Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam 2025 - Free Paralegal Practice Questions and Study Guide

Negligence in legal practice is defined as a failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonable individual, in this case, a paralegal, would exercise in similar circumstances. This definition emphasizes the standard of care that professionals are expected to uphold in their practice. It recognizes that professionals have a duty to act competently and to protect the interests of their clients. If a paralegal fails to meet this standard, resulting in harm or damage to a client, they could be held liable for negligence.

The other definitions provided, while related to other aspects of legal practice, do not capture the essence of negligence in the context of legal duties. A failure to reach a contractual obligation pertains more to contract law rather than negligence. Actions taken without a client's permission relate to issues of consent and authority. Lastly, providing legal advice without sufficient knowledge encompasses malpractice but does not fully define negligence, as it does not solely consider the standard of care expected in the legal profession.