Mission, Vision & History
The Law Society of Alberta is a self-governing association of all practising lawyers in Alberta and has been regulating the legal profession since 1907. The Law Society derives its authority from the Legal Profession Act of Alberta and is financed and maintained by Alberta lawyers at no cost to the public. Serving in the public interest, the Law Society sets out standards through the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta and a Code of Conduct.
Mission
To serve the public interest by promoting a high standard of legal services and professional conduct through the governance and regulation of an independent legal profession.
Vision
The Law Society of Alberta will be recognized as a model for protecting the public interest and preserving the fundamental principles of justice through a self-regulated, independent and trusted legal profession.
Strategic Plan 2010-2013
Law Society of Alberta Formed in 1907
Archival records reveal that the first person practising law was Henry Bleeker in Edmonton in 1882. At that time, there were no guidelines or legislation governing lawyers. The government retained the majority of control, but discipline was administered by the courts. The following pages tell the story of how the Law Society of Alberta was formed in 1907 and how it is developing into a model regulator of the legal profession in the public interest. To mark its centennial year, the Law Society of Alberta launched Just Works: Lawyers in Alberta 1907 - 2007, a commemorative book which describes in rich detail its 100 years of service in Alberta.