History of A.L.L.
The outcome of a case before the court is almost always life-altering. Every year in British Columbia, thousands of people are unable to pay for a lawyer when they need it the most. Thankfully, in many cases, Legal Aid is able to provide them with a lawyer. The overall fairness of the justice system relies heavily on dedicated lawyers who enter into agreements with Legal Aid and with clients who would otherwise not be able to afford the services of a lawyer. Whether it is a high-profile murder case or a shoplifting incident, the removal of a child or a deportation hearing, Legal Aid steps in when needed, to make sure that everyone can have a fair trial.
For decades, the rates for Legal Aid work did not increase, and the criteria to be eligible to receive Legal Aid had not changed significantly. As a result, the number of lawyers who would agree to work for Legal Aid rates were dwindling. If Legal Aid is underfunded, the justice system becomes less fair, and fewer people have access to it.
The Association of Legal aid Lawyers (A.L.L.) was formally re-established in 2018 by a group of lawyers for the purpose of improving the legal aid system in British Columbia. Through strenuous efforts, the Association of Legal Aid Lawyers, the B.C. Government and Legal Aid B.C. have agreed to negotiate with one another, and entered a historic agreement in August 2019. We continue to negotiate on policy issues, including coverage, eligibility and other improvements to the legal aid system, three to four times a year.
The outcome of a case before the court is almost always life-altering. Every year in British Columbia, thousands of people are unable to pay for a lawyer when they need it the most. Thankfully, in many cases, Legal Aid is able to provide them with a lawyer. The overall fairness of the justice system relies heavily on dedicated lawyers who enter into agreements with Legal Aid and with clients who would otherwise not be able to afford the services of a lawyer. Whether it is a high-profile murder case or a shoplifting incident, the removal of a child or a deportation hearing, Legal Aid steps in when needed, to make sure that everyone can have a fair trial.
For decades, the rates for Legal Aid work did not increase, and the criteria to be eligible to receive Legal Aid had not changed significantly. As a result, the number of lawyers who would agree to work for Legal Aid rates were dwindling. If Legal Aid is underfunded, the justice system becomes less fair, and fewer people have access to it.
The Association of Legal aid Lawyers (A.L.L.) was formally re-established in 2018 by a group of lawyers for the purpose of improving the legal aid system in British Columbia. Through strenuous efforts, the Association of Legal Aid Lawyers, the B.C. Government and Legal Aid B.C. have agreed to negotiate with one another, and entered a historic agreement in August 2019. We continue to negotiate on policy issues, including coverage, eligibility and other improvements to the legal aid system, three to four times a year.
MORE ON LEGAL AID
You can find older articles and reports about Legal Aid in this section.
"Presentation made to the legal aid committee of the LSBC November 2018 legal aid colloquium"
Richard Peck, Q.C.
Richard Peck, Q.C.
"A Vision for Publicly Funded Legal Aid in British Columbia"
By Nancy Merrill, QC, Richard Peck, QC, Pinder Cheema, QC, David Crossin, QC, Tom Christensen, QC, Lance Finch, QC, Linda Thomas, QC, Sarah Westwood, Janet Winteringham, QC
Approved by the Benchers March 3, 2017
By Nancy Merrill, QC, Richard Peck, QC, Pinder Cheema, QC, David Crossin, QC, Tom Christensen, QC, Lance Finch, QC, Linda Thomas, QC, Sarah Westwood, Janet Winteringham, QC
Approved by the Benchers March 3, 2017
"Report of the Public Commission on Legal Aid in British Columbia"
By Leonard T. Doust, Q.C.
March 2011
By Leonard T. Doust, Q.C.
March 2011