Frequently Asked Questions
The Association of Legal Aid Lawyers (A.L.L.) represents and advocates for lawyers providing legal aid services across British Columbia. Membership connects you to a strong collective voice, professional support, and a community committed to protecting access to justice.
Membership
Membership Benefits
- Be a part of an organization to advance the interests and working conditions of all legal aid lawyers in B.C.
- Have a voice in the direction of A.L.L. and input at the highest levels of the justice system.
- Provide direct input into legal aid policy and the LABC Tariff structure.
- Access to the Articling Program Funding.
Eligibility
Membership is open to:
- Lawyers in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia
- Lawyers who provide legal aid services in B.C.
Payment Options
- E-transfer to [email protected]
- Pay by credit card via Stripe
- Mail cheque payable to the Association of Legal Aid Lawyers, 1200- 1111 Melville Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6E 3V6
Why does A.L.L. need to collect membership fees?
A.L.L. moved from a volunteer-led group to a professional advocacy society in 2019. A.L.L. requires sustainable and ongoing funding to retain professional specialized negotiators and maintain a consistent presence in government meetings.
Where are my fees going?
Fees go towards negotiation, advocacy efforts and staff/office expenses.
Membership Term & Renewal
Memberships run on an annual basis. Our fiscal year is from September 1 to August 31. Fees will automatically be renewed unless cancelled. In mid-August we will send you renewal invoices in advance of the renewal date. If you wish to cancel, please send us an email at [email protected]
Can I gift an A.L.L. Membership?
Yes, you can! If you would like to sponsor a membership and pay on someone's behalf, please inquire directly and our team will update that member's profile. Sponsoring a junior counsel is a powerful way to foster inclusivity without our profession. By doing so, you remove financial barriers and allow them to access advocacy and resources early in their careers. This in turn will ensure that the next generation of legal aid lawyers has a seat at the table and a voice in the future of the justice system.
Can I join if I'm an articling student?
Articling students are the future of the bar. If you are a student and would like to join, simply fill out the membership form and you'll become a member. We offer free memberships for articling students.
I only practice part-time, do I qualify for a membership fee reduction?
A.L.L. recognizes that many of our members maintain a part-time practice or have a reduced legal aid caseload. To keep membership accessible, part-time members are eligible for 50% off membership dues. Please email [email protected] to request a personal invoice.
What if I'm on parental leave; can I put my membership on hold?
Yes, if you are stepping away from your practice for any reason, we are happy to place your membership payment on hold. To ensure we update your profile, please contact our office to update your status. We look forward to welcoming you back when you return to practice.
Privacy Notice
Personal information collected through our membership form is solely used for membership administration and communications related to A.L.L. activities. Information is securely stored and is not shared with third parties.
Influence and Governance
How do I get my voice heard?
Members can influence change by joining one of our 13 committees and working groups. Each year, we invite members to join these groups where your voice will be heard. The issues you raise become part of our agenda at meetings with Legal Aid B.C., the Attorney General, and the provincial government. Your participation ensures that our negotiations reflect the real-world challenges you face.
What is A.L.L.'s relationship with Legal Aid BC?
A.L.L. is an independent body that negotiates and advocates with the government and LABC on behalf of lawyers.
Impact
What has A.L.L. achieved for its members?
For over 20 years, the legal aid tariff remained stagnant while the cost of living and practice overhead soared. Since its formation in 2018, A.L.L. has broken that cycle of neglect through aggressive advocacy and professional negotiation.
- In 2019, we negotiated a landmark 35% increase to tariff rates, ending two decades of frozen pay and establishing a new baseline for legal aid work in B.C.
- We successfully secured the BIB, providing immediate financial relief to lawyers while we continued to fight for a permanent, long term funding structure.
- Our recent negotiations secured a 13.76% increase over a three-year term, ensuring that rates keep pace with the economy.
- We secured funding to help firms hire articling students in high demand remote areas of British Columbia.
$3.5 million in funding for five initiatives:
- Family early resolution expansion, including increased hours and eligibility guidelines.
- Criminal early resolution expansion, including representation where there is a meritorious defence.
- Enhanced funding for Junior Counsel.
- Funding for experts (without the requirement to seek prior approval)
- Enhanced funding for the representation of children.
It has also resulted in increased mediator rates, milage rates, photocopy rates and interpreter rates.