Paralegals offer cost-effective legal services and support for legal proceedings, often at a lower cost than hiring a lawyer. This makes hiring a paralegal an attractive option for small cases or routine matters where extensive lawyer involvement may be unnecessary. Because of their lower fees, paralegals contribute to maintaining access to justice and ensuring fairness in court proceedings.

Like lawyers, paralegals must meet specific licensing requirements set by the Law Society of Ontario. The Law Society has authorized paralegals to give legal advice, represent parties in specific court proceedings (such as small claims cases), and assist with documents related to these cases. Note that the paralegal scope of practice is limited to the provision of legal services in limited areas, and unlike a lawyer, paralegals do not practice law.

Licensed Paralegals may represent a party:

• In Small Claims Court

• In the Ontario Court of Justice in proceedings under the Provincial Offences Act

• In summary conviction court under the Criminal Code

• Before a statutory tribunal (such as the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, etc)