Most people would have a good idea of what lawyers do. They provide legal advice, defend accused individuals, and file lawsuits for aggrieved persons or businesses in legal disputes.
In short, most of us know that a lawyer is who you call when you are in trouble with the law or need protection provided by law.
Very few people, in contrast, are familiar with what paralegals in Ontario do. The fact is that in certain legal matters, it is better to hire a paralegal to save on legal expenses.
We want to show you what lawyers and paralegals do so you can choose who to hire for your legal needs.
Ontarians can choose between paralegals and lawyers to solve legal issues and protect their rights.
When you are ready to compare fees for legal services, just fill out the short online form on this page at no cost or obligation!
The Role of Lawyers in Ontario
To get licensed in Ontario, a lawyer needs to have an undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctor (J.D.). He must also pass the bar exam and the Solicitor Licensing Examination. Once completed, he needs to register with the proper legal society.
Licensed lawyers or solicitors are qualified to represent clients in all fields of the law such as:
- Family law ( Marriage, divorce, child support, custody)
- Estate law (Wills, Power of Attorney, liquidation)
- Real Estate law (acquisition or sale of residential and commercial properties)
- Criminal law (all types of criminal offences)
- Civil law (Personal injury, accidents, property damage, contracts, etc.)
- Administrative law
You can see the stringent training and requirements for lawyers to earn their licences. As such, lawyers are reputed to charge high legal fees to take on a case which could be per hour or a flat fee. If a lawyer is connected with a top law firm, his fees could be higher due to his experience and the reputation of the firm.
Why hire a Lawyer?
Legal disputes can turn into long and drawn-out battles with unpredictable results and dire consequences. A lawsuit also brings on a lot of stress and anxiety due to the emotional and financial impact on a person’s life.
Whether you are defending yourself from criminal charges, seeking child support, or compensation for property damage, the stakes can be high! A lawyer is the best legal professional to turn to.
You need to get information from a reliable and trustworthy expert to ensure you obtain the best outcome from your case.
Legal expenses can be high when you hire a lawyer but you increase your chances of success. You may think that going for a cheap lawyer will save you money but if you lose your case, you stand to lose so much more, even your freedom!
Finding the right lawyer for your legal needs is critical. Depending on your type of case, some lawyers are better suited in terms of experience, expertise, and fees.
A competent lawyer can lay out your best options, guide you in your next steps, and work hard to achieve the best outcome for your case.
Lawyers, solicitors, or barristers - How do they differ?
In Ontario, lawyers can also be referred to as barristers and solicitors. They are all legal professionals with some distinctions. Barristers are lawyers that are involved in litigation whereas solicitors don’t represent clients in court.
Lawyers can represent you in all matters of the law but many specialize in specific areas of the law.
Compare legal professionals by filling out the short online form on this page to connect with the right lawyer for your case.
Paralegals and Their Services
Paralegals are recognized legal professionals who can handle certain legal matters. To qualify as a paralegal in Ontario, a candidate must obtain a paralegal diploma or degree and complete 120 hours of training in a private or government law office.
A candidate must also pass the Paralegal Licensing Examination and register with a Paralegal Society in the province.
As mentioned earlier, licensed paralegals can represent clients in certain legal matters including:
- Small Claims Court
- Claims with Tribunals and Boards for rental property matters, Workplace Insurance and Safety Board)
- Provincial offences such as traffic tickets
- Some Summary convictions (Fines up to $5,000 or 6 months jail time, shoplifting, etc.)
- Licensing cases (Dog Owner’s Liability Act, car insurance charges, etc.)
Can you hire a paralegal to save on legal fees?
Although the education and training required of paralegals is less stringent, they are nonetheless qualified to take on less severe or low-risk cases. As they also charge lower fees than lawyers, it makes sense to hire a paralegal for a minor case.
If you are filing a claim for personal injury for $25,000 and below in Small Claims Court, a paralegal can assist you.
How to decide whether to hire a lawyer or a paralegal? While lawyers can assist clients on all types of cases, they also charge significantly higher fees than paralegals. Thus, you need to consider the cost of their services vis-à-vis the reward of winning your case.
A paralegal can be a great option if you need a reliable legal professional for a simple or minor case.
Comparison of Lawyer Fees and Paralegal Fees
It is critical that when comparing fees, you must take into account the type of lawyer you are considering vs. a paralegal.
For a summary conviction, a criminal lawyer will cost much more than a paralegal. Lawyers can charge around $350+ per hour while a paralegal could cost from $150 to $250 an hour. Needless to say, it may be safe to go with a paralegal for help in Small Claims Court or a traffic case.
Of course, lawyers with less experience will also charge lower fees than lawyers with 20+ years of experience. Thus, you must also consider the credentials of the lawyer you are hiring. If you are facing serious consequences if you lose your case such as in DUI charges, the cost of a lawyer would be well worth the price.
In a recent survey, results showed that the average cost of a criminal lawyer in Ontario for a 1-day trial is $6,000+. Don’t forget that for most types of criminal charges, only a criminal lawyer can represent you.
If you need legal representation in Ottawa, Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, or anywhere in Ontario, the JuriGo network can help you find the right legal professional that suits your needs.
Just complete the online form on this page and receive FREE quotes with NO OBLIGATION.
Immigration Issues: How lawyers and paralegals can help?
Paralegals can only assist with immigration issues by advocating before the Immigration and Refugee Board. This is part of their authority to represent clients before tribunals and boards in Ontario.
In addition, a paralegal can represent you at a refugee hearing and admissibility hearing and help fill out application forms and put together evidence or information for Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada.
On the other hand, immigration lawyers can give legal advice or represent clients on all types of immigration issues at all levels of court including Superior Court and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Depending on the complexity of your immigration case, you can decide whether to hire a paralegal or an immigration lawyer to assist you.
For more serious immigration matters, you could be best served by a lawyer trained in immigration law.
Can Legal Aid Help if you can’t afford a Lawyer?
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) offers free legal services to low-income Ontarians who meet the income eligibility requirements. LAO services include:
- Legal representation to qualified individuals who appear in court without a lawyer;
- Applications for legal aid over the phone;
- Referrals to other social assistance agencies;
- Legal services with a Certificate Program for complex and serious cases.
To get Legal Aid, you must:
- Meet certain income eligibility rules. To know if your income qualifies, check out Legal Aid Ontario Income Eligibility
- Your legal matter must be qualified under Legal Aid services as it does not deal with all types of legal issues.
If you don’t meet the income requirements, you can still receive legal services at a reduced cost.
Applicants who qualify for Legal Aid can receive help depending on the legal issue. For domestic violence victims, the income cut-off is slightly higher.
You can also get a Legal Aid Certificate which can be used to pay a private lawyer for a number of hours’ of work as indicated in the certificate. You must check with your lawyer if he accepts Legal Aid Certificates before you hire him.
Legal Aid Certificates may also give you access to full legal representation on certain family, criminal, and immigration law matters. LAO also provides free legal advice from a lawyer over the telephone.
To apply for Legal Aid in Ontario, you can contact1-800-668-8258 for more details.
Find the Best Lawyer or Paralegal for your Case
Would you believe that Ontario has over 57,000 lawyers and 10,000 paralegals across the province?
Finding the best lawyer or paralegal for your case can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.
While there are different ways to find a paralegal or a lawyer such as online or through lawyer organizations, there is a much simpler way!
JuriGo offers a free comparison of lawyers and paralegals using our short online form at no cost to you! You can receive multiple offers from legal professionals who can handle your case.
Take note that lawyers cannot be specialists in all areas of the law. It is important to search for the right lawyer who specializes in the type of legal matter you have.
Compare employment lawyers, human rights lawyers, immigration lawyers, family lawyers, criminal lawyers, or business lawyers using our free online form!