LEGAL SERVICES
Paralegal vs Lawyer
Understanding the difference between paralegals and lawyers in Canada. Both work toward the same goal – providing the best legal service for clients.
THE DISTINCTION
Paralegals and Lawyers in Canada
Lawyers and paralegals are both legally trained professionals that offer legal services but with different ranges of expertise. A paralegal is trained with the knowledge and understanding of the law and can offer a limited scope of legal work.
Paralegals are a cost-effective alternative to a lawyer, though the areas in which they can work are more limited and depend on their jurisdiction.
SIDE BY SIDE
Understanding the Roles
Paralegal
Completes a few years of college training. In Ontario, paralegals can work independently since 2006, regulated by the Law Society.
Can Represent You In:
- Small Claims Court
- Traffic Court
- Landlord and Tenant Board
- Workplace Safety Insurance Board
- Immigration Refugee Board tribunals
- Minor criminal offenses (< 6 months sentence)
Note: Cannot draft wills or represent in most criminal/family matters.
Lawyer
At least 7 years education (4 undergraduate + 3 law school). Must pass LSAT, earn J.D. degree, and pass bar exams.
Can Represent You In:
- Family Law – divorce, custody, separation
- Immigration Law – PR, visas, sponsorship
- Estate Law – wills, power of attorney
- Real Estate Law – property transactions
- Criminal Law – all offenses
- Civil & Administrative Law
Full Scope: Can represent clients in all aspects of law and supervise paralegals.
PARALEGAL SCOPE
Minor Criminal Offenses
In Ontario, a paralegal can represent you for minor criminal offenses including:
- Impaired / dangerous driving
- Refuse breath sample
- Shoplifting
- Assault
- Criminal harassment
- Offenses < 6 months
MAKING THE CHOICE
Which One is Right for Me?
The differences between lawyers and paralegals in Canada is mainly defined by the different types of legal issues that need to be dealt with. Although they have different scopes of work, they both work towards the same goal – to provide the best legal service for their clients and make sure that justice has been served.
At JCA Law Office we have a great team of legal professionals including paralegals and lawyers who can help you with your legal matter.
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Serving You Is Our Priority
JCA LAW OFFICE PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
204-2323 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2C9