Professional Services

What are paralegals authorized to do?

The regulatory scheme set out in the Law Society's By-Law 4 permits paralegals to practise in what were already permitted areas of practice. Subsection 6 (2) authorizes licensed paralegals to represent individuals in the following areas:

• Small Claims Court litigation (up-to $35,000)

• Traffic and other offences under the Provincial Offences Act, which are heard in the Ontario Court of Justice

• Statutory Accident Benefits (SAB) claims covered under the Insurance Act, for minor injuries due to motor vehicle accidents

• Hearings before administrative tribunals and boards (including the Landlord and Tenant Board, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Social Benefits Tribunal, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and the Immigration and Refugee Board)

• Certain criminal law matters including:

  • Assault

  • Criminal harassment

  • Mischief

  • Theft under $5,000

  • Fraud

  • Breaches of court orders

  • Four criminal driving offences: Dangerous Driving, Failure to Stop after Accident, Flight from a Police Officer, and Operation while Prohibited

What can’t paralegals do?

Other than under the supervision of a lawyer, paralegals are also not allowed to provide legal services that only a lawyer may provide, such as drafting wills, handling real estate transactions, and representing clients in serious criminal matters.

​

Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP) License

Paralegals are currently not permitted to appear in Family Court.  However, on December 1, 2022 the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) approved a proposal for the Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP) License, which will allow paralegals to offer certain services in family law.

In the approved motion, paralegals who obtain the licence will be allowed to:

• Appear in court on motions to change child support where a person’s income is less than $150,000 (and determined by their employer) and to respond to proceedings to enforce support payments through this licence.

• Assist individuals through procedures like filing deadlines.

• Help in preparing and completing applications for simple joint and uncontested divorces, domestic contracts, and name changes.

To obtain the licence, paralegals will have to complete 260 hours (about three months) of full-time education and training and pass an exam. It may be at least two years before paralegals can start providing family legal services, as those programs still have to be created.