Why Choose a Paralegal

Paralegals as a Regulated and Licensed Profession 

In 2008, paralegals became a regulated profession under the Law Society Act, RSO 1990, c L.8. A person practicing as a paralegal in Ontario, must obtain licensure with the Law Society of Ontario and maintain professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance. To obtain licensure, individuals must graduate from an educational institution accredited by the Law Society of Ontario, and upon graduation, successfully complete field placement and pass a seven (7) hour licensing examination. Maintenance of a license requires paralegals to be and remain a person of good character, and each year, meet a minimum number of hours of continuing professional development requirements; all of which are set by the Law Society of Ontario.

Paralegals enable access to justice with services that are affordable and specialized. Primary areas of a paralegal’s scope of practice include small claims court, traffic and other provincial offences, minor offences under the Criminal Code, and various federal and provincial tribunals, boards and administrative bodies that deal with landlord and tenant matters, human rights, labour/employment, WSIB, social benefits, and licensing appeals, to name a few. Within this regulated scope of practice, paralegals play an important role in the Ontario justice system, providing access to justice with services that are timely and cost-effective.

Access to Justice

“Legal issues are often embedded in a cluster of other problems that can affect many areas of life, including housing, employment, education and health. This makes it very important to address these problems as early as possible. Timely access to a fair and effective justice system, as well as access to information, resources and informal service, will help support the wellbeing of individuals and communities.”

The Department of Justice Canada

It has long been recognized that there are many gaps in the Canadian justice system, and for many, there are barriers that impede access to justice. Notably, people who need legal representation but who unable to afford a lawyer or qualify for legal aid. 

Paralegals provide a timely and cost-effective option that is vital to ensuring access to justice. 

Whether assisting people in small claims or provincial offences courts, with minor offences under the Criminal Code, traffic tickets, or before various provincial and federal tribunals and boards, paralegals are a pivotal part of Ontario’s justice system. Ontario is the only province in Canada that regulates paralegals.