DO YOU NEED A LAWYER OR A PARALEGAL?
- Blog Updates, Getting Legal with Brittney Channer, Standard Blog
- Brittney Channer, Canada, getting legal, Law Society, Lawyer, legal, Paralegal
- March 21, 2019
DO YOU NEED A LAWYER OR A PARALEGAL?
I have always found myself asking such a relatively common question when faced with situations that require me to find appropriate legal help. Do I really need a lawyer or for this? Or can this be done another way and save me time and money? Just like many of you, I claim not to be an expert, but a person who is adamant on finding necessary information and paying it forward sometime it can be difficult finding accurate and reliable information when it comes to legal assistance. So, I decided to compile some of the major differences between both the professions of a paralegal and a lawyer in hopes that you will be better informed in which pathway to choose in the event of a legal situation.
What is a Paralegal?
Paralegals are individuals that are employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, a corporation or some other entity and performs specific delegated legal work but are not fully qualified as a lawyer. Paralegals are able to assist with “lower risk” cases such as a traffic ticket or cases involved with Small Claims Court. Paralegals are not lawyers however, they are licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada and do not need the supervision of a lawyer when practicing certain types of law and engaging in particular kinds of legal work.
When to use a Lawyer vs a Paralegal?
On the other hand, paralegals are not allowed to provide legal services that only lawyers are entitled to provide; so, if you are interested in creating a will, need assistance in a serious criminal or real estate matter, it is best that you see a lawyer. Lawyers require bigger commitments in both time and money when it comes to becoming one and acting as one. Lawyers are able to act in all legal circumstances when hired to do so. Lawyers are able to represent parties in all courts of Ontario whereas paralegals can only represent in Small Claims Court. In addition, paralegals are not permitted to appear in Family court, unless it is under the supervision of a lawyer so, if you are in a messy family situation, it is best you avoid calling a paralegal and consult a family lawyer.
No one likes to involve themselves in legal matters as they most often escalate. However, knowing the difference between which route to choose can be of some good use and definitely assist in helping you save a pretty penny depending on the situation.
