About the Law Society

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 and set standards through the Code of Conduct and the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta.

Our vision

The Law Society will be recognized as a model for protecting the public interest and preserving the fundamental principles of justice through an independently regulated and trusted legal profession.

Our mission

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 and upholding the Rule of Law.

Our values

• Integrity – honest and ethical behaviour.
• Transparency – open and clear processes and communications.
• Fairness – equitable treatment of people.
• Competency – best practices, high standards and the pursuit of excellence.
• Independence – independent and independently regulated legal profession.
• Respect – inclusion, diversity and equity in the profession and in the Law Society.

Our strategic goals

The Law Society’s 2017 – 2019 Strategic Plan provides direction and focus to the board and the entire organization, including a framework for decision making, resource allocation and priority setting. The Strategic Plan guides our activities as we strive to achieve four main goals:

• Model Regulator: Regulate to protect the public interest by promoting excellence, high ethical standards, diversity and equity within the legal profession.
• Stakeholder Confidence: Maintain the confidence of the public, lawyers and other key stakeholders.
• Access to Justice and the Rule of Law: Promote and support access to justice and the rule of law for Albertans.
• Governance and Culture: Create a responsive and innovative governance and management culture that positions the law Society as a leader in the regulation of professions.

2018 Board

The Law Society is governed by a 24-member Board. Of the 24 Board members, also called Benchers, 20 are lawyers elected by the profession, and four are public representatives (Lay Benchers) appointed by the Alberta Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

The Board provides strategic direction, focusing on goals which demonstrate our values and help achieve our vision and mission.

Our Committees

Major committees, taskforces and liaisons conduct governance work associated with our core regulatory functions.

Board Committees

• Executive Committee
• Audit and Finance Committee
• Nominating Committee
• Pension Committee
• Policy Committee
• Professional Responsibility Committee

Adjudication Committees

• Appeal Committee
• Assurance Fund Adjudications (Finance) Committee
• Conduct Committee
• Credentials and Education Committee
• Practice Review Committee
• Trust Safety Committee

Task Forces

• Innovating Regulation Task Force
• Legal Aid Task Force
• Legislation Task Force
• Real Estate Practice Advisory Committee

Our financial statements

The Law Society uses external auditors to produce financial statements annually. Our 2019 financial statements can be found on our website.