Q: What’s the difference between a paralegal and a lawyer?
A: The difference between a paralegal and a lawyer is that in Ontario Paralegals are licensed and regulated the same as lawyers. They are governed by the same body and are required to have a diploma and errors and Omissions insurance. Unlike lawyers however they are limited in their areas of practice. Within the past year, paralegals have been allowed to take an additional course to become a family legal service provider (FLSP). We become notaries once receiving a license since 2020. Prior to that in 2013 paralegals became Commissioners of Affidavits upon obtaining a license. From 2008 when they became licensed until 2013, they had to apply to become a Commissioner of Affidavits. Personally, I have notary appointment, Commissioner appointment and Paralegal License from the “Law Society of Upper Canada”, though at some point in the pandemic it became the “law Society of Ontario”.
Paralegals are allowed to practice in Small Claims, all provincial and federal boards and tribunals, including Landlord Tenant, Human Rights Tribunal and Human Rights Commission, as well as the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule and Provincial Court for Minor provincial offences under 6-months in prison or $5,000, including tickets.