Event Schedule
Monday, February 2
Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Presentation
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. MT | Snell Auditorium, Red Deer Public Library - Downtown Branch or virtual
Presented by the Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic
This event will cover basic rights and responsibilities of being a tenant.
Tuesday, February 3
Indigenous Legal Principles Panel
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | University of Calgary, Murray Fraser Hall 2370
The Indigenous Law Students Association, Pro Bono Students Canada Calgary Chapter, and Student Legal Assistance invite you to attend the Indigenous Legal Principles Panel at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law.
The discussion will feature the following speakers:
- Robert Bassett, Crown Prosecutor, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General
- Sarah Sinclair, Lawyer, Calgary Legal Guidance
- Brian Calliou, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary Faculty of Law
- Cam Stewart, Executive Director, Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
Ask-A-Lawyer
11:00 - 1:00 p.m. MT | Snell Auditorium, Red Deer Public Library - Downtown Branch
Presented by the Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic
This event allows individuals to meet with a volunteer lawyer for a 20 to 30 minute one-on-one session to receive brief legal advice at no charge. Walk-in only, first-come, first served. You will need to fill out an intake form when you arrive. Due to large volumes of people we cannot guarantee an appointment.
People will be seen by intake order, legal type, and lawyer availability. Not necessarily solely in the order of intake.
The Future of Justice with BC’s Attorney General
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. MT | Virtual
Presented by the CBA British Columbia
Counsel pursuing access to justice for clients can only do so much by themselves. To enact real change for British Columbians, the systems in place need to support those efforts. The Honourable Niki Sharma, KC, Attorney General of BC, provides her perspective on key issues in this area, the BC government’s plans to increase access to justice, and strategies for lawyers to amplify these prospective solutions.
Come prepared with your pressing questions for the AG and participate in an interactive dialogue on the future of access to justice.
Calgary Legal Advice Clinic 2026
9:00 a.m. - 7 p.m. MT | Calgary Legal Guidance, 840 7th Avenue SW
Presented by Calgary Legal Guidance and Pro Bono Law Alberta
This event allows individuals to meet with a lawyer for a up to 30 minutes of confidential brief legal advice at no charge. Walk-in clients will fill in an intake form and be seen by intake order, legal type, and lawyer availability.
Wednesday, February 4
Supporting Families Through Legal Resources & Education
12:00–1:00 PM MT | Virtual
Presented by the Family Advocacy Support Centre
The Family Advocacy Support Centre (FASC) invites legal professionals across Alberta to a virtual open house to learn how we are reducing barriers to legal information, advocacy, and resources for parents navigating Alberta’s child intervention system. This session will highlight how FASC is increasing access to justice through legal resources and education that builds legal literacy and strengthens rights awareness in support of family preservation. We will share information about our volunteer opportunities focused on reviewing and strengthening parent-friendly legal resources and education materials. Join us to learn how you can contribute to improving access to justice and helping families navigate complex legal systems with confidence and care.
Restorative Routes to Justice
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. MT | Virtual
Presented by the CBA British Columbia
When the adversarial approach falls short in meeting people’s needs, restorative justice offers a user-centered alternative. Focused on dialogue, accountability and healing, restorative justice approaches lead to better outcomes for everyone involved and reduce the number of cases that go to trial.
This fireside chat brings together lawyers across practice areas to share real-life examples of restorative justice in action. Explore principles to use in your practice when formal programs are inaccessible and how to apply them to criminal files, employment mediation and conflict resolution.
Thursday, February 5
Managing Advocacy’s Mental Toll
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. MT | Virtual
Presented by the CBA British Columbia
Access to justice work is empowering, but it can also take a toll. Lawyers engaged in this area often face mental health challenges due to the intense and emotional work, with those from equity-deserving groups at even greater risk as societal, cultural and identity-related pressures magnify the strain.
A panel of lawyers at different career stages share candid experiences of navigating burnout and trauma while staying grounded in the sense of purpose that access to justice provides. Learn from their stories and adopt strategies to strengthen your own resilience.
Respectful Engagement with Indigenous Clients
12 p.m. - 1p.m. | Virtual
Presented by Calgary Legal Guidance Society
Join us for an enlightening online event all about understanding and connecting with Indigenous clients in a respectful way. Whether you're new to this or looking to deepen your knowledge, this session covers key cultural insights, communication tips, and best practices to build genuine relationships. Don't miss out on this chance to learn, grow, and make a positive impact!
- What you will learn:
- Why this issue is important to you/why reconciliation is relevant to your practice
- Trauma-informed practice
- Applying Indigenous law—protocols and practices
- Working in Blackfoot jurisdiction
- Relationship building: working with First Nations, Indigenous organizations, businesses and individual clients
- Humility and power
- Practical tips 'n' tricks
- Facilitator: Sarah Sinclair
Friday, February 6
What Have We Learned About Access to Justice with Justice Sheilah L. Martin
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. MT | In-Person (Calgary office) or Virtual
Presented by the CBA Alberta
Justice Martin will outline what she believes are the components of access to justice, review some of the big ideas from various reports, and explore the concept of who should be doing what, with a focus on the roles of courts, tribunals, and other administrative decision makers. She will also speak about the new commission to address the problem of wrongful convictions, as well as the novel legislative framework for the welfare of indigenous children. She will also address the special role that lawyers play in providing access to justice.
Employment Law Presentation
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. MT | Snell Auditorium, Red Deer Public Library - Downtown Branch or virtual
Presented by the Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic
This event will cover basic information regarding employment law, including your rights as an employee.
Do you have an event you would like us to promote during Access to Justice Week? Are you hosting a lecture, an open house, a legal clinic or other event during or around Access to Justice Week? We want to help you promote it! Contact Us to have your event listed here.
Some of Our Partners
Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) was launched as a legacy project in recognition of the centenary of the Law Society of Alberta in 2007, and we are a leader and valued partner in fostering pro bono contributions by the legal community to facilitate access to justice for Albertans. |
Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG) is a non-governmental non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to low-income and disadvantaged people. Volunteer lawyers provide free legal advice to low-income individuals, provide free legal education presentations and materials to members of the public and take on cases for free (pro bono). |
The Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is a non-profit organization that has been providing free legal services, support, and referrals to people facing financial barriers for the past 24 years, thanks to the dedication of volunteer lawyers. ECLC also strives to promote access to justice by delivering free public legal education sessions in partnership with a range of community organizations. |
