Professional Development and Competence Policy

Purpose

Clients are entitled to a representative who knows the law and procedure that applies to their matter. This policy explains how NEO maintains competence, as the Paralegal Rules of Conduct require.

Our policy

1. Continuing professional development. Every licensee completes at least the continuing professional development (CPD) hours the Law Society requires each year, including the required professionalism hours, and reports them on time.
2. Keeping up with change. We follow changes to the legislation, rules, forms and procedures of the courts and tribunals we appear before, and update our guides, templates and checklists when they change.
3. Knowing our limits. We only take on matters we are competent to handle and that are within a paralegal's scope. If a matter needs knowledge we don't have, we get it, work with someone who has it, or refer the client.
4. Checking our work. Important documents are reviewed before they are filed, and every legal citation is verified against official sources.
5. Staff training. Employees and contractors are trained in confidentiality, client identification, privacy and the firm's systems, and in the policies that apply to their work.

Records

Each licensee keeps a record of their CPD, and the firm keeps a record of staff training.

Review

This policy is reviewed at least once a year, and whenever the Law Society's By-Laws or rules change. The principal approves every change.

Questions

Email info@neolegalservices.com, call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, or write to us at Unit 236, 1099 Kingston Road, Pickering, Ontario L1V 1B5.