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

The concept that refers to the ability of a legal professional to represent clients in specific situations is best captured by the term "scope of practice." This term delineates the boundaries within which a legal professional, such as a paralegal, may operate based on their qualifications, training, and relevant laws. It defines what types of cases a paralegal is competent and authorized to work on, ensuring that they do not exceed their legal capabilities or training.

Understanding the scope of practice is essential because it protects both the clients and the legal professional by ensuring that representation is provided within the parameters set by law and regulatory bodies. This means that a paralegal must be well aware of the limits of their practice to provide effective and lawful representation.

In contrast, authority generally refers to the power or right given to someone to make decisions or take action, which might apply to various contexts in law but does not specifically address the known limitations of practice. Representation indeed pertains to the act of standing in for or advocating on behalf of another, but it does not encompass the limitations specific to a professional's qualifications. Licensure denotes the formal permission granted to practice law or provide legal services but does not address the nuances of what specific practices or areas of law a license allows a