On Oct. 1, it was announced that amendments to the province’s Legal Profession Act were brought into force, thus paving the way for non-lawyers working in the justice sector to apply for a limited licence through the Law Society of Saskatchewan (LSS) — and, if approved, be able to “provide certain legal services to the public.”
A news release notes that applicants “will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they have the education and experience to provide services.”
Pamela Kovacs, Law Society of Saskatchewan
The LSS had long been calling for the regulation of limited licensees, citing a need to bridge a gap experienced by those needing certain legal services but unable to afford the fees of a lawyer.
Under the new legislation, “non-lawyer legal professionals” meeting certain criteria may be able to provide services such as:
- Family law services around separation agreements and uncontested joint divorce and parenting arrangements.
- The taking on of some matters before administrative tribunals and provincial court, such as small claims disputes, traffic matters and summary conviction criminal matters.
- Handling matters involving wills, powers of attorney, guardianship and health care “directives.”
- The provision of limited corporate legal services, contracts, land title transfers, interest registrations and discharges.
- Assisting self-represented litigants prepare for court.
- The administration of estates not exceeding $25,000.
“The Law Society is working to develop a process for non-lawyers to be authorized to provide these limited legal services in the near future,” states the release, which encourages those interested to “review the information available on the [LSS] website.”
Law360 Canada asked LSS senior policy counsel Pamela Kovacs why this move was needed.
“The overall goal of limited licensing is to enhance access to legal services for underserved Saskatchewan individuals, balanced with ensuring public protection,” said Kovacs. “These legislative changes mean an increase in access to regulated legal service providers, recognizing different types of expertise and qualifications.”
The first limited licences will be issued as of Jan. 1, 2026, she said.
Whether an applicant is licensed will depend on things such as what services would be permitted, an applicant’s education and work experience, and their continuing professional development.
Kovacs was asked if this will effectively bring paralegals to Saskatchewan. Unlike a province such as Ontario, the term “paralegal” remains an ambiguous and unofficial one in Saskatchewan.
“‘Paralegal’ is not a protected or defined title in legislation in Saskatchewan, meaning that many individuals working in law firms or for the Ministry of Justice will adopt the term ‘paralegal’ to reference their role as a legal assistant or paraprofessional in law. There is no oversight by the Law Society for use of this title,” said Kovacs.
However, the term “limited licensee” is a “protected and defined term” in the legislation.
Kovacs noted that the LSS’s quest for limited licensing goes back to the start of 2016, when consultations were set up to measure need and appetite for limited licensing. Before long, a Legal Services Task Team was set up and went on to deliver a report on bringing limited licensing to the province.
“This was a joint initiative between the Ministry of Justice and Law Society of Saskatchewan that focused on recommendations to strengthen access to legal services in underserved markets/locations, increase consumer choice, and effectively regulate legal services in more flexible ways,” said Kovacs.
In a statement, Saskatchewan Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod spoke of access to justice being “the key to safe communities, strong families, and equal opportunities across our province.”
“I look forward to continuing to build our relationship with the Law Society to enhance legal services and ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to access the Saskatchewan justice system,” McLeod said.
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