About Paralegals
Ontarians have a choice when it comes to legal services — paralegals and lawyers can help you solve your legal problems and protect your rights.
Paralegals are an integral part of the legal system. They are professionally educated and insured and are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario to serve the public and provide access to justice.
Paralegals can provide an affordable option for those in need of legal services or representation. This helps to reduce self-represented litigants in court cases and deters people from seeking advice from non-regulated legal resources or individuals who may lead them astray.
Paralegals often have many years of experience in-court and at tribunals. They are licensed to independently represent people in small claims court, traffic court, some criminal matters and before tribunals. (See the list below.)
In the following video, Julia Bass of the Law Society and paralegals Michelle L. Haigh and Shelina Lalji explain how paralegals can help you with these matters.
Here are examples of how paralegals serve Ontarians:
Read our Fact Sheet for more detailed information about Paralegals.