How Paralegals Can Benefit Your Case

Paralegals became a recognized and regulated profession in Ontario primarily to address the growing demand for affordable legal services and to improve access to justice. The complexity and cost of legal representation often makes it difficult for many individuals and small businesses to obtain adequate legal support.

Did you know?

• Paralegals help reduce self-represented litigants in court cases.
  • By offering affordable legal services and legal representation, paralegals insure a better access to justice for the public.
• Hiring a Paralegal for your legal needs can be very practical and cost effective!
• Starting January 2025, the Family Legal Services Provider Program (FLSP) will be available for paralegals, thus offering family law coursework in order to train paralegals to be able to provide certain legal services in family law matters.

Paralegals are able to represent clients for various matters:

Paralegals have a defined scope of practice that allows them to provide a range of legal services independently, as regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

• In Small Claims Court (claims not exceeding $35,000).
• In the Ontario Court of Justice for traffic offences and other offences under the Provincial Offences Act.
• On Summary Conviction Offences (where the maximum penalty does not exceed six months’ imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine).
• Before the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.
• Before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for matters dealing with the Workplace Insurance Safety and Insurance Act.
• Before a person dealing with a Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) claim or a matter related to a SABS claim (excluding a claim of an individual with a catastrophic impairment), including mediation, evaluation, arbitration, or related proceedings under the Insurance Act.
• Before the Landlord and Tenant Board.
• Before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
• Before the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
• Before several other administrative tribunals.

In employment law, paralegals prove to be an asset, offering accessible legal support to employees and employers alike. They can assist with a range of employment issues, such as wrongful dismissal claims, employment standards disputes, workplace harassment and discrimination cases.

Why a Paralegal may be a better fit for your case:

Choosing a paralegal can be a cost-effective and efficient choice. Paralegals are licensed and regulated under the Law Society of Ontario, leaving clients to feel confident that their representative meets professional standards, while providing quality services with accountability, and saving you on legal fees.

Rate and fees:

Currently, the hourly rate for services provided by a Paralegal at Sicotte Guilbault is that of $200/per hour.

For more information on whether a paralegal is the right option for you, contact Sicotte Guilbault.