TO DO OR NOT TO DO

Understanding and navigating through the court processes can be confusing and paralyzing for the self represented. If the litigants are not able to supply the necessary evidence and legal arguments, the judge’s tasks and the time required to perform them, will be greater. These factors may result in disappointed expectations. Without the consultation of a legal representative, a litigant may not fully understand the advantages to them of settling outside of court for example. If self-represented litigants do not understand the advantages they can derive from a negotiated settlement, they will be less likely to make the necessary effort to settle and more likely to leave the decision to the judge. The self-represented litigant may also lack the knowledge and experience needed to predict the likely outcome of their case at trial, or to compare that outcome with the options available for settlement. Early advice on the substantive merits of a claim or defence are crucial. Such advice may inform a decision to pursue or defend an action. For others, minimal guidance and direction to appropriate resources may be all that is needed. Understanding that the decision to being self represented may be financial, reviewing and understanding the full range of services, a licensed paralegal may offer can be a viable option for your matter. Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; Call Jaclyn in to ACTION!

Choosing a legal professional:

  1. If you have a case in Small Claims Court, a lawyer or paralegal can represent you. For any civil litigation matter in the Superior Court of Justice, you will need a lawyer to represent you.

  2. Who should you consult for help in Small Claims Court? A lawyer or paralegal can help with all matters in Small Claims Court.

  3. Who should you consult if you have a matter before the Landlord and Tenant Board, or other tribunal? Either A lawyer or a paralegal can assist you before most of the tribunals that have been established by the provincial and federal governments. The following are examples of tribunals: Landlord and Tenant Board (for rent disputes); Financial Services Commission of Ontario (for Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule claims - car accidents); Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (for on-the-job associated injuries); Social Benefits Tribunal (if you are entitled to government assistance through programs like the Ontario Disability Support Program); Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

  4. Integrity without knowledge is useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous. Blended seamlessly, honesty and integrity; are crucial executive skills in business dealings.To be persuasive you must be believable; to be believable you must be credible; to be credible you must be truthful.

Call Jaclyn in to ‘action.’ Jaclyn P. Solomon is, Lawfully Yours.