The Law Society of Upper Canada can assist the clients in the following ways:
- Investigate complaints about fees charged by a lawyer or paralegal
- The Law Society cannot order your lawyer or paralegal to reduce the amount billed to you for services provided.
- If you have a problem with your lawyer's bill, you may want to talk to your lawyer, or contact the Assessment Office of the Superior Court of Justice to make an appointment to have your bill reviewed. See
- If you have a problem with the fee charged by a paralegal, you may want to talk to the paralegal or contact the Small Claims Court (if the bill is under $25,000).
- Provide legal advice
- The Law Society cannot provide you with legal advice. However, they can give you information about their complaints process and direct you to other legal resources who may be able to assist you.
- Order your lawyer or paralegal to compensate you for losses resulting from negligent acts
- All practising lawyers in Ontario are required to have professional liability insurance through LAWPRO, the Lawyers' Professional Indemnity Company.
- Licensed paralegals are also required to carry professional liability insurance, through private insurance providers.
- If you believe your lawyer or paralegal was negligent, you may want to get legal advice about your options.
