Frequently Asked Questions

In Ontario, licensed paralegals are authorized by the Law Society of Ontario to provide legal services in specific areas — including the Landlord and Tenant Board, Small Claims Court, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, provincial offences courts, and certain other proceedings. For many legal matters, a licensed paralegal provides the same professional representation as a lawyer, typically at a lower cost. All paralegals must be licensed and remain in good standing with the Law Society.

Both lawyers and licensed paralegals are regulated by the Law Society of Ontario and are subject to professional conduct rules. The key difference is scope: lawyers can practice in any area of law, while paralegals are licensed to practice in defined areas. For the types of matters we handle — LTB, Small Claims Court, HRTO, and provincial offences — a licensed paralegal is fully qualified and authorized to represent you.

You can verify any Ontario paralegal's licence status using the Law Society of Ontario's public registry at lawsociety.on.ca. A licensed paralegal will also have their LSO licence number available — ours is listed in the footer of every page on this site.

A consultation is the most direct way to find out. We review the facts, tell you honestly whether you have grounds to proceed, and explain your options clearly. If you're not ready to book yet, GOTACASE.CA can help you describe your situation in plain language before we speak.

Bring any documents relevant to your matter — notices, leases, contracts, court documents, correspondence, or photographs. If you're unsure what applies, bring what you have and we'll tell you what else might be useful. Don't let uncertainty about what to bring stop you from booking.

A consultation is a focused conversation about your situation. We listen to the facts, ask clarifying questions, explain how the law applies, and give you our honest assessment of your options and prospects. You leave with a clear picture of where you stand. There is no obligation to retain us at the end of the consultation.

[Update this with your actual consultation fee before publishing. For example: "Initial consultations are $X for X minutes" or "Complimentary for the first 15 minutes." Be specific — this is consistently the highest-traffic FAQ item on legal firm sites.]

Fee structures vary by matter type and complexity. Some matters are handled on a flat-fee basis; others are billed at an hourly rate. We always discuss fees clearly during or immediately after your consultation — before any retainer is signed. You will not be charged for work you have not agreed to.

Yes. We represent both landlords and tenants in Landlord and Tenant Board proceedings. Our job is to represent your interests effectively within the rules of the process — regardless of which side of the dispute you're on.

We assist with employment matters within the licensed scope of Ontario paralegals. This includes Employment Insurance appeals, certain Ministry of Labour complaints, and other employment issues where a paralegal is authorized to represent clients. We cannot appear in employment matters before the Superior Court of Justice — those require a lawyer. During your consultation, we'll confirm whether your specific situation falls within our scope.

Timelines vary significantly depending on the matter type, the tribunal, and its current scheduling. Some LTB matters resolve at the first hearing; others require multiple appearances over several months. Small Claims Court timelines depend on whether the matter is defended and how busy the court is. We give you realistic timeline expectations during your consultation, not optimistic ones.

We serve clients across Ontario. Many proceedings — including LTB hearings — are now conducted virtually, which expands our ability to assist clients in different regions of the province. Contact us to confirm if you have a question about your specific location.