What is the difference between a paralegal and a lawyer?
This is a question asked by many people who are looking for some type of representation in the legal system.
As Wikipedia states, the greatest differences between Paralegals and Lawyers are that Lawyers can give legal advice, set fees, represent in court, sign pleadings and other court documents in a representative (of a client) capacity.
The distinction of Paralegals in the province of Ontario is quite different versus other jurisdictions. In Ontario, Paralegals are defined as independent legal practitioners who are licensed by the Law Society to provide legal services in their area of expertise to the public.
Licensed Paralegals in the Province of Ontario are authorized to own their own firm or be appointed to serve the public as a Justice of the Peace and have the opportunity to serve as a prosecutor for the municipal or provincial governments.