You’ve heard of lawyers, seen them in the movies and maybe have even used one yourself. However, there is another important player in legal services: Paralegals. Often people don’t know much about paralegals. Who are they? What are the differences from a lawyer? Which one is right for you? In this blog post we hope to answer these questions.
Depending on what kind of ticket or charge you are facing, you will want to choose between a lawyer or a paralegal. There are big differences between the two, including qualifications and what kinds of legal matters each can represent you in.
Lawyers:
Lawyers in Ontario must have an undergraduate Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or the equivalent of those. They must also successfully complete the proper Licensing Examinations, and Articling Program.
Lawyers can provide services for:
- Family matters (divorce, separation, child custody)
- Wills, power of attorney and estate matters
- Real estate matters (buying and selling personal or commercial properties)
- Criminal matters
- Civil litigation matters
- Administrative law matters
Lawyers are licensed to represent you in all levels of Canada’s court system.
Paralegals:
In Ontario, paralegals do not need to attend law school, but they do need to be licensed and are regulated by the Law Society of Upper Canada. Paralegals must complete an approved legal services program in Ontario and successfully complete the Law Society’s Paralegal Licensing examinations.
Generally, in other provinces, paralegals cannot represent you in court. However, in Ontario in 2006 the Access to Justice Act was created, which regulated paralegals for offences under the Provincial Offences Act and summary convictions. Paralegals must comply with certain rules, including the appropriate education and licensing, adhering to a code of conduct as well as carrying insurance and contributing to a compensation fund. This means that all paralegals in Ontario can represent you in court.
While lawyers are licensed to provide services in all legal matters, paralegals can provide services in specific aspects of the law.
Paralegals can provide services for:
- Small claims court (up to $25,000)
- Traffic charges under the Provincial Offences Act
- Representation for tribunals and statutory boards (such as the Landlord and Tenant Board, Workplace Safety or Police Act Tribunals)
- Summary convictions under the Criminal Code (such as shoplifting)
- Paralegals can also represent you under the Liquor License Act (LLA), Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA) and the Dog Owner’s Liability Act (DOLA)
At Bulwark Legals Services we specialize in Traffic charges under the Provincial Offences Act and small claims. Every situation is different. Remember you have a right to fight your ticket. At Bulwark Legal Services we provide free consultations. You can go to our website and send us a copy of your ticket. We will help you decide the right course of action to take.
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