Once you understand what has happened to your client, it is time to figure out what issues they are facing.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to figuring out whether your client has a legal issue and what area of law it relates to. Every client is different and every situation is unique. You can better identify legal issues by learning more about our legal system and the common legal issues Albertans face. You will also know when to ask for more information to better support your client.

TIP Work through our Canadian Legal System course to learn more about how our legal system works.

Did you know? Our legal system is divided into two main areas of law: criminal and civil. Someone charged with a criminal offence has committed a wrong against society. Crown prosecutors (government lawyers) prosecute crimes on behalf of society. The victim is not a party to the criminal proceedings. Civil law recognizes wrongs between people or businesses. There are many branches of civil law, including:

  • family
  • landlord and tenant
  • employment
  • foreclosures
  • contract

Other areas of law involve the government, such as immigration, social assistance, and tax.

TIP CPLEA provides free legal information about many different areas of law. Visit CPLEA’s website to learn more.   



Last modified: Tuesday, 13 June 2023, 5:49 PM