10 Ways an Ontario Paralegal Can Protect You (2025 Guide)

In Ontario, licensed paralegals play a critical role in helping individuals and small businesses navigate the legal system quickly, affordably, and effectively.

Paralegals are authorized under the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) to represent clients in Small Claims Court, the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), certain provincial offences, and other tribunals.

Whether you're a landlord, tenant, small business owner, or individual facing a dispute, a paralegal can prevent costly mistakes, protect your rights, and significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Here are 10 ways a licensed Ontario paralegal can protect you. [Source: Law Society of Ontario — Licensed Paralegals]

1. Avoiding Costly Legal Mistakes

Most legal issues become serious because of simple errors—wrong forms, missing deadlines, improper service, or misunderstanding the law.

A paralegal protects you by:

• Ensuring every document is correct
• Meeting all deadlines
• Following proper service rules
• Identifying risks before they become problems

This prevents hearings from being dismissed or delayed.

2. Representing You at Hearings

Paralegals can fully represent you at:

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
• Small Claims Court (up to $50,000 as of 2025)
• Human Rights Tribunal
• Provincial Offences Court

They advocate for your position, examine witnesses, argue the law, and protect you from procedural mistakes.

3. Drafting Legally Accurate Documents

Paralegals prepare:

• LTB notices (N4, N5, N6, N7, etc.)
• LTB applications (L1, L2, T2, T6, etc.)
• Small Claims Court claims and defences
• Affidavits, demand letters, submissions, and evidence packages

Correct documentation is one of the strongest forms of legal protection.

4. Navigating Ontario's Legal Procedures

Ontario legal processes can be confusing, especially with:

• Filing requirements
• Evidence rules
• Hearings and case management
• Disclosure obligations

A paralegal guides you through each step so you don't miss something that could harm your case.

5. Protecting You from Opposing Parties

Legal disputes often involve:

• Aggressive tenants or landlords
• Non-paying clients
• Unreasonable contractors
• Difficult neighbours

A paralegal becomes your representative, handling communication so you don't expose yourself to risk, conflict, or self-incriminating statements.

6. Strengthening Your Evidence

Many people lose cases—not because they're wrong, but because they mishandled evidence.

A paralegal helps by:

• Organizing evidence clearly
• Identifying what is admissible
• Preparing exhibits
• Obtaining witness statements
• Structuring timelines

Proper evidence presentation dramatically affects the outcome.

7. Preventing You from Being Taken Advantage Of

When you don't understand your rights, opposing parties might:

• Pressure you to settle unfairly
• Threaten you illegally
• Misrepresent the law
• Trick you into giving up rights

A paralegal ensures you respond correctly and remain protected.

8. Saving Time, Stress, and Money

Legal mistakes can cost thousands or lead to:

• Evictions being delayed
• Claims being dismissed
• Multiple court appearances
• Unnecessary legal fees
• Lost income

Paralegal representation is designed to be cost-effective and avoid expensive errors.

9. Ensuring Compliance with the RTA & Ontario Regulations

For landlords and tenants, Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act is strict.

Paralegals protect you by ensuring:

• The correct notice is used
• The right timelines are followed
• The matter is filed in the right forum
• Service is done properly
• Evidence meets LTB standards

One mistake can invalidate the entire process—paralegals prevent that. [Source: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006]

10. Providing Strategic Advice Based on Experience

Paralegals know what:

• LTB Members look for
• Small Claims Court judges expect
• Evidence carries the most weight
• Arguments work—and which fail
• Patterns commonly lead to dismissal

This strategic insight protects you from going into a hearing unprepared.

Conclusion

Whether you're dealing with a rental dispute, unpaid invoice, property damage, contract issue, or any situation requiring legal action, a licensed Ontario paralegal can protect you in ways that save time, reduce stress, and improve results.

If you need assistance with a legal matter, contact George Brown Professional Corporation today to schedule a consultation.

Sources

1. Law Society of Ontario — Licensed Paralegals
   https://lso.ca/becoming-licensed/paralegal-licensing-process
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
   https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17
3. Courts of Justice Act — Small Claims Court
   https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c43
4. Tribunals Ontario — LTB Overview
   https://tribunalsontario.ca/ltb/
5. Law Society of Ontario — What Paralegals Can Do
   https://lso.ca/public-resources/finding-a-lawyer-or-paralegal/hired-a-paralegal