 ABOUT THE RULES OF COURT PROGRAM
The comprehensive revision of the Alberta Rules of Court that is anticipated to come into effect
November 1, 2010 marks the end of a multiyear
journey that began in 2001. The process involved the Rules of Court Committee, the Alberta Law Reform
Institute, Alberta Justice and host of others.
It was recognized throughout this process that the Legal Education
Society of Alberta (LESA) would play a critical role in ensuring
a seamless transition to the new Rules that would emerge. We have been privileged to have been engaged throughout the process over the
past decade.
The end result is one of the most comprehensive educational plans LESA has undertaken—the goal being a seamless transition for the
Alberta bar. The basic outline took shape in June, 2004. It has evolved
with time as the new Rules have taken shape and form.
The educational plan has adapted to take into account changes
in approaches to continuing professional development, changes in
technology, and changes in the face of the Alberta bar. The educational modules that will result will serve to assist not only the Alberta bar, but will also aid court staff and the Court itself with their needs.
We would remiss if we did not acknowledge the assistance of our partners in this effort - the Alberta Law Reform Institute, Alberta
Justice, the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta, and the Department
of Justice Canada. Their assistance has been invaluable. There is
always some reluctance to name a few individuals when so many
have contributed so much over such a long period of time; however, Peter Lown, Q.C., Sandra Petersson, Barbara Turner, Q.C., Tim Hurlburt, Q.C.,
Peter Michalyshyn, Q.C., Karen Metcalfe, Shelagh Lobay, Hon. Justice June Ross, and Hon. Justice Jean Cote warrant special mention.
This is an exciting opportunity for LESA to work with the legal profession and the courts in Alberta to ensure a seamless transition to a new
procedural code for civil litigation in this Province. We have
consulted with practitioners, asking them: what do YOU need to know about the new Rules? We have received input from court staff: what are the most significant areas of concern and critical pieces of information
we need to highlight? We have assembled faculty from among the
best practitioners in Alberta. Our efforts are supported by a team
of technical experts. Lastly, there is your team at LESA who have said throughout that we will be there for you when the time comes. That time is now.
The Legal Education Society of Alberta, your lifelong partner
in continuing legal excellence, created by and for the profession in Alberta, will help you with a seamless transition.
Paul F. Wood, Executive Director |
