Supervision and Delegation Policy

Purpose

Staff and contractors help us serve clients efficiently, but responsibility for legal work stays with a licensed paralegal. This policy explains how work is assigned and supervised, as the Law Society of Ontario's By-Laws and Paralegal Rules of Conduct require.

Who it applies to

Every licensee, and every employee and contractor who supports legal work.

What only a licensee does

• Accepting a client or matter, and deciding the scope of a retainer.
• Giving legal advice.
• Setting fees and approving accounts.
• Appearing for a client before a court or tribunal, except where the rules allow otherwise.
• Signing documents and correspondence that give legal opinions or take a legal position for a client.

What may be delegated

Tasks such as preparing drafts, gathering documents and information, scheduling, filing and correspondence about routine matters may be assigned to employees and contractors, provided:

1. the licensee assigns the task, and is satisfied the person can do it;
2. the licensee supervises the work and reviews it before it is relied on or sent;
3. the person makes clear to clients and others that they are not a licensee;
4. the person is bound by confidentiality and follows the firm's policies.

Contractors who are licensees

A licensed paralegal working with us as a contractor practises under their own licence and the same rules, and the client is told who is responsible for their matter.

Responsibility

The supervising licensee remains professionally responsible for all work delegated under this policy.

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.