About Us
Alberta Law Foundation (the Foundation) is a nonprofit organization established in 1973 under the Legal Profession Act. The Foundation is the primary funder of access to justice initiatives across the province, providing grants to over 65 community-based organizations that support everyday Albertans and vulnerable populations accessing, or involved with, the legal system.
Our Purpose
To advance access and equity in systems of law and justice for all in Alberta.
Our Ambition
To lead the evolution of access to justice in Alberta, enabling a people-centred approach.
Our Strategic Priorities
- Elevate Indigenous Justice and Laws in Parallel with Westerns Systems
- Advance non-adversarial and innovative approaches to legal resolution
- Establish the Foundation as a recognized leader in Access to Justice
- Enhance the capacity of the Access to Justice Sector
Our Work
At the Foundation, we believe that access to justice is essential to contributing to a fair and equitable society. We fulfill our objects by funding:
1.
Legal Research and Law Reform
Legal research and law reform are crucial for ensuring that laws remain relevant, effective and just, thereby promoting a fair and orderly society. Supporting work that continuously analyzes and updates legal frameworks helps to address emerging issues and protect the rights and well-being of all individuals.
2.
Public Law Libraries
Public law libraries provide essential access to legal resources and information, enabling individuals, legal professionals, and researchers to conduct thorough legal research. This access supports informed decision-making, promotes justice, and ensures that legal knowledge is available to all members of the community.
3.
Public Legal Education and Information
Public legal education and information empower individuals by providing them with the knowledge needed to understand their rights and responsibilities, navigate the legal system, and make informed decisions. This fosters a more informed and engaged citizenry, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society.
4.
Legal Assistance Programs
Community and student legal clinics provide accessible legal services to underserved populations, offering crucial support and advocacy for those who might otherwise lack representation and do not qualify under Legal Aid’s financial eligibility guidelines. This includes helping individuals navigate family, criminal and civil law matters.
5.
Justice Innovation
Advancing justice innovation enhances the efficiency, accessibility and fairness of the legal system by integrating new technologies and approaches. This progress helps to address system issues, reduces barriers to justice, and ensure that legal services are more responsive to the needs of all individuals.
Our Impact
In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the Alberta Law Foundation allocated over 20 million in grants and contributions for programs and projects across Alberta.
Our Funding
The Foundation's primary source of revenue is the interest earned on lawyers' pooled trust accounts, which financial institutions pay to the Foundation. Each year, at least 25% of that interest revenue is allocated to fund Legal Aid Alberta.
Join Us
When you stand with the Alberta Law Foundation, you're standing for a fairer Alberta. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of justice.