(ID 342957131 © Juthamat Yamuangmorn | Dreamstime.com)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

135,000 Albertans served in 2024

Thank a duty counsel lawyer on nationwide Duty Counsel Day

Oct 27, 2025 | 10:37 AM

Everyone has the right to be represented on their day in court.

That’s one of the prevailing messages the Legal Aid Society of Alberta wants folks to understand on the nationwide Duty Counsel Day 2025, which happens Oct. 27.

Murray Shack is one of three duty counsel staff lawyers at the Red Deer Justice Centre, employed by the Legal Aid Society of Alberta. He’s been doing the job for 18 years, around central Alberta, providing legal counsel to those in criminal court; there are others for family law, immigration cases, and specifically for bail.

“We will represent anyone who is not represented by lawyers. It doesn’t matter your financial income or anything, we help all people who aren’t represented,” Shack explains.

I recognized early on in my legal career that the people we deal mostly with as duty counsel are people that are very down on their luck, and we’re seeing them on one of the worst days of their life. As duty counsel, you need to be patient and be kind.”

testing being done

Boil water advisory issued for south Penhold

6h ago

Final approval in April

Town of Sylvan Lake approves interim operating budget

12h ago

opposed

Blackfalds opposed to proposed provincial electoral boundary changes

16h ago

Shack admits it’s very gratifying to help people.

“That’s the most important part of my job,” he says.

So if you’re headed into court at the Red Deer Justice Centre, and you need counsel, seek out the information desk to be directed to the sign-up list.

Shack says it’s a fairly easy process, and even though it’s first come, first served, everyone will be seen.

In fact, at Red Deer, they assist around 30 people each day.

In 2024, duty counsel lawyers around Alberta helped 135,000 people.

“Duty counsel is an essential service which people need to understand their legal rights and legal options,” he says. “It’s important for people to get the right advice and get navigation through the justice system.”

According to Legal Aid Plans of Canada, duty counsel are there to advocate for those they serve, safeguard rights and make a meaningful difference in countless lives every day.

They also invite Canadians to use today, or the next time you’re in, to thank your local duty counsel lawyers for the work they do.

You can participate in Duty Counsel Day by tagging @dutycounselday on social media, and using the hashtags #knowdutycounsel and #dutycounselday.

To learn more, find duty counsel services in your province, or access teaching resources, please visit the Duty Counsel Day website.