The Law Society of Ontario regulates both paralegals and lawyers in the province, and all licensees are required to uphold high ethical standards and practices according to Bylaws, Rules of Conduct, and Professional Conduct Guidelines.
The main difference between paralegals and lawyers is that paralegals have a narrower scope of permissible practice areas than lawyers. Paralegals can provide legal services in the various administrative tribunals established by provincial or federal legislation, Ontario Small Claims Court, Ontario Court of Justice for proceedings under the Provincial Offences Act, summary offences under the Criminal Code, etc. In the event an appeal on law from the HRTO is required, Pearce Paralegal utilizes a vast network to ensure continuous representation by a lawyer at Divisional Court.
For more information, see About Paralegals | Law Society of Ontario (lso.ca)
Paralegals always owe a duty of confidentiality to clients and prospective clients, in perpetuity. This covers all information (including documents, emails, video or audio recordings, etc.) attained in the paralegal-client relationship, whether or not it is relevant to the case. Such information cannot be disclosed by the paralegal to anyone not entitled to receive the information, in order to protect the client's interests. The duty of confidentiality extends to all staff. Client privacy is paramount.
For more information, see Rule 3 | Law Society of Ontario (lso.ca)
Pearce Paralegal endeavors to resolve legal matters efficiently and cost-effectively, while also steadfastly protecting client’s interests. When settlement through negotiation or mediation is possible and advisable, it can provide a better outcome. However, not every situation lends itself to immediate resolution and often it may be best to file and initiate the action and settle thereafter.
Pearce Paralegal aims to provide cost-effective legal services and representation while delivering exceptional value. The written retainer agreement will determine the terms of payment, such as contingency fee, hourly fee, or block rate fee.
Pearce Paralegal offers legal services on a contingency basis in human rights matters which means that clients pay legal fees if they receive money because Pearce Paralegal wins their case or gets a negotiated settlement. The standard contingency fee of Pearce Paralegal is 25%.
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