User:Kilrae/Paralegal (Ontario)

In 2006, Ontario became the first jurisdiction in North America to legislate a licensing system for independent paralegals (paralegals not working under a lawyer). The Access to Justice Act passed by the Ontario Legislature, put responsibility for licensing and discipline in the hands of the Law Society of Upper Canada which also regulates Ontario's lawyers.

History of Paralegals in Ontario
Independent paralegals have operated unregulated in Ontario for many decades. In the 1980s, the profession gained some legitimacy following the Pointts decision.