What Can a Paralegal Do for You in Toronto & the GTA?

Many people in the GTA assume that any legal problem means hiring an expensive lawyer. In Ontario, that's not true. Licensed paralegals are regulated by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) — the same body that regulates lawyers — and are authorized to represent you in a wide range of legal matters. For most of the situations people in Toronto, Aurora, Newmarket, and the surrounding areas actually face day-to-day, a paralegal is exactly what you need.

What Paralegals Are Licensed to Do in Ontario

Under the Law Society Act, licensed paralegals in Ontario can represent clients in: Small Claims Court (for disputes up to $35,000), the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) for both landlords and tenants, the Ontario Court of Justice for Provincial Offences including Highway Traffic Act matters (traffic tickets, speeding, stunt driving, careless driving), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) for WSIB claims and appeals, and summary criminal conviction offences such as theft under $5,000, assault, and drug possession.

Licensed paralegals can also act as Commissioners of Oaths — witnessing and administering oaths on affidavits and statutory declarations. Many, including Sheybani Legal, are also appointed Notary Public, meaning they can certify documents for use internationally.

What Paralegals Cannot Do

Paralegals in Ontario cannot handle family law matters (divorce, custody, child support), real estate transactions, wills and estates, or indictable criminal offences. For those matters, you need a lawyer. If you're not sure which applies to your situation, call us — we'll tell you honestly whether a paralegal can help or whether you need to be referred elsewhere.

Why Choose a Paralegal Over a Lawyer?

The primary reason is cost. Lawyers in Ontario typically bill between $250 and $500 per hour or more. For a traffic ticket, an LTB hearing, or a Small Claims matter, that fee structure is often disproportionate to what's at stake. Paralegals offer the same quality of representation for the specific matters they're licensed for — at significantly lower rates.

Speed is another factor. Paralegal practices tend to be leaner and more focused. At Sheybani Legal, you speak directly with your representative — not a receptionist or junior clerk — and we move quickly.

Serving Toronto, Aurora, Newmarket & the GTA

Sheybani Legal is a licensed paralegal practice serving clients across the Greater Toronto Area. We handle Landlord and Tenant Board matters, traffic tickets and Highway Traffic Act charges, Small Claims Court, WSIB appeals, notary and affidavit services, and more. Whether your matter is urgent or you're just trying to understand your options, call 647-326-9651 for a free consultation. We'll give you a straight answer.