How can a paralegal help you?
A paralegal can provide you with legal advice concerning your legal interests, rights, or responsibilities with respect to a proceeding; draft documents for use in a proceeding; and negotiate on your behalf should you find yourself party to a proceeding.
The Law Society of Upper Canada is the professional body that determines the scope of practice for paralegals in Ontario. The Law Society authorizes a paralegal to represent a party in the following circumstances:
- Small Claims Court proceedings for a maximum of $25,000
- Any matter under the Provincial Offences Act before the Ontario Court of Justice
- Summary conviction offences under the Criminal Code where the maximum penalty does not exceed a six month prison term or a $5,000 fine
- Before an administrative tribunal board or commission such as the Landlord and Tenant Board, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Labour Board
- A dispute before a person dealing with a claim or a matter such as mediation and arbitration
A paralegal cannot appear on your behalf in the following matters:
- Family Court
- Wills and Estates
- Immigration matters, except appeals before the Immigration Tribunal
- Real Estate
- Criminal offences exceeding six month prison term or a $5,000 fine
Note: Ontario is the only Province where Paralegals are licensed and governed by a legal body and are held accountable by the Law Society of Upper Canada.
