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A lawyer would simply answer "A Paralegal is a non-lawyer."

As a Professional Paralegal I am asked this question quite often, but my response is somewhat different.

• Paralegals are not regulated like lawyers.
• Paralegals are not forced to be a member in a society such as The Law Society of Upper Canada.
• Paralegals are not forced to carry Errors and Omissions Insurance (Insurance that protects the public against the lawyer's possible mistakes).

Where Paralegals Work

Paralegals however, can and do represent clients in various courts and tribunals throughout North America. It is estimated that over 10,000 Paralegals are operating in Canada alone.

Fees Are Different Than a Lawyers

The regulations imposed on lawyers are very costly for the lawyer to maintain, and this can create an unfair advantage for the paralegal who can offer a similar service at a reduced fee.

When seeking the services of a less costly representative like a paralegal, the public should be concerned with other issues such as Ethics; Education; Professional Standards; Consumer Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures.

Protection of the Public

The public are protected when they see a lawyer, however they are not always protected when they see a paralegal, hence the question, "What is a Professional Paralegal?"

The Professional Paralegal actually carries Errors and Omissions Insurance, and belongs to a Society that takes Consumer Complaints and imposes Disciplinary Procedures, against the Paralegal who has acted unprofessionally or with misconduct.

This Society also has a Code of Ethics; Education Standards; Professional Code of Conduct, and the authority to impose penalties and/or expel any that are found guilty of misrepresenting a member of the public.

Upholding Professionalism

The Paralegal Society of Canada, Toronto, and The Paralegal Society of Ontario, also stationed in Toronto, are two such organizations that qualified paralegals may join which offers the public protection.

Of course this membership costs the professional paralegal a fee, but because the paralegal works in matters of smaller liability the insurance premiums are greatly reduced, and the Society membership fee is nominal compared to the Law Society of Upper Canada. The Professional Paralegal will therefore remain in most instances a less expensive remedy for the thrifty client.

Of course the cheapest way to settle your court battle is always outside the court office.