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"The regulation of paralegals in Ontario is precedent-setting," Attorney General Chris Bentley said, following the tabling in the legislature of a two-year report on the implementation of paralegal regulation.

"The Law Society met the challenge of regulating paralegals with great professionalism. The process of achieving regulation has been open and efficient and all partners involved in the process are to be commended for their efforts."

Ontario's licensed paralegals can represent clients in small claims court, before administrative tribunals, and in the Ontario Court of Justice for matters under the Provincial Offences Act.

With the advent of paralegal regulation, several colleges and schools have obtained accreditation from the Law Society for their training programs. It is anticipated that these programs will produce an additional 200 to 300 paralegal candidates each year.

Following the tabling of the two-year review of paralegal regulation, the Treasurer of the Law Society of Upper Canada, W. A. Derry Millar, said, "We believe the Ontario government's commitment to the regulation of paralegals is visionary. Thanks to regulation, licensed paralegals are now held to the same high standard of professional conduct as lawyers, must pass a licensing examination, and carry liability insurance. They are now providing a range of important legal services within a recognized, regulated profession."

Paul Dray, a licensed paralegal and Chair of the Law Society's Paralegal Standing Committee noted, "The regulatory system is self-funding and has won the support of paralegals, lawyers, judges, and the public. We are extremely pleased with the progress made over the first two years of regulation and look forward to continuing to improve the services that licensed paralegals provide to consumers.

Source: The Weekly Voice

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