Paralegals are professionals. Other professionals include Lawyers, Doctors, and Chartered Accountants. Professionals are obligated by their governing bodies to a higher standard of learning and conduct than non-professionals.
The governing body for Paralegals is the Law Society of Ontario, which also governs Lawyers. The Paralegals at Graham Scott Legal Services are regulated, licensed professionals who are qualified to provide legal services to the public.
The Access to Justice Act called for the regulation of Paralegals in 2007. Before then, only Lawyers were regulated. This has created a number of positive changes, some of which are listed below:
Members of the public can obtain legal representation at a lower cost, thereby increasing accessibility to the legal system;
Paralegals must comply with the Rules of Conduct prescribed by the Law Society of Ontario;
Paralegals who engage in unethical conduct are subject to discipline by the Law Society of Ontario;
Paralegals must carry Errors and Omissions Insurance in order to provide compensation to clients in the case of professional misconduct;
Paralegals are held to a higher standard of learning and continuing education.
The purpose of regulation is to make justice more accessible and to ensure accountability to the public. Any member of the public can file a complaint about a Paralegal or Lawyer by contacting the Law Society of Ontario’s Complaints Services department.
To learn more, contact a licensed Paralegal at Graham Scott Legal Services.
Graham Scott Legal Services 38 Riverwalk Drive Markham, Ontario L6B 0C5
Tel: 647-977-9201 Fax: 647-977-9210 Email: TheTeam@gslaw.ca *BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
