.978.9010.  

Many counsellors from the Forbes network will continue to serve within the program. All the counsellors are experienced senior-level Registered Psychologists and Registered Social Workers.

To learn more about ALCS, Dr. Courtney Dookie, Dr. Sania Dookie and file transition, please see the FAQ. If you have any further questions, please call Loraine Champion at 587.779.7205 or email at executivedirector@lawyersassist.ca.

Court of King's Bench of Alberta Announcement

Family & Divorce Digital Services Expanded to Include Roster Desk Applications

Effective Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, the Family & Divorce Digital Services (FFDS) expanded to include Roster Desk Applications. 

Learn more about the expansion, what can be submitted for judicial review and supporting desk applications through the Court of King’s Bench website. 

Alberta Court of Justice Announcement

Schedule Change and Court Closures in Edmonton and Calgary

The Honourable James A. Hunter, Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice, has shared three stakeholder letters outlining schedule changes for Edmonton and Court Closures for Edmonton and Calgary. 


• Oct. 22, 2026 – Edmonton Criminal Sitting Days 
• Oct. 26, 2026 – Edmonton Criminal Education Days
• Oct. 26, 2026 – Calgary Criminal and Regional Education Days 

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