The following Law Society of Ontario links include the instruments that regulate lawyers and paralegals, as well as resources that aim to support lawyers and paralegals in building, maintaining, and enhancing an ethical and competent practice.
Rules of Professional Conduct: The Rules of Professional Conduct express the high ethical ideals of lawyers and specify the bases on which lawyers may be disciplined.
Paralegal Rules of Conduct: The Paralegal Rules of Conduct express the high ethical ideals of paralegals and specify the bases on which paralegals may be disciplined.
Paralegal Professional Conduct Guidelines: The Paralegal Professional Conduct Guidelines assist paralegals with the interpretation and application of the Paralegal Rules of Conduct.
By-Laws: The Law Society's by-laws are among the documents that set out the professional and ethical obligations of Ontario's lawyers and paralegals. They are made by Convocation under the authority of ss. 62(0.1) and (1) of the Law Society Act.
By-law 4 Licensing This by-law, among other things,
prescribes the classes of licence that may be issued, the scope of activities authorized under each class of licence and the terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions imposed on each class of licence
governs the licensing of persons to practise law in Ontario as barristers and solicitors and the licensing of persons to provide legal services in Ontario
Law Society Act: The Law Society’s authority to license and regulate lawyers and paralegals in the public interest is granted by the Ontario government through the Law Society Act and the regulations made under the Act.
Coach and Advisor Network: The Coach and Advisor Network (CAN) provides lawyers and paralegals with access to shorter-term, outcome-oriented relationships with coaches and advisors drawn from the professions.
Practice Management Helpline: The Practice Management Helpline is a confidential telephone service for Ontario lawyers and paralegals to ask questions about the Rules of Professional Conduct, the Paralegal Rules of Conduct and other professionalism and practice management topics. Its phone number is (416) 947-3315 or 1-800-668-7380, ext. 3315.
Practice Management Guidelines (Lawyer) The Practice Management Guidelines are practical tools to assist lawyers in assessing, maintaining and enhancing their quality of service. They provide a general framework for conducting various aspects of legal work. The Guidelines focus on eight practice management issues.
Practice Management Topics (Lawyer/Paralegal): These resources assist lawyers and paralegals with understanding their obligations under the Rules of Professional Conduct, Paralegal Rules of Conduct, and By-Laws, as well as with ensuring proper practice management.
Family Legal Service Provider Initiative: This is the home page for the FLSP initiative. It outlines the permissible scope of FLSPs, answers frequently asked questions for FLSPs and those interested in becoming an FLSP, and provides other helpful resources regarding the FLSP initiative.