1. MAY 1, 2017 MARKS THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF LICENSED PARALEGALS IN ONTARIO

These are exciting times for licensed paralegals in Ontario. Ten years ago the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) began regulating paralegals. Today, there are more than 8,000 licensed paralegals.

One of our first, and current, LSUC benchers, Michelle Haigh (see photo below), was a member of the committee that developed the framework for paralegal licensing: “It was a crazy time leading up to the first licence being issued. We really had no idea how many people would apply under the grand-parenting process. We also had to think about the education and licensing process for new candidates moving forward. There were some challenges, and definitely some improvements were made over the years. But given the short time frame, I believe it was a great success. The paralegal community is certainly well-equipped to handle the public’s legal needs, and to do it competently, and efficiently, with public protection measures that weren’t there pre-regulation.”

Another bencher, Cathy Corsetti, who was Chair of the Paralegal Standing Committee in 2012, reflects on the progress made: “These past 10 years have brought many changes to the paralegal profession. The educational programs and licensing exams have been enhanced to produce highly-skilled and qualified legal service professionals who are a credit to the justice system and key providers of access to justice for the people of Ontario. What was once an unregulated profession, is now a profession fully integrated and regulated by the Law Society — one I am proud of. I am looking forward to seeing what the next 10 years will bring!”

In his welcoming remarks during a celebratory reception recently, Treasurer Paul Schabas noted the 10 year anniversary: “This is a significant milestone. No doubt the implementation of paralegal regulation has had its challenges, but regulation has been tremendously successful in … making legal services more accessible and improving consumer services and public protection.”

2. THE ONTARIO PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION (OPA) RAISED APPROXIMATELY $300 AND 5000 LBS. OF FOOD FOR VARIOUS FOOD BANKS IN ONTARIO.

On April 9, 2017, the Ontario Paralegal Association held its 1st annual food drive at the Shops on Yonge, in Thornhill. There were prizes, raffles and giveaways. We also had DJ Ara and fun crafts for the kids. MPP Gila Martow for Thornhill presented our OPA Board President, Stephen Parker, with a Certificate marking OPA’s first annual food drive. From left to right: Myself (OPA member and Co-Editor of Today’s Paralegal), Sandy Azevedo (OPA Board Secretary), Laurie Marshall (OPA Member), Gila Martow (MPP for Thornhill), Stephen Parker (OPA Board President), and Frank Alfano (OPA Board Vice President).