Paralegal firms in Toronto are professionals who are licensed with the required education and years of experience in small claims court. A licensed paralegal can provide legal services to the general public .but, one of the main questions is: “Are professional responsibilities of a licensed paralegal the same as a lawyer?” The answer is NO. Paralegals are not lawyers. For a complete description of what a paralegal can do, click here.
In Ontario, Small claims paralegals are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. Paralegals are regulated as officers in small claims court in Toronto. Good news is that since 2007, the Law Society of Ontario has had governing jurisdiction over approximately 9,000 licensed paralegals in the province. There are some requirements to be a licensed paralegal in Ontario, including:
First, a candidate must meet the prerequisite educational requirements. Then, s/he needs to apply to enter the Paralegal Licensing Process. Last, s/he must complete the Paralegal Licensing Examination.
What Can Paralegal Do?
All paralegal experts must complete a legal services program approved by the Law Society and licensing examinations. Ontario is the only province that paralegals are licensed. The professional responsibilities of a licensed paralegal are different from a lawyer. Licensed paralegals can support and represent you only within a defined scope, not for all types of legal matters. Here are some legal situations that a paralegal firm can help you to get the best-desired result:
– Small Claims Court
– landlord & tenant disputes
– Provincial offenses (traffic tickets, etc.)
– minor, limited criminal matters
When you hire a licensed paralegal to represent you in any of the authorized areas, s/he can provide some legal services, including:
providing you with some legal advice concerning legal interests, rights or responsibilities
supporting you to draft documents for use
Negotiate On Behalf Of You
What can’t paralegals do? Keep in mind that small claim paralegals in Toronto cannot represent you in family court or Wills and estates. They also cannot provide legal services for you in legal matters that only a lawyer may provide. A paralegal firm, under the supervision of a lawyer, can help you draft a will and handle real estate transactions and represent clients in serious criminal matters. So, paralegals’ fees are often lower than lawyers. That’s why consulting and hiring a paralegal firm is the best choice for those experiencing a legal problem. For people who have difficulties affording lawyers’ fees, and for people with legal needs appropriate for a paralegal to handle, affordable paralegal services are the best alternative. It can be possible for you to go to traffic court, go to Small Claims Court, or negotiate a simple apartment lease on your own with no requirement to hire a paralegal or a lawyer. However, sometimes, the situation becomes more complicated than you need to consult with a paralegal or a lawyer, or the value of a lawsuit is significant for you, and you prefer to be supported. So, depending on your situation, you should make the best decision. You can use the free consultation of paralegal experts in Toronto.