Paralegal News
Summer 2010 Issue of Paralegal UPDATE now online
The latest issue of Paralegal UPDATE, the online bulletin for paralegals, is now available. This issue includes information about the new Treasurer, the Integration Licensing Process, upcoming Continuing Professional Development sessions, free tours of Osgoode Hall and more.
April 2010 Issue of Paralegal UPDATE now online
The latest issue of Paralegal UPDATE, the online bulletin for paralegals, is now available. This issue includes information about the results of the 2010 Paralegal Standing Committee election, the continuing professional development requirement, upcoming CLE and more.
Committee elects paralegals to serve as Law Society benchers
The Law Society of Upper Canada welcomes Michelle Haigh and Paul Dray as new benchers to its governing body, following their election today by members of the Paralegal Standing Committee. Cathy Corsetti was elected committee chair.
Paralegals elect five of their colleagues to help govern the profession
Ontario's licensed paralegals cast their votes in the first-ever paralegal election last month, electing five of the 39 candidates nominated to run for the Law Society's Paralegal Standing Committee. The committee plays an integral role in the governance and regulation of licensed paralegals throughout the province.The elected paralegals are as follows: Cathy Corsetti, Paul Dray, Michelle L. Haigh, Kenneth C. Mitchell, and Robert Burd. More information and full election results are available.
Information Sheet Pertaining to Accreditation Deadlines
The Law Society has produced an Information Sheet sets out the Law Society's internal policies regarding the paralegal licensing application and program accreditation deadlines. The ability for post-secondary institutions (Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology and Private Career Colleges) to offer a non-accredited legal services program ends on June 30, 2010. A transition period of approximately 2 years was provided in the Law Society By-Laws to allow institutions sufficient time to review and revise their existing or planned legal services program to make sure that they are compliant with our competencies and program requirements.
Lawyers and Paralegals: Helping You with Your Legal Needs
The Law Society has produced an updated brochure to help members of the public understand how their legal needs can be addressed by licensed legal professionals.
How Can the Law Society Help?
This new brochure provides general information on the Law Society's services if you want to know how to find a lawyer or paralegal, make a complaint, apply for compensation or find out about other access to justice resources.
Paralegal Professional Conduct Guidelines to assist paralegals
The Law Society has developed Paralegal Professional Conduct Guidelines as an educational tool to help paralegals understand and apply the Paralegal Rules of Conduct. Convocation authorized the Paralegal Standing Committee to approve and publish the Paralegal Professional Conduct Guidelines and to amend them as required.
Insurance policy reminder
Does your professional liability policy expire this month? If so, please ensure that you provide proof of insurance (Certificate of Insurance) to the Law Society on or before the policy's expiration date.
You may provide this documentation to the Law Society in one of three ways:
- In person at the Law Society's Membership Services window
- By facsimile to 416-947-3924
- By email to records@lsuc.on.ca.
All licensed paralegals must carry a valid policy of professional liability insurance as outlined in Law Society By-Law 6, Part II, Section 12(1), unless they are otherwise exempt. If you have questions, please contact the Law Society's Membership Services department at 416-947-3315.
Practice Audits for Paralegals
Reflecting the Society's emphasis on quality assurance in service of the public interest, the Law Society is providing practice audits for licensed paralegals. Practice audits are proactive and preventive and are designed to support the goals of licensed paralegals to be efficient, effective and competent. Practice audits will focus on the practice management systems for client service and communication, file management, financial management, technology, professional management, time management and personal management. Approximately 75 audits will be conducted annually and all licensed paralegals are eligible for participation.
Keeping the Law Society informed
There are number of very good reasons for you to keep the Law Society informed of any changes to your personal information, including a change of address, name, or practice status. There are several methods you can use to keep us current. Find out more here.