Learning Centre Lawyer Portal ALIA Careers Contact Us

Law Society of Alberta

  • Who We Are
    • Reflective Practice and Professional Development

      Continuing Professional Development incorporates reflective practice, which is itself a type of learning activity because lawyers learn from reflecting on their practice.
      • About Us
      • Executive Leadership Team
      • Board & Committees
        • Board Directory
        • Board Meetings
        • Member Meetings
        • Committees
        • External Bodies
      • Affiliations
      • Key Initiatives
        • 2024 Articling Survey
        • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
        • Innovation Sandbox
        • Indigenous Initiatives
      • Annual & Financial Reports
      • Strategic Plan
      • Awards & Scholarships
        • Distinguished Service Awards
        • Recognition of Service
        • Scholarships
      • Upcoming Events
      • Media Room
      • eBulletins
      • Latest from the Law Society
  • For the Public
    • Lost Wills Listing

      A public webpage containing a list of outstanding will requests is now available online.
      • Find a Lawyer
      • Complaints
      • Finding Files
      • Lost Wills
      • Public Resources
      • Financial Claims
      • Notices
      • Careers
  • Lawyers & Students
    • Become a Principal

      Find out details about the new principal training requirement and the process of becoming a principal.
      • Become a Lawyer
      • Become a Principal
      • Membership Services
      • Making a Payment to the Law Society
      • Professional Development
      • Western Canada Competency Profile
      • Trust Accounting & Safety
        • Approval for Firms & Lawyers
        • Annual Reporting
      • Fraud & Loss Prevention
      • Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association
      • Practice Advisors
      • Practice Management Consultations
      • Equity Ombudsperson
      • Complaints
      • Approved Legal Services Providers
      • Professional Regulatory Body Review
  • Resource Centre
    • New Resource: Practice Fundamentals Program

      Supporting new lawyers through the development of skills critical to legal practice
      • Lawyer Programs
        • Mentor Connect
        • Mentor Express
        • Table Talks
        • AdvisorLink
        • Locum Connect
        • Practice Management Consultations
        • SoloNet
        • Assist
      • Learning Centre
      • Public Resources
      • Student Resources
        • Articling Placement Program
      • Sole Practitioner Resources
      • New Lawyer Resources
        • Practice Fundamentals Program
      • Anti-Money Laundering
      • Request a Presentation or Resource
      • Key Resources
        • Legal Practice
        • Continuous Improvement
        • Cultural Competence & Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
        • Lawyer-Client Relationships
        • Practice Management
        • Professional Conduct
        • Professional Contributions
        • Truth and Reconciliation
        • Well-Being
  • Regulation
    • Act, Code & Rules

      The Law Society of Alberta derives its authority from the Legal Profession Act and sets out standards through its Rules and Code of Conduct.
      • Act, Code & Rules
      • Adjudication
        • About the Tribunal Office
        • Hearing Schedule
        • Decisions & Outcomes
        • Complaint Dismissal Appeals
        • Adjudicator Directory
        • Book of Authorities
      • Notices
        • Custodianship
        • Disbarment
        • Reinstatement
        • Resignation
        • Suspension
      • Unauthorized Practice of Law
        • Information Concerning the Unauthorized Practice of Law
  • Find a Lawyer
Resource Centre
  • Anti-Money Laundering
    • Client Identification and Verification
    • Cash Transactions
    • Trust Accounting Rule (Rule 119.19)
    • Anti-Money Laundering Resources
  • Learning Centre
  • New Lawyer Resources
    • New Lawyer Welcome Webinar
    • Practice Fundamentals Program
  • Lawyer Programs
    • Mentor Connect
    • Mentor Express
      • Mentor Express FAQ
    • Table Talks
    • Mentor Moments
    • AdvisorLink
      • AdvisorLink Online Request
    • Locum Connect
      • Locum Listing
      • Locum Opportunity Listing
    • SoloNet
  • Key Resources
    • Legal Practice
    • Continuous Improvement
    • Cultural Competence & Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
    • Lawyer-Client Relationships
    • Practice Management
      • Considerations for Choosing Accounting and Practice Management Software
      • Retirement Guide
        • Making the Decision to Retire
        • Your Status with the Law Society
        • The Process of Winding Up
        • Working Through the Tasks
      • Business Continuity and Succession Plan Guide and Checklist
        • Planning Considerations
        • Your Plan – Checklist
        • Office Procedure Manual
        • Additional Planning Resources & Templates
      • Practice Management Assessment Tool
      • Practice Management Consultations
    • Professional Conduct
    • Professional Contributions
    • Truth and Reconciliation
    • Well-Being
  • Sole Practitioner Resources
  • Student Resources
  • Public Resources
  • Request a Presentation or Resource
  • Home
  • Resource Centre
  • Student Resources
  • ITL Series: Christine’s Story
ITL Series: Christine’s Story

For as long as Christine Little can remember she has always had the desire to travel and a passion for law. When the opportunity to combine the two came along, Christine accepted it. This ultimately led her on an unexpected detour on the path to becoming an Alberta lawyer.

After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Calgary, Christine worked as a legal assistant in Calgary to ensure that a career in law was something she wanted to pursue. She applied to seven law schools in Canada before heading off to Venezuela to teach English. When Christine didn’t hear back from any of the schools, she learned that there had been some clerical issues with her transcripts and none of her applications were considered complete. This setback led her to consider an opportunity to attend the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom.

“Eventually I came across an article and decided that going away to school in the UK was something that looked good to me and I had full intentions of pursuing European Union studies over there and not really coming back,” explained Christine.

While she enjoyed going to school and living in the United Kingdom, Christine determined that she wanted to come back Calgary and began to investigate what it would take to return home and practise law.

“I had talked to a couple people before I left [for the UK] about coming back and got rather flippant answers that I would just have to write a couple of exams and, no problem, I could come back,” recalled Christine.

After being filled in about the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) process, articling and CPLED requirements, Christine faced the reality that it might not be as easy as she once thought.

Once arriving back on North American soil, Christine hit the ground running and completed the seven NCA exams she was assessed in 10 months. Acknowledging that she had the support of friends and family, Christine sympathizes with those who have to undertake the exams on their own.

“It can be a rather isolating process if you haven’t reached out and met other people along the way.”

She also counts herself as one of the lucky ones in her search for articles. The lawyer whom she was working for as a legal assistant prior to leaving for the UK took her on as an articling student. She also made connections by temping at different law firms while writing her NCA exams so she was able to find the secondments necessary to round out her articles.

All said and done, Christine graduated from law school in June 2011 and was called to the Alberta Bar in May 2014.

“I can’t say I regret going overseas. I think I would have regretted it if I didn’t. I would always be wondering if I should be living in Europe right now but now I can say that Canada is home and I want to be here.”

So what advice does Christine have to pass along to other Canadian students who may be considering law school abroad or returning home?

“Consider finding a summer job somewhere here and making Canadian connections. Always remember that at some point you are going to have to justify why you went abroad. There is still a rather largely held view in the profession that you went away because you weren’t smart enough to get into law school here and you lack that academic acumen to make it in Canadian law school. You will have to have some answers prepared for why you went and what your education was like.”

After starting her own family law firm, Christine now maintains a busy case load.

Printed from https://www.lawsociety.ab.ca on May 21, 2025 at 5:27:53 AM
Law Society of Alberta ©2025 Law Society of Alberta.
  • Latest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
  • Terms and Conditions of Use
  • Accessibility
  • Sitemap
  • Careers
©2025 Law Society of Alberta.
  • Who We Are
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Executive Leadership Team
    • Board & Committees
      • Back
      • Board Directory
      • Board Meetings
      • Member Meetings
      • Committees
      • External Bodies
    • Affiliations
    • Key Initiatives
      • Back
      • 2024 Articling Survey
      • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
      • Innovation Sandbox
      • Indigenous Initiatives
    • Annual & Financial Reports
    • Strategic Plan
    • Awards & Scholarships
      • Back
      • Distinguished Service Awards
      • Recognition of Service
      • Scholarships
    • Upcoming Events
    • Media Room
    • eBulletins
    • Latest from the Law Society
  • For the Public
    • Back
    • Find a Lawyer
    • Complaints
    • Finding Files
    • Lost Wills
    • Public Resources
    • Financial Claims
    • Notices
    • Careers
  • Lawyers & Students
    • Back
    • Become a Lawyer
    • Become a Principal
    • Membership Services
    • Making a Payment to the Law Society
    • Professional Development
    • Western Canada Competency Profile
    • Trust Accounting & Safety
      • Back
      • Approval for Firms & Lawyers
      • Annual Reporting
    • Fraud & Loss Prevention
    • Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association
    • Practice Advisors
    • Practice Management Consultations
    • Equity Ombudsperson
    • Complaints
    • Approved Legal Services Providers
    • Professional Regulatory Body Review
  • Resource Centre
    • Back
    • Lawyer Programs
      • Back
      • Mentor Connect
      • Mentor Express
      • Table Talks
      • AdvisorLink
      • Locum Connect
      • Practice Management Consultations
      • SoloNet
      • Assist
    • Learning Centre
    • Public Resources
    • Student Resources
      • Back
      • Articling Placement Program
    • Sole Practitioner Resources
    • New Lawyer Resources
      • Back
      • Practice Fundamentals Program
    • Anti-Money Laundering
    • Request a Presentation or Resource
    • Key Resources
      • Back
      • Legal Practice
      • Continuous Improvement
      • Cultural Competence & Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
      • Lawyer-Client Relationships
      • Practice Management
      • Professional Conduct
      • Professional Contributions
      • Truth and Reconciliation
      • Well-Being
  • Regulation
    • Back
    • Act, Code & Rules
    • Adjudication
      • Back
      • About the Tribunal Office
      • Hearing Schedule
      • Decisions & Outcomes
      • Complaint Dismissal Appeals
      • Adjudicator Directory
      • Book of Authorities
    • Notices
      • Back
      • Custodianship
      • Disbarment
      • Reinstatement
      • Resignation
      • Suspension
    • Unauthorized Practice of Law
      • Back
      • Information Concerning the Unauthorized Practice of Law
  • Find a Lawyer
  • Lawyer Portal
  • Contact

Email: Complaint Dismissal Appeals

Complaint Dismissal Appeals

Fill in the form below to get in touch with the Complaint Dismissal Appeal team.

  • Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 20 MB.
      Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    Public Bencher Representatives

    Fill in the form below to get in touch with our public representative Benchers, who are appointed by Alberta's Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

    • Drop files here or
      Max. file size: 20 MB.
        Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.
      • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
      Office of the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

      Fill in the form below to get in touch with the Office of the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director.

      • Drop files here or
        Max. file size: 20 MB.
          Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

        Email: Governance

        Fill in the form below to get in touch with Governance.

        • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

        Email: Indigenous Mentorship Program

        Fill in the form below to get in touch with the Indigenous Mentorship Program.

        • Drop files here or
          Max. file size: 20 MB.
            Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

          Email: Mentorship

          Fill in the form below to get in touch with the Mentorship team.

          • Max. file size: 32 MB.

          Email: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Counsel

          Fill in the form below to get in touch with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Counsel.

          • Drop files here or
            Max. file size: 20 MB.
              Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

            Email: Indigenous Initiatives

            Fill in the form below to get in touch with Indigenous Initiatives.

            • Drop files here or
              Max. file size: 20 MB.
                Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.
              Innovation Sandbox Contact Form

              Fill in the form below to get in touch with the Innovation Sandbox team.

              • Drop files here or
                Max. file size: 20 MB.
                  Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                Email: Unauthorized Practice of Law

                Fill in the form below to get in touch with the Unauthorized Practice of Law team.

                • Drop files here or
                  Max. file size: 20 MB.
                    Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.
                  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

                  Email: Legal Technology

                  Fill in the form below to get in touch with Legal Technology.

                  • Drop files here or
                    Max. file size: 20 MB.
                      Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                    Email: Governance Meetings

                    Fill in the form below to get in touch with Governance.

                    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

                    Email: Practice Advisors

                    Fill in the form below to get in touch with the Practice Advisors

                    • 1500 character maximum
                    • Drop files here or
                      Max. file size: 20 MB.
                        Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.
                      • Matters that are considered urgent and will receive a response within the same or following business day are:

                        - Same day or next day real estate closings
                        - Same day or next day court matters
                        - Public, client and lawyer safety concerns (Please note: Safety concerns are defined as immediate threats of harm by clients or the public to themselves or to others, including the lawyer.)

                        Other matters submitted as time sensitive or urgent will be reviewed by the assigned Practice Advisor and they will prioritize accordingly in their call queue.

                        Practice Advisors will try to limit conversations to a maximum of 30 minutes so they can help as many lawyers as possible. To ensure a timely response, please do not send multiple requests.

                      Email: Education

                      Fill in the form below to get in touch with the Education department.

                      • Drop files here or
                        Max. file size: 20 MB.
                          Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                        Email: AdvisorLink

                        Email: Accounting

                        Fill in the form below to get in touch with Accounting

                        • Drop files here or
                          Max. file size: 20 MB.
                            Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.
                          • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

                          Email: Customer Service

                          Fill in the form below to get in touch.

                          • Drop files here or
                            Max. file size: 20 MB.
                              Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                            Email: General Feedback

                            Fill in the form below to get in touch with General Feedback

                            • Drop files here or
                              Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                              Email: Communications and Media Relations

                              Fill in the form below to get in touch with Communications and Media Relations.

                              • Drop files here or
                                Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                  Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.
                                • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

                                Email: Membership Services

                                Fill in the form below to get in touch with Membership Services

                                • Drop files here or
                                  Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                    Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                  Email: Manager, Membership Services

                                  Fill in the form below to get in touch with Tina McKay

                                  • Drop files here or
                                    Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                      Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                    Email: Elizabeth Aspinall

                                    Email: Jesse Mackenzie

                                    Email: Allan Guty

                                    Email: SoloNet

                                    Fill in the form below to get in touch with SoloNet

                                    • Drop files here or
                                      Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                        Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                      Email: Practice Management

                                      • Drop files here or
                                        Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                          Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                        Email: Nancy Bains

                                        Fill in the form below to get in touch with Nancy Bains

                                        • Drop files here or
                                          Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                            Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                          Email: Inform Trust Safety

                                          Fill in the form below to get in touch with Inform Trust Safety

                                          • Drop files here or
                                            Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                              Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                            Email: Trust Safety

                                            Fill in the form below to get in touch with Trust Safety

                                            • Drop files here or
                                              Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                              Email: Information Management

                                              Fill in the form below to get in touch with Information Management

                                              • Drop files here or
                                                Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                  Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                                Email: Election

                                                Fill in the form below to get in touch with Election

                                                • Drop files here or
                                                  Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                    Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                                  Email: Justicia Project

                                                  Email: Locum Connect

                                                  Fill in the form below to get in touch with Locum Connect

                                                  • Drop files here or
                                                    Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                      Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                                    Email: Mentor Connect

                                                    Fill in the form below to get in touch with Mentor Connect

                                                    • Drop files here or
                                                      Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                        Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                                      Email: Mentor Express

                                                      Fill in the form below to get in touch with Mentor Express

                                                      • Drop files here or
                                                        Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                          Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                                        Email: Indigenous Law Student Summer Employment Program

                                                        Fill in the form below to get in touch with Indigenous Law Student Summer Employment Program

                                                        • Drop files here or
                                                          Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                            Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                                          Email: ALIA

                                                          Fill in the form below to get in touch with ALIA

                                                          • Drop files here or
                                                            Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                              Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.
                                                            • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

                                                            Email: ALIAlert fraud alerts

                                                            Fill in the form below to get in touch with ALIAlert fraud alerts

                                                            • Drop files here or
                                                              Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                                Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.
                                                              • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

                                                              Email: Equity Ombudsperson

                                                              Fill in the form below to get in touch with the Equity Ombudsperson.

                                                              • Drop files here or
                                                                Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                                  Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                                                Email: Tribunal Office

                                                                Fill in the form below to get in touch with Tribunal Office

                                                                • Drop files here or
                                                                  Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                                    Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.

                                                                  Email: Custodianship

                                                                  Fill in the form below to get in touch with Custodianship

                                                                  • Drop files here or
                                                                    Max. file size: 20 MB.
                                                                      Text, PDF, MSOffice, and Images only. Max size 20 MB.