Paralegals in Ontario are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and can provide legal services in specific areas, including:

Small claims court cases (up to $35,000)

Provincial offences (traffic tickets, bylaw violations)

Landlord and tenant disputes at the Landlord and Tenant Board

Tribunal representation, including human rights and employment matters

Minor criminal offences under the Criminal Code (summary conviction offences with penalties under six months of jail time)

It depends on the complexity of your case. If your legal issue falls within the scope of what paralegals are licensed to handle—such as small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, or provincial offences—then a paralegal is a cost-effective alternative. However, for complex legal matters like family law, serious criminal offences, or corporate law, you will need a lawyer.

The main differences are:

Scope of practice: Paralegals can only handle certain legal matters (small claims, tribunals, minor criminal charges, landlord-tenant disputes, etc.), while lawyers can handle any legal issue.

Education: Paralegals complete a diploma or certificate program and must pass a licensing exam. Lawyers require law school and articling before becoming licensed.

Cost: Paralegals typically charge lower fees than lawyers, making them a more affordable option for certain legal services.

Yes, but only in specific courts and tribunals, including:

Small Claims Court (up to $35,000)

Landlord and Tenant Board

Provincial Offences Court (for traffic tickets and minor charges)

Administrative tribunals, such as the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

For cases outside these areas, you will need a lawyer.

Yes. Paralegals regularly handle landlord and tenant disputes at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), including:

Evictions

Rent disputes

Tenant rights violations

Maintenance and repair issues

Landlord harassment claims

Paralegals can represent either landlords or tenants and help prepare documents, file applications, and present cases at hearings.

The cost of hiring a paralegal depends on the complexity of your case and their experience. Typical pricing:

Small claims court cases: ~$3,000 per case

Provincial offences (traffic tickets, bylaw violations): ~$1,000 per case

Landlord and tenant board cases: ~$1,000 per case (fees may vary)

Some paralegals offer flat fees, while others bill hourly. Always ask about pricing upfront.

The process typically includes:

Initial Consultation: Discuss your case and determine if a paralegal can assist.

Agreement & Fees: The paralegal outlines costs and scope of work.

Document Preparation & Filing: They draft legal documents and submit necessary paperwork.

Negotiation & Representation: The paralegal may attempt to settle the case or represent you in hearings.

Resolution: Once the case is resolved, the paralegal ensures all necessary steps are completed.

Timelines vary based on the type of case:

Landlord-tenant disputes: A few weeks to a few months, depending on hearing availability.

Small claims court cases: Several months to over a year, depending on case complexity.

Provincial offences: Often resolved in a few months, depending on court schedules.

Faster resolutions may be possible if an agreement is reached before a hearing.

Yes, paralegals can draft various legal documents, including:

Small claims court filings (plaintiff’s claims, defence statements)

Landlord and tenant notices (eviction notices, rental agreements)

Legal demand letters

Tribunal applications

However, they cannot draft wills, real estate contracts, or corporate agreements, which require a lawyer.