In Ontario, a paralegal is professionally trained and regulated to provide legal services in specific areas of law. These services are generally an an affordable alternative to hiring a lawyer. Paralegals are known to be ‘hands-on’ service providers offering sound legal advice, document drafting and filing at the applicable court, in addition to representing their client(s) best interests in a professional manner. Legal services are explained thoroughly and in a manner that is easily understood including but not limited to the court standard practices, the steps of the process, the opportunities to settle, and the effective resolution of the matter.
Many paralegals can take clients from start to finish without having multiple people involved, and are driven to ensure their clients receive competent services.
A licensed paralegal providing services in Ontario must adhere to professional rules of conduct, and guidelines and comply with the defined by-laws set out by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO); the organization that regulates the profession of both lawyers and paralegals. The LSO has a duty to protect the public interest and promote access to justice for Ontarians. The requirement to be regulated is unique to the province of Ontario. Presently, no other province in Ontario regulated Paralegals. The LSO has strict rules/regulations that must be followed.
To become a paralegal in Ontario, one must first be accepted and graduate from an accredited paralegal education program in Ontario, requiring an undergraduate degree or diploma, and then pass the licensing exam through the LSO. Paralegals are required to carry professional liability insurance, pay annual fees, complete professional development programs on an annual basis, participate in practice audits, and file annual reports. All these tasks are like that of a lawyer.