Code of Ethics for Paralegals in Ontario

The PSO (Paralegal Society of Ontario) recognizes the guidelines and professional conduct are important. Paralegals have many duties and their functions change among the areas they practice. It is important for Paralegals to maintain a personal and professional excellence. This post includes some things for a Paralegal to remember.

A paralegal shall achieve and maintain a high level of competence. Paralegals should strive for competency through their education, training, and experience. A Paralegal shall perform their duties in a timely and proficient manner. Paralegals shall also use discretion with employees under their direction. Paralegals must remember to maintain a high level of integrity when working with their client.

A Paralegal has an important duty of professional conduct. Paralegals often represent a law firm and therefore must give a great first impression. A Paralegal hears confidential information from clients, and it is their duty not to disclose any information they have access to. Paralegals are not to use any information to the disadvantage of their client or engage in any indiscreet communications concerning clients.

In Ontario, Paralegals are licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada. This gives a Paralegal an enormous responsibility to maintain a high standard of conduct. A Paralegal must never give the impression that he or she is a lawyer. They must always disclose the information that they are a Paralegal.


A Paralegal has a responsibility to represent their employers as well as their client. They have guidelines and a professional conduct to live up to everyday that they are at work. Since a Paralegal works in the legal field, we hope they take their legal and ethical responsibilities seriously.

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