McKenzie Legal Services
3563 Cherrington Crescent L5L5C3 Mississauga, ON, Canada

UPDATE: here is a link to the shell of a group to connect those interested in helping: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2734200030180104/?ref=share *EDITED TO ENSURE NOT OFFENDING PEOPLE*... To Paralegals AND lawyers in my network: Many legal professionals practicing in the Small Claims Court lack appropriate mentorship, guidance, education or maybe motivation which results in many mistakes in the courts and handling cases. Consistent mistakes I see resulting from this issue, specifically in Small Claims Court, is: improper naming of a corporation; overlooking applicable defences; misunderstanding of evicidence rules (example hearsay is permitted in Sm.CC but not SCJ, some lawyers don’t know this and bring motions to exclude witnesses on that basis); not treating Sm.CC cases as if they were SCJ cases (only real difference from a competence, representation expectations and advocacy standpoint is a few 0’s); lack of legal research or knowledge of the applicable Rules and common law tests that apply to the remedy sought; not being properly prepared or competent in the field; etc. The list goes on. So I am thinking of creating an association called Ontario Small Claims Court Advocates Assoication. The idea is to have me as President, and find like minded individuals who have the same level of professionalism, experience, knowledge, passion etc as I and form the initial board of directors - who will be vetted extensively to make sure the first board is the best possible board. This group and board would include lawyers, Paralegals, articling students - anyone who practices in Small Claims Court. This would be the first association with both lawyers and paralegals working together to better the Small Claims Court process for everyone. We would have Small Claims Court Niagara Region and Small Claims Court GTHA etc as committees within the organization. We would provide mentorship, education (CPDs). We would Educate the Public and focus on access to Justice by reducing incompetence or inexperience in the courtroom which would reduce the resources allocated by the courts for unnecessary motions or Trials etc I would need help designing a mission statement, budget, fundraisers, sponsorships, discounts for members, organizing CPDs, designing a business plan, all pro bono but for a great cause. Who is in?

I have been preparing a blog / article on the topic of racism and discrimination (showing many of the pressing issues equate to a humanitarian problem.. hoping to post my blog in the coming weeks).

This is an incredible message for every organization or team to hear.