The different lawsuits and disputes that arise from employment relationships have become even more common today. If you ever find yourself involved in an employment-related case, an employment law paralegal can help you reach a conclusion that works in your favor.
What is Employment Law?
Canada’s employment law typically pertains to the law that governs the relationship of one employee to their employer. This is different from labor law, which is the body of law in charge of regulating the obligations, restrictions, and rights of workers, employers, and trade unions.
The employment law in Canada includes both the judge-made or common law of master and service, which is primarily concerned with wrongful dismissal, as well as a complex group of statute laws that deals with the minimum standards of labor, worker’s compensation, occupational safety and health, and human rights.
Benefits of Hiring One for Employment Law Issues
Paralegals who specialize in employment law are legal professionals who assist in employment-related cases. They can work right away to make an initial assessment of your issue and identify if they can help with your case.
Depending on the type of case, you can commence an action in a small claims court as a self-represented litigant, or you can hire a small claims court Toronto paralegal as your legal representative.
By working with a paralegal, you can have the assurance that you will be working with a highly skilled professional who can assist you with a wide variety of legal problems. Below are some of the top benefits of working with an employment law paralegal:
- Access to resources: Paralegals that specialize in employment can usually access resources that might not be available to lawyers or general practitioners who specialize exclusively in the area of law.
- Legal expertise: Employment law paralegals are skilled in the different areas of employment law, including drafting and reviewing contracts, as well as representing employees in court. It is invaluable knowledge as far as solving legal issues is concerned.
- Reduced cost: You can save more money on legal fees if you hire an employment law paralegal.
- Stress-free: Hiring an employment law paralegal can also save you from the stress often associated with legal problems. Paralegals can help you solve your issue and make sure you stay updated on the progress of the case.
Steps to Hire an Employment Law Paralegal
When looking for qualified paralegals for employment law, there are simple steps to follow to ensure that you will hire the right one.
Rely on word of mouth. A lot of people find a paralegal by asking for recommendations from their family members, colleagues, and friends. If they are satisfied with a certain paralegal, they worked with before.
If the recommended paralegal handles employment law, you might want to use the same paralegal to assist you with your case.
Conduct online and directory searches. People also often use online and directory searches to look for the legal assistance they need.
It can be a bit daunting. Considering all the paralegals out there to choose from, it might take you some time before you can determine the right one for you and your needs. You can also check the Law Society Referral Service and Ontario Paralegal Association.
Use the services of a paralegal you already know. Most people turn to a paralegal whom they might have previously used when they were dealing with a new legal matter. It works if the paralegal has expertise in employment law.
It is always recommended to seek help from a professional who is experienced in employment law. You may also know a lawyer who can refer you to a paralegal they know or work with.
Check the experience of the paralegal. At this point, you wouldn’t just want to look at the experience of the paralegal.
It is also the time to know more about their track record of successful cases. It is also essential to find out if they have any special skills that can help them deal with the specific employment law concern or issue you are dealing with.
You also have to determine if the paralegal you are planning to hire outsources any work given to them. It is important that all people involved understand the specific kind of documentation and paperwork necessary for the case.
A good paralegal can give you, and everyone else involved a walkthrough of the different processes and steps that will ensue.
Look for the necessary credentials. Particular coursework is required to become a paralegal, such as a bachelor’s or associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies. See if the potential paralegal you are considering getting the necessary degree to help them do their job.
Confirm good practical experience. Employment law concerns aren’t simple, so you want your paralegal to have good practical experience in the field.
While there is nothing wrong with working with a newbie who might still be trying to find his way around, someone who has been around the block for some time now can give you better chances of success.
Look at the practical experience of the paralegal and work with the one aligned with your goals.
Choose a team player. You and your paralegal will be working as a team, so be sure to choose one who will be willing to be right there with you every step of the way and put your best interest before anything or anyone else.
How Much are Employment Law Paralegal Fees?
Employment law paralegal fees are often based on several elements, such as:
- The complexity of the issue
- The extent to which the work should be done on an emergency basis
- Importance of the issue to the client
- Degree and nature of resistance encountered
- Results achieved and the extent to which the paralegal’s expertise contributed to a successful result
- Services rendered and time spent by the paralegals on the client’s behalf
Paralegals who specialize in employment often offer different fee structures to cater to the needs of their clients, which include hourly billing, flat fee arrangement, and partial contingency fee arrangement.