Frequently
Asked
Questions

  • I am a certified paralegal, graduated in 2015 from an accredited University in British Columbia with a certificate in Paralegal Studies. I am also a member of the Canadian Association of Paralegals.

    For my Ontario clients, my title is Law Clerk, since Ontario has separate licensing requirements for paralegals from the rest of Canada. I am NOT a licensed paralegal in Ontario.

  • As a freelancer, I own my own business and am hired by lawyers or law firms on a part-time basis to supplement their in-house team.
    Paralegals (or in Ontario, Law Clerks) perform independent legal work under the general supervision of a lawyer.
    Some examples are: draft legal documents such as affidavits, briefs, pleadings, closing statements, etc; conduct legal research; communicate with clients; and assist in organizing, analyzing, and maintaining evidence or other data.

  • STEP 1 _INTRODUCTION - Email me or use the GET STARTED button to request an introductory meeting. Over a video call (or other method if you prefer) we’ll introduce ourselves, discuss your business needs, and determine how I can best help you and if we’d be a good fit. (Instead of using the button on this website, you can also just contact me directly. My contact info is in the footer of each page).

    STEP 2_HIRING - If you would like to proceed, we will have a more in-depth discussion about exactly what you need, amount of work, deadlines, detailed list of both official requirements and your personal preferences, etc. We will discuss rates and sign an agreement.

    STEP 3_WORK GETS DONE - Securely transfer any documents and materials I’ll need to work on your project. I’ll provide regular check-ins to address any questions that arise, update you on how the project is progressing and how many hours I’ve been working on your project that week, deal with any changes in instructions/ deadlines/ priorities/ etc. (You will be invoiced monthly, or at the end of your project, whichever is shorter.)

    STEP 4_REVIEW - I’ll securely transfer the finished product for your review. You will provide feedback and I’ll make any further changes as required.

    STEP 5_CLOSURE - Once satisfied, both parties sign off on finalized product. I’ll send you the final invoice. I may ask you for feedback on how you found working with me so I can improve my services and website for the future.

  • You can hire me for as big or little a project as you like, from one hour to multiple months.
    In general, I can provide you with up to 10-15 hours of work each week.
    If you have an onrushing deadline, we can discuss my availability and rates for dedicating more time to your project. See my SERVICES page for more details about my rates.

  • Security and Confidentiality are paramount! Here are some steps I’ve taken to ensure the security of your data.

    I only work on a desktop computer in my personal office, and use a secure internet connection. I will never take your files or my computer outside my office. I will never use a laptop or public wifi.

    Files are transferred via secure dropbox (If you require something different, let me know).

    Before work begins, I will ask you who your client is to ensure there is no conflict of interest. If there is, I will inform you and not take the job.

    For details about how this website collects information, see our website’s Privacy Policy.

  • Yes, as long as the fees are itemized as legal fees (not disbursement), the markup is “fair and reasonable”, and the client has agreed in writing to accepting such costs (though there is some disagreement about this requirement).

    In the commentary after Rule 3.6-3 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, you will note that paralegal fees are specifically mentioned as being able to be included in the legal fees you pass on to the client.

    ———————

    3.6-1 A lawyer must not charge or accept a fee or disbursement, including interest, unless it is fair and reasonable and has been disclosed in a timely fashion.

    3.6-3 In a statement of an account delivered to a client, a lawyer must clearly and separately detail the amounts charged as fees and disbursements.

    Commentary

    …a subcategory entitled “Other Charges” may be included under the fees heading if a lawyer wishes to separately itemize charges such as paralegal, word processing or computer costs that are not disbursements, provided that the client has agreed, in writing, to such costs.

    See The Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s Code of Professional Conduct