Handbooks & Reports

Transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people face significant barriers to access justice, which reinforce their ongoing social and systemic marginalization. This guide will provide lawyers with the information and resources they need to better serve their trans, non-binary and gender diverse clients, and to create a more inclusive practice for clients and colleagues alike. 

The purpose of this Resource Guide is to provide direction on creating and sharing a land acknowledgement that helps honor the Indigenous communities on whose land we live, learn, work and play. As you work through this Guide, use it in creating a meaningful and respectful land acknowledgement that can be used for meetings, conferences, public events or in other ways - as you see best.

A publication of the CBA Alberta Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, the Inclusive Workplace Toolkit is designed to support lawyers in every practice setting cultivate an inclusive workplace culture. We have included a variety of resources to take some of the legwork out of addressing specific issues that you may be facing in your practice now, or are choosing to proactively address.

CBA developed this resource to help law firms transition back to in-office operations when the province/territory where you practice proceeds through re-opening. The health and safety of your people and your clients remain paramount. You should continue to refer to your region’s Health Officer and governments for the latest protections, contact restrictions, and re-opening plans, and adapt your return to the office plan accordingly.

At a recent meeting between Justices of the Court of Queen’s Bench and the CBA Alberta Executive committee, the following practical suggestions were shared on how members of the profession can assist in ensuring that court processes progress as expeditiously as possible in the circumstances surrounding pandemic restrictions.

The Alberta Protocol for Remote Questioning was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow court matters to progress despite various "physical distancing" measures which preclude in-person questioning. The Protocol is the product of the efforts of a working group of lawyers and input from several stakeholder organizations, including the Canadian Bar Association - Alberta Branch, the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association, the Advocates Society - Alberta Regional Committee, the Alberta Shorthand Reporters Association and Pro Bono Law Alberta.

A publication of the Alberta Branch Access to Justice Committee, Beyond Big City Law focuses on small and solo practitioners in smaller communities across the province. It aims to provide resources and best practices to small/solo practitioners who may struggle with transition issues, or attracting summer students, articling students or associates for work.

The Alberta Branch Access to Justice Committee has created a special publication devoted entirely to the topic of Limited Scope Retainers. The purpose of this publication is to provide practitioners with discussion and analysis on the opportunities and challenges that limited scope retainers bring to the practice of law. It provides practical tips and advice for the practitioner wishing to incorporate limited scope retainers into their practice.

Read reports from 2004 - 2012.