Last updated: March 2025

Effective file and practice management systems are critical to the delivery of competent legal services. Establishing effective systems will help you provide high-quality legal services and increase client satisfaction, while protecting you against Law Society complaints and Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association (ALIA) claims.

The Law Society has developed simple yet effective tools to help you start gaining better control over your practice. One of these tools consists of a series of Key Considerations, specific to different practice areas, which function as “issue-spotting” tools and workflow management aids.

These tools are not comprehensive guides. Rather, they support you in meeting your file management responsibilities while adhering to professional standards and the Code of Conduct. The format and content are based on the experience of Law Society counsel who work with lawyers in various practice settings. However, you should consider adapting the tools to the specific needs of your practice.

Although the Key Consideration tools can be used on their own, they function best when used alongside practice area specific Master File Lists. The Key Considerations tools are intended to be used for each file to provide an additional layer of review to help prevent important considerations from being overlooked.

By using the Master File Lists and Key Considerations tools, you can better track file progression, manage key dates, enhance client communication, engage effectively with opposing parties, improve calendaring and maintain accurate file accounts, including retainer funds.

Please note that the Key Considerations tools are intended for the legal profession as an aid and are not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice. Readers must exercise their professional judgment about the accuracy, utility and applicability of the material. The Law Society of Alberta and Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association (ALIA) accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions in any resource. If you find any information that is unclear, inaccurate or outdated, please send an email with details to Education.