Legal assistant: legal definition and example
Definition
A legal assistant is a professional who assists lawyers and notaries in the management of their legal practice. They may be responsible for drafting legal documents, managing files, communicating with clients and the courts, and conducting legal research.
Example
A concrete example of a task a legal assistant could perform would be drafting a lease agreement for a client. The legal assistant would be responsible for gathering all relevant information, drafting the contract using precise legal language and ensuring that all clauses comply with current legislation. Once the contract has been drafted, the legal assistant would submit it to the lawyer or notary for approval before handing it over to the customer. This task is crucial to ensure that the customer’s interests are protected and that all parties involved are able to understand the terms of the contract.
Citation and reference
Here are a few excerpts from Canadian laws that refer to legal assistants:
1. Law Society Act, R.S.C. (1985), c. L-6, s. 27 :
“The board of directors may appoint a secretary and treasurer and engage such employees and legal assistants as may be necessary for the administration of this Act and for the performance of the functions of the Bar.”
2. Courts of Justice Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.43, s. 25:
“The Chief Justice may appoint deputy clerks, legal assistants and other employees necessary for the administration of this Act and for the performance of the functions of the courts of justice.”
3. An Act respecting advocates and notaries, RLRQ c. B-1, art. 128 :
“The board of directors may engage such employees and legal assistants as may be necessary for the administration of this Act and for the performance of the functions of the Bar.”
4. Courts of Justice Act, R.S.C. (1985), c. J-1, s. 23:
“The Chief Justice may appoint deputy clerks, legal assistants and other employees necessary for the administration of this Act and for the performance of the functions of the courts of justice.”
