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Why do Paralegals exist?
Why do Paralegals exist?
In 2006 the Ontario government passed the Access to Justice Act, 2007. This legislation recognized that the inflated costs of hiring a lawyer are all too often prohibitive to the average citizen, there by restricting the average citizen from being able to afford access to justice. Paralegals charge less for their services than the fees commonly charged by lawyers.
Are Paralegals Licensed?
Yes. The Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) is the governing body for all licensees. The Law Society Act is the legislation which gives the Law Society its jurisdiction in Ontario. This is the same body which governs lawyers.
All paralegals must meet the level of competencies as set out by LSUC. Once licensed, paralegals must abide by the Paralegal Rules of Conduct, and the By-Laws.
Paralegal versus Lawyer
Paralegal versus Lawyer
Paralegal
Paralegal
Licensed by The Law Society of Upper Canada
Required to carry Errors & Omissions Insurance
Mandatory Continuing Education
Rules of Confidentiality Apply
Lower fees
Lawyer
Lawyer
Licensed by The Law Society of Upper Canada
Required to carry Errors & Omissions Insurance
Mandatory Continuing Education
Rules of Confidentiality Apply
Higher fees
What authorized legal services can a paralegal provide?
What authorized legal services can a paralegal provide?
A paralegal can provide legal services in the following areas of practice at a fraction of the costs :
Small Claims Court (for matters up to $25,000.00);
Ontario Court of Justice under the Provincial Offences Act (e.g.: traffic tickets and offences under many provincial and municipal laws);
Criminal Court on summary conviction offences (maximum penalty does not exceed 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine exceeding $5000);
Accident Benefits under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule of the Insurance Act for minor injuries due to a motor vehicle accident; and
Administrative tribunals and boards such as the Human Rights Tribunal, The Landlord and Tenant Board, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), the Immigration Refugee Board (IRB) and other tribunals and boards.
As long as your matter is within the scope of practice permitted to a paralegal, we can:
provide legal advice
represent you in a proceeding related to your matter
draft and provide the necessary paperwork
provide legal research
negotiate and advocate on your behalf
What Can a Paralegal Not do?
What Can a Paralegal Not do?
Family Law: Separations, Divorces, Child Custody.
Corporate Law: Incorporations
Real Estate: Purchase or Sales
Intellectual Property: Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks
Criminal Court: Indictable Offences; Sentencing of +6 months in jail / + $5000 fines Upon Conviction
Civil Litigation: Superior Court ; Over $25,000
Wills & Estates.
For help with any of the foregoing, please consult a lawyer.