NOC 42200 — Paralegals and related occupations

TEER 2 · Technical / skilled trades (college or apprenticeship) · Eligible for Express Entry (CEC and FSWP)

Paralegals prepare legal documents and conduct research to assist lawyers or other professionals. Independent paralegals provide legal services to the public as allowed by government legislation, or provide paralegal services on contract to law firms or other establishments. Justices of the peace administer oaths, issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants and perform other court-related duties such as conducting bail hearings. Notaries public administer oaths, take affidavits, sign legal documents and perform other activities according to the scope of their practice. Trademark agents advise clients on intellectual property matters. Paralegals are employed by law firms, by record search companies and in legal departments throughout the public and private sectors. Independent paralegals are usually self-employed. Justices of the peace are employed by federal, provincial, municipal, and territorial courts. Notaries public are employed by government and in the public and private sectors or they may be self-employed. Trademark agents are employed by law firms and legal departments throughout the public and private sectors, trademark development and search firms or they may be self-employed.

Main duties

Paralegals and related occupations

Assist lawyers by interviewing clients, witnesses and other related parties, assembling documentary evidence, preparing trial briefs, and arranging for trials
Assist lawyers in preparation for mediation and judicial dispute resolutions
Under the supervision of a lawyer, prepare wills, real estate transactions and other legal documents, court reports and affidavits
Research records, court files and other legal documents
Draft legal correspondence and perform general office and clerical duties.

Independent paralegals

Represent clients in small claims court and in other lower court proceedings, at tribunals and before administrative bodies
Advise clients and take legal action on landlord and tenant matters, traffic violations, name changes and other issues within their jurisdictions.

Justices of the peace

Issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants, including search warrants
Receive affidavits, declarations and affirmations
Administer oaths
Conduct bail hearings
Release defendants on judges’ orders and explain rights and obligations
Hear evidence at trials on summary conviction offences and may preside over trials of criminal offences at the discretion of the chief judge of the jurisdiction or as provided for in federal, provincial, or territorial statutes
Perform civil marriages
Register wills, probate, bankruptcy, etc.

Notaries public

Administer oaths and take affidavits and depositions
Witness and certify the validity of signatures on documents
May draft contracts, prepare promissory notes and draw up wills, mortgages and other legal documents
May arrange probates and administer the estates of deceased persons.

Trademark agents

Advise clients on intellectual property matters and represent clients before the Registrar of Trade-Marks on matters including prosecution of applications for registration of trademarks
Advise on the registrability of trademarks, trademark licensing requirements, transfer of intellectual property and protection of existing trademark rights
Represent clients at proceedings before the Trade Marks Opposition Board and in related proceedings
May represent clients internationally in consultation with foreign associates and attorneys.

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