With a little luck and the ongoing efforts of the Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals (“AAPP”), Paralegals in Alberta may one day become regulated like they are in Ontario. Until such time, in Alberta, it is entirely up to the buyer to do their research before hiring an independent Paralegal to help with their legal matter. Anyone can call themselves “paralegal” in Alberta, and anyone can offer paralegal services without any oversight. For this reason, it’s important for people to do their homework before hiring a paralegal.
Buyer beware: A few bad apples in the bunch
As many professional paralegals and legal service providers are pushing for regulation, it is unfortunate to see that not all paralegals conduct themselves appropriately. The Honourable Justice K. G. Nielsen recently made an example out of a vexatious litigant posing as a “professional paralegal” in the decision of Liu v Kadiri, 2024 ABKB 271. Previously, sometime in June 2021, there was another case that made it into the news when an independent paralegal was hired for a desk divorce application, but the documents were never filed. Both of those paralegals operated as independent paralegal service providers in Edmonton.
Professional Paralegals: More than a few options
When the Edmonton Family Network first launched back in early 2021, there were already a few different independent paralegal service providers that had set-up shop in the Edmonton area. As of 2024, the number of paralegal service providers advertising on Google appears to have tripled. Some have many impressive reviews, and others, such as us, have virtually no online reviews despite having been operational for a handful of years. When screening a professional paralegal as a potential service provider, it is extremely important to ask questions regarding experience, education, and what to expect if things go (or do not go) as planned.
It’s always a good idea to interview at least three professionals before picking one to hire. We do not recommend hiring the first professional you speak with no matter how good their sales pitch sounds. The Edmonton Family Network recommends chatting with a few different legal professionals before using your gut to pick the best option for you and your legal matter. Of course, the best option should be the professional you are most comfortable communicating with and opening up with about the good, the bad and the ugly of your legal matter. The Edmonton Family Network can provide recommendations to exceptional service providers that may be worth interviewing.
The Edmonton Family Network was designed to be used as a resource to anyone dealing with a difficult family situation. The Edmonton Family Network is familiar with the current limitations of the legal system and the barriers many people face trying to access and afford legal services. The Edmonton Family Network aims to educate and connect people with affordable resources and service providers that can help.
