What a Paralegal Is and Does
Many people in the general public are still unclear as to what a paralegal is and does. This synopsis is designed to provide some clarity on the issue. In doing so, a few primary differences between paralegals and lawyers arise. It should be noted that, this synopsis is by no means exhaustive. A paralegal, like a lawyer, is a legal professional who provides legal services to the general public. In Ontario, both paralegals and lawyers are regulated by the Law Society of Ontario (formerly, the Law Society of Upper Canada). This regulatory body derives its authority from the Law Society Act (“the Act”), legislation which grants the Law Society of Ontario (“LSO”) authority to issue licences to provide legal services and which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both professions, in providing legal services. Paralegals are not permitted to practice in all areas of law, as are lawyers. Among many other things, the Act stipulates those areas of law for which paralegals can provide legal services. The LSO permits paralegals to provide the following legal services:
- Small Claims Court representation:
Litigation in the Small Claims Court where the amount being claimed does not exceed $35,000; - Landlord and Tenant Law:
Legal representation for either landlords or tenants before the Landlord and Tenant Board (a tribunal); - Criminal Law (summary offences):
Legal representation for summary Criminal Code of Canada charges, where the maximum penalty if convicted is 6 months or less incarceration and a maximum fine of $5,000. - Highway Traffic Act offences:
Legal representation in traffic court for such offences as: speeding, careless driving, drive while under suspension, drive without
insurance, etc; - Motor Vehicle Accident Benefits:
Legal representation for the processing of claims benefits, in accordance with the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. - Document Notarization
Paralegals are now certified to notarize documentation.
Lawyers can and do provide the legal services identified above but generally charge higher rates. Paralegals are just as qualified to provide these services, and in some cases, more qualified given their experience in these areas as a result of their practice area restrictions.
Our Services and How we can help
Small Claims Court Litigation
JAY BRADLEY Paralegal Services provides exemplary, experienced and compassionate, legal representation for clients throughout litigation
proceedings in the Small Claims Court (monetary jurisdiction of up to $35,000). Governed by, the Rules of the Small Claims Court. Legal
matters may include: outstanding accounts, breach of contract, personal injuries, judgment enforcement, etc.
If retained, for very reasonable rates, we handle all of the following:
- Drafting and filing Plaintiff Claim, Defence to Plaintiff Claim, Defendant’s Claim
- Business and Corporate Searches
- Document Service Arrangements
- Noting Default and Default Judgment
- Settlement Conferences
- Assessment Hearings
- Motions
- Trials
- Judgment Debtor Examinations
- Garnishments
- Writs of Execution (Seizure and Sale)
FREE CONSULTATION and affordable fee structures if required.
Landlord - Tenant Law
JAY BRADLEY Paralegal Services represents both landlords and tenants before the Landlord and Tenant Board. We have extensive knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act. Legal matters may include: non-payment of rent, maintenance issues, property damage, etc.
If retained, for very reasonable rates, we handle all of the following:
- Devise Legal Strategy (facts and substantive law analysis)
- Legal Document Drafting and Filing
- Legal Document Service Arrangements
- Motions
- Advocacy at Mediation (if required)
- Advocacy at Hearings
- Liaison to Sheriff (if required)
FREE CONSULTATION available!
Summary Criminal Charges
JAY BRADLEY Paralegal Services provides unwavering legal support and steadfast advocacy for clients charged with summary Criminal offences. We have a thorough knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada. Summary offences include: Theft Under $5,000, Mischief Under $5,000, Causing a Disturbance, Trespassing, etc.
Summary offences can include: Assault (including domestic), Criminal Harassment, Public Mischief, Failure to Attend Court, Failure to Comply with Undertaking, etc. If you have already been to court and obtained your DISCLOSURE, consult the Charge Screening Form, to see if the Crown is proceeding summarily. If they are, we can represent you going forward.
If retained, for very reasonable rates, we handle all of the following:
- Disclosure Analysis
- Legal Strategy (facts and substantive law analysis)
- Appearance in Set-Date Court
- Conduct Crown Pre Trials
- Conduct Trials
- Representation in Plea Court
FREE CONSULTATION: We can review your DISCLOSURE to determine whether the Crown is proceeding summarily.
Highway Traffic Act Offences
JAY BRADLEY Paralegal Services represents clients charged with any and all Highway Traffic Act offences, including: speeding, careless driving, driving with suspended licence, drive without insurance, etc.
If retained, for very reasonable rates, we handle all of the following:
- Devise Legal Strategy (facts and substantive law analysis)
- Applicable Document Drafting and Filing (procedural law)
- Advocacy at Early Resolution Meetings
- Advocacy at Trials
FREE CONSULTATION available!
Statutory Accident Benefits
JAY BRADLEY Paralegal Services represents clients physically/mentally injured in automobile accidents who are entitled to monetary benefits in accordance with the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS).
If retained, for very reasonable rates, we handle all of the following:
- Accident Documents Gathering
- Claim Documents Drafting and Filing
- Correspondence with Insurance Companies
- Settlements
- Advocacy at Case Conferences and Hearings
FREE CONSULTATION available!
Law Clerk Services
Attention: Owen Sound lawyers
In addition to being a licensed paralegal, Jay Bradley is also an accredited law clerk, obtaining his certificate at Seneca College in 2018. Completion of the law clerk program included modules in the following areas of law: Wills and Estates, Corporate/Commercial, Contract and Tort, Civil Litigation, Family, and Construction. Jay has work experience at a general practice law firm in Toronto and at a personal injury firm in Scarborough.
JAY BRADLEY Paralegal Services invites any outsourced work from Owen Sound lawyers:
- Experience with Statutory Accident Benefits
- Superior Court of Justice – Legal Document Drafting (pleadings, motion records, affidavits of documents, etc.) and Filing
- Set-Date Court (criminal charges) attendance
- Other
Jay is available for contract or part-time employment.