Law Society of Ontario Overview

A self-governing body responsible for regulating the legal profession in the public interest in Ontario, Canada.

The Law Society licenses paralegals and lawyers to provide legal services and lawyers to practice law, ensuring they meet the required standards of competence and character.

They are the members of the board of directors who oversee and manage the Law Society.

They are elected by licensees or appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and can be licensed lawyers, paralegals, or members of the public.

Convocation is a monthly meeting where the benchers discuss policy and governance of the legal professions.

The Law Society's PD&C division focuses on ensuring the competency of paralegals and lawyers through education, practice resources, and licensing.

The 'Treasurer' is the head of the Law Society of Ontario and presides over Convocation.

The Chief Executive Officer manages the Law Society staff and daily operations, ensuring smooth running of the organization.

Paralegals can perform activities like selecting, drafting, or revising documents for legal proceedings, or negotiating client interests within the scope of their practice.

Paralegals can assist lawyers in preparing legal documents and negotiating client interests, but they cannot provide legal advice or undertake prohibited proceedings.

Limited to summary conviction offences and non-offence proceedings in the Criminal Code.

Paralegals cannot handle legal matters that require a lawyer's expertise, such as family law, wills, or real estate transactions.

The list of permitted criminal offences for paralegals is updated periodically.

Paralegals must ensure they only provide legal services for matters within their permissible scope of practice, as outlined in By-Law 4.

A paralegal's permissible scope of practice defines the specific proceedings they can handle and the related activities they can undertake.

Paralegals must determine if a potential client's matter falls within their permitted scope of practice before accepting it.

Paralegals who take on client matters or perform activities outside their permissible scope of practice are in violation of By-Law 4 and the Paralegal Rules.

Administrative suspensions are lifted when licensees fulfill their obligations to the Law Society and pay a reinstatement fee.

Licensees who have been administratively suspended for more than 12 months may have their license revoked.

While suspended, paralegals are prohibited from providing legal services or representing themselves as qualified to do so.

Suspended paralegals must inform any clients or prospective clients about their suspended status.

Serious allegations of professional misconduct, incapacity, or incompetence made against a paralegal or lawyer. These allegations may be investigated by the Law Society's Investigation Services.

A body within the Law Society that reviews serious allegations of professional misconduct, incapacity, or incompetence. They decide whether further action is necessary, including potential disciplinary proceedings.

This is the Law Society’s department that investigates and prosecutes serious allegations of professional misconduct, incapacity, or incompetence against paralegals and lawyers.

A formal process used by the Law Society to address allegations of professional misconduct, incapacity, or incompetence against paralegals and lawyers. It involves a hearing panel that considers evidence and determines appropriate disciplinary action

A formal decision made by the Law Society's hearing panel regarding a paralegal or lawyer's actions. It can include various penalties such as suspension, license revocation, or mandatory training.

A form of disciplinary action the Law Society can take against paralegals and lawyers, involving the temporary suspension of their license for a specific period. This occurs when a paralegal or lawyer displays poor conduct or does not meet required standards.

A less formal process used by the Law Society to address misconduct or incompetence against paralegals or lawyers without a full disciplinary hearing. This might involve requiring the individual to take additional training or complete specific actions.

A type of suspension related to administrative requirements for paralegals and lawyers, such as failing to pay annual fees or other administrative obligations. These suspensions often occur immediately without a hearing.

Court proceedings where a paralegal can represent a client, such as firearm prohibition hearings or peace bond hearings.

Hybrid offences are crimes that can be prosecuted as either summary conviction offences (less serious) or indictable offences (more serious). The Crown decides which route to take.

A paralegal can represent a client in summary conviction court for a hybrid offence if the Crown chooses summary conviction and the accused can be represented by an agent.

Examples of hybrid offences that fall within a paralegal's scope of practice include indecent acts, carrying a concealed weapon, and assault.

The Crown may change its mind and decide to proceed with an indictable offence instead of summary conviction, even after initially choosing summary conviction.

If the Crown changes to an indictable offence, the paralegal must stop representing the client and refer them to a lawyer.

Paralegals must be transparent about their role and identify themselves as paralegals to all parties involved in a proceeding.

A paralegal can provide advice and represent clients in proceedings related to their permitted scope of practice.

A legal term referring to a criminal offence that is tried in a lower court with a less severe maximum sentence, typically six months imprisonment or less.

A legal term for a criminal offence that can be tried either in a lower court (summary conviction) or a higher court (indictable offence), with a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment when tried summarily.

A type of criminal offence in Canada where the prosecution has the option to proceed either by way of summary conviction or by indictment, offering flexibility in the legal process.

A legal term for a criminal offence tried in a lower court with a maximum sentence typically six months imprisonment or less. These offences are less serious compared to indictable offences.

The legal practice of giving a summary of key points, similar to a brief trial in a summary conviction court. The sentence is generally shorter than indictable offences.

Refers to a criminal offence tried in a higher court with more serious consequences and a more complex legal process. These offences are considered more serious than summary conviction offences.

A criminal offence that is heard in a higher court, usually involving more serious penalties and a more complex legal process.

A legal process that allows the prosecution to decide whether to proceed with a criminal offence as a summary conviction or an indictable offence, offering flexibility based on offence severity and other factors.

A type of legal proceeding that doesn't involve a criminal charge but focuses on preventing potential harm or breaches of the peace.

This refers to a legal proceeding where a person is required to provide proof that they will maintain peace and good behavior, often with conditions to ensure this.

A legal process where a court can prohibit someone from possessing firearms based on specific criteria, like a risk of harm.

A legal proceeding where a person can be placed under a court order, usually with conditions, to prevent harm to themselves or others.

A legal process where a person is required to provide proof that they will maintain peace and good behavior, often with conditions to ensure this.

This legal proceeding aims to prevent harm to the public by restricting a person's firearm possession based on factors like risk and history.