Regulated Paralegals

Regulated Paralegals – Public Consultation Underway

The government has released a proposed framework outlining the scope of practice for regulated paralegals and is currently seeking public feedback. The proposal introduces two categories of licensure: a General Scope Licence and a Family Law Specialization Licence.

1. General Scope Licence

Regulated paralegals holding a General Scope Licence would be authorized to:

• Represent clients in Provincial Court for matters such as:

  • Small claims

  • Traffic offences

  • Summary conviction criminal offences

  • Certain family law matters

• Appear before administrative tribunals, including:

  • Residential tenancy hearings

  • Workers’ compensation proceedings

• Provide legal services related to:

  • Wills and powers of attorney

  • Real estate transactions

  • Corporate filings and transactions

  • Estate administration

• Represent clients in Supreme Court for certain family law matters, subject to obtaining the Family Law Specialization Licence.

2. Family Law Specialization Licence

The Family Law Specialization Licence would be available to paralegals who already hold a General Scope Licence and wish to focus on family law. This additional certification would permit them to handle more complex family law matters, including:

• Adoptions

• Continuing custody orders in child protection matters

• Property division

• Other advanced family law issues

Certain areas would remain outside the scope of both licences, including:

• Surrogacy matters

• Fertility-related legal issues

• International child custody disputes

For complete details regarding the proposed framework, please review the full consultation materials provided by the government. If you wish to submit feedback, you may do so through the official online survey.

At Affordable Legal BC, we currently represent clients in Provincial Court in a capacity similar to what regulated paralegals are expected to provide once the new framework is implemented. Should you have any questions about how these changes may affect you, we welcome you to contact our office for further information.