The Law Society of Alberta regulates the legal profession in the public interest by promoting and enforcing a high standard of professional and ethical conduct by Alberta lawyers.

We derive our authority from the Legal Profession Act of Alberta and set out standards through a Code of Conduct and the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta.

While we do not provide legal advice on specific cases, from our unique perspective as the regulator, we actively work with members of the justice system to improve the administration of justice for all Albertans.

Why does independence matter?

A legal profession regulated in the public interest is fundamental to a free and democratic society. We believe this is best achieved by way of an independent and independently regulated legal profession.

How does the Law Society protect the public interest?

We protect the public interest by:

• setting professional and ethical standards of competence to which lawyers must adhere;
• requiring all law school graduates to complete articles under the supervision of a senior lawyer, a Bar Admission Course (CPLED), and pass a Bar Examination;
• setting out requirements for lawyers to undertake professional development throughout their careers;
• providing the public with an avenue of recourse, to voice concerns about the quality of service provided by lawyers;
• investigating and prosecuting misconduct by lawyers, especially where there is the threat of imminent harm to the public;
• preventing the unauthorized practice of law where it occurs;
• requiring lawyers to maintain liability coverage to protect against errors and omissions; and
• providing Lawyer Directory and Lawyer Referral services to aid Albertans in finding a lawyer who meet their requirements.

View our 2017-2019 Strategic Plan to find out more about our mission, vision, values, governance, strategic planning and more.