People are sometimes confused about what a Paralegal does, and how they differ from lawyers. In fact, many paralegals work alongside lawyers, on all types of cases. Paralegals work in courthouses, government offices, lawyers’ offices, and legal clinics.
Paralegals can handle Small Claims Court civil suits, such as personal injury and disability cases, up to $25,000, including slip & fall. They can handle claims resulting from motor vehicle accidents and Statutory Accident Benefits. Paralegals also handle Workplace Safety and Insurance Board claims regarding workplace injuries, and charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
A paralegal can help you file your claim. Some injury claims are time sensitive, and need to be processed quickly. A paralegal can answer your questions and offer advice so your claim is filed on time.
Paralegals will also handle Highway Traffic Act tickets and other offences heard in Provincial Offences Court, as well as hearings before tribunals, including the Landlord and Tenant Board (for issues of rent and maintenance) and the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal. They handle municipal bylaw offences, planning boards, property assessments and licensing tribunals, and Criminal Summary Convictions (offences with a maximum $5,000 fine, imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both) including theft, harassment, and causing a disturbance.
Lawyers can sue in any Court, and can sue for any amount. Lawyers can seek “declaratory relief” against insurance companies (such as a declaration that the injured party is entitled to long-term disability or catastrophic benefits). Paralegals cannot sue for amounts over $25,000, and cannot appear before the Superior Court, Divisional Court or Federal Court or the Court of Appeal.
Ontario is the only place in Canada where paralegals are licensed. The first paralegal licenses were issued in 2008. So paralegals are a new profession, and for this reason lawyers still outnumber paralegals by a wide margin in Ontario. There are about 6,000 paralegals in Ontario.
Paralegals are licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada – the same governing body that regulates lawyers. Like a lawyer, a paralegal is an officer of the court and a recognized part of the legal system. Paralegals must complete a course at an accredited institution and pass their licensing exam; but they don’t need to complete law school or take the bar exam.
Paralegals serve a valuable role, but if you’ve been seriously injured your case will likely be larger, and a lawyer will be required.
About Nudorra Capital:
Nudorra Capital is a litigation and pre-settlement loan company. During litigation, clients may find themselves facing financial difficulties. At Nudorra Capital, we recognize the sensitivity of the situation and provide loans professionally, timely (usually within a 24 to 48 hour period) and at the most competitive rates in the industry.
Our loans do not require interim payments and are only paid back when the case is settled.
We believe as a company, that your client’s priorities should go towards healing themselves first, not worrying about whom to pay. To find out more about how we can help, please call us at (416) 342-9590 or email our President Jeffrey Gottheil at jgottheil@nudorra.com
