About the Cover

The cover image of Legal Research for Alberta Legal Professionals was chosen with care to reflect both the realities and aspirations of the paralegal profession in Alberta. It features a woman seated before a laptop, engaged in research – a scene that is both familiar and symbolic. The image captures the quiet professionalism of legal work: focused, detail-oriented, and often carried out behind the scenes. It also highlights the everyday tools of modern legal practice: technology, documentation, and reflection, elements at the heart of this textbook.

The decision to feature a woman was intentional. The paralegal profession in Canada, as in many jurisdictions, is predominantly female. The Law Society of Ontario’s 2024 Annual Report notes that 68% of licensed paralegals are women, and although Alberta’s paralegals remain unregulated, a similar demographic trend is likely to apply. This gender imbalance has deep historical roots, tied to the profession’s evolution from legal secretarial work and the persistent undervaluing of feminized labour in law. By visually centering a woman in a position of expertise and professionalism, the cover challenges these historical narratives and affirms the intellectual and professional legitimacy of paralegal work.

The image also embodies the principles of open access and educational equity that guide this project. Open-access resources like this textbook remove barriers to learning and professional development – barriers that disproportionately affect women and underrepresented groups in the legal field. By making knowledge freely available, we take a step toward greater inclusion, diversity, and recognition within the profession.

Ultimately, the cover serves as both a representation and a reminder: that legal research is not confined to lawyers alone, and that empowering paralegals and legal assistants through accessible, high-quality education strengthens the legal system as a whole.