Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam 2026 - Free Paralegal Practice Questions and Study Guide

Maintaining client confidentiality is a fundamental ethical obligation for paralegals in client representation. This duty is essential as it protects the private information shared between a client and their paralegal, fostering trust and encouraging open communication. Confidentiality also aligns with the broader legal obligations set forth in various legal frameworks and professional conduct guidelines, reinforcing the idea that clients should feel secure in sharing sensitive information.

Adhering to this ethical principle is critical not only to uphold the integrity of the legal profession but also to comply with laws like the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which governs the handling of personal data. Breaching confidentiality can lead to significant professional repercussions and damage the client-paralegal relationship, potentially harming the client's case.

The other options undermine the ethical standards expected of paralegals. Prioritizing personal interests over client needs contradicts the fiduciary duty owed to clients, while delegating tasks to non-licensed individuals can jeopardize the quality and legality of the work performed. Additionally, setting unrealistic expectations misleads clients, damaging their trust and leading to dissatisfaction with the legal process.