Professional Regulation
Paralegals are regulated by the Law Society of Upper Canada, are required to follow the same professional code of conduct as lawyers.
Paralegals are regulated by the Law Society of Upper Canada, are required to follow the same professional code of conduct as lawyers.
Paralegals are required to carry an insurance. Once licensed and insured, the paralegal can provide legal services within a limited scope.
Paralegals can offer legal services in certain areas, such as small claims court, traffic court, tribunal work and minor criminal matters.
Although a lawyer can assist the public in these types of matters as well, it is usually more cost effective to use a paralegal.
The Small Claims Court is a branch of the Superior Court of Justice. The Small Claims Court can handle any action for the payment of money or the recovery of possession of personal property where the amount claimed does not exceed $25,000, excluding interest and costs such as court fees.
Claims that can be filed in the Small Claims Court include:
° Claims for money owed under an agreement: unpaid accounts for goods or services sold and delivered, unpaid loans, unpaid rent, NSF cheques;
° Claims for damages: property damage, clothes damaged by a dry cleaner, personal injuries, breach of contract.
The Landlord and Tenant Board resolves disputes between tenants and landlords.
° A landlord has rights: to choose a tenant, to collect rent, rent deposit, to increase the rent, to enter the rental unit, to end tenancy, to evict a tenant.
° A tenant has responsibilities: paying rent on time, not allowed to withhold rent, cleanliness, repair of damage, be reasonably quiet.
° A tenant has rights: to be provided with copies of documents, for a well maintained housing, for vital services, for reasonable enjoyment, not to be harassed.
In most circumstances, an insurance company is responsible for the payment of damages in motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall and work related injuries cases.
° Motor vehicle accidents - from lack of road maintenance, bad weather to impaired driving - disputes are handled by the Licence Appeal Tribunal;
° Slips & Falls - icy sidewalks, uneven stairs, debris filled walkways, water and oil spills on glossy flooring - disputes are handled by the Small Claims Court (claims less that $25,000);
° Work Related Injuries - construction, handling hazardous or heavy material, using or operating machinery - claims are handled by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
Traffic violations can result in expensive tickets, higher insurance rates, and possibly suspension of your driver's license.
° Speeding is one of the most common reasons for a traffic ticket.
° With the rise of cell phone use, distracted driving is at an all-time high.
° In every Province, it’s unlawful to drive without a valid driver’s license.
° Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime, especially if anyone was injured in the crash.
° Driving “recklessly” or with a “willful” disregard for the safety of others.
° Running a red light or stop sign is one of the most dangerous offenses a driver can commit.
Scales & Shield Paralegal Professional Corporation provides a multi-disciplinary legal practice.
Scales & Shield Paralegal Professional Corporation is located at 2456, Saint Frances Drive, Burlington Ontario. Scales & Shield serves clients in the Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Burlington and Hamilton area.