Equity Ombudsperson
Equity Ombudsperson
The Equity Ombudsperson provides confidential assistance with the development of workplace policies and the resolution of harassment and discrimination concerns.
The Law Society of Alberta established the Office of the Equity Ombudsperson to provide confidential advice, information and assistance to lawyers, articling students and support staff working in the legal profession on issues of discrimination or harassment by lawyers.
The goal of the Equity Ombudsperson is to educate people working in law firms about discrimination and harassment in the workplace and to assist in resolving related problems. Talking to the Equity Ombudsperson does not eliminate other options such as filing a formal complaint with the Law Society or the Human Rights Commission or undertaking a civil action.
The Equity Ombudsperson serves law firms and individuals working in the legal profession by:
- establishing workplace policies regarding harassment, parental leave, and alternative work schedules,
- providing educational seminars about discrimination and harassment,
- talking confidentially about particular problems,
- discussing complaints and addressing issues,
- developing an understanding of the firm’s obligations, potential liability and options, and
- finding information on other resources, such as counselling.
Sole Practitioners and Small Firm Lawyers Invited to Join SoloNet
An online forum is being launched as a pilot project to enable sole practitioners and lawyers in smaller communities to connect and share information.
Lawyers who are practising in solo or small firm settings or working in regional locations in Alberta are invited to join. SoloNet is a secure online social network system open only to members of the Law Society of Alberta who are practising in solo or small settings or in locations outside of major urban centres.
This network is intended to be an opportunity to share collective professional knowledge and experience, provide a sounding board for lawyers in similar practice settings, and otherwise connect with each other in a closed online environment.
SoloNet offers an opportunity for practitioners to pose questions, offer advice, and share information about their experiences. Discussion group participants determine the topics for discussion. The contents of the network are confidential to the participants in SoloNet.
The Law Society of Alberta is not responsible for the content on this site, and does not moderate these discussions. An individual member's participation in SoloNet will be disclosed to all other members of the network.
It has started as a pilot project and is being moderated by the Practice Advisors. The Law Society of Alberta only provides the online facilities for SoloNet.
To participate, please send an email or call Jocelyn Frazer at 403-229-4769 or toll free 1-888-229-4769.
See the Frequently Asked Questions.
From the Equity Ombudsperson
Also see Advice from the Practice Advisors:
Contact