LSO Paralegal Exam Prep
Practice Test

A. The Ontario Bar Association

B. The Ministry of the Attorney General

C. The Law Society of Ontario ✓

D. The Ontario Paralegal Association

Correct — C. The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) is the self-regulatory body established under the Law Society Act that governs both lawyers and licensed paralegals in Ontario. It sets the standards of professional conduct and has the authority to license, discipline, and revoke the licences of paralegals.

A. Immediately report the client to the police

B. Continue representing the client since confidentiality applies

C. Advise the client to correct the false information and, if refused, withdraw from the representation ✓

D. File a complaint with the opposing party

Correct — C. A paralegal must not knowingly assist a client in misleading the court or tribunal. If the client refuses to correct false information, the paralegal's obligation is to withdraw from the representation rather than facilitate a fraud. Confidentiality does not protect communications made to further a crime or fraud.

A. Retain all files until the case is concluded

B. Immediately destroy all confidential documents

C. Provide the client with reasonable notice and return the file and any unearned fees ✓

D. Transfer the file directly to the opposing party's counsel

Correct — C. Upon withdrawal, a paralegal must give the client reasonable notice to allow time to retain new representation, return the client's file and property, and refund any unearned fees held in trust. The paralegal must not prejudice the client's interests by the manner of withdrawal.

A. The Crown's obligation to present its case at trial

B. The Crown's obligation to provide the accused with all relevant evidence in its possession, both inculpatory and exculpatory ✓

C. The obligation to disclose sentencing recommendations to the judge

D. The obligation to publish details of the criminal charges in a local newspaper

Correct — B. Following the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling in R v Stinchcombe, the Crown has a constitutional obligation to disclose to the accused all relevant information in its possession — including evidence that may assist the defence (exculpatory), not just evidence that inculpates. Failure to disclose may constitute a Charter violation.

A. The paralegal's general operating account

B. The paralegal's personal bank account

C. A mixed trust account held at a financial institution ✓

D. A short-term investment account in the client's name

Correct — C. Under the By-Laws of the Law Society of Ontario, client funds received as advance retainers must be deposited into a mixed trust account at a bank or other approved financial institution. They cannot be commingled with the paralegal's own operating funds until earned.

A. The statement was made between neighbours

B. Justification (truth) ✓

C. The plaintiff has a difficult personality

D. The statement was made anonymously

Correct — B. Truth (justification) is an absolute defence to a claim of defamation. If the defendant can prove that the statement was substantially true, the claim will fail. Other recognized defences include fair comment on a matter of public interest, qualified privilege, and absolute privilege.

A. Winning the client's case at all costs

B. Applying relevant knowledge, skills, and judgment with thoroughness and promptness ✓

C. Referring every matter to a supervising lawyer before proceeding

D. Guaranteeing the outcome the client desires

Correct — B. The Paralegal Rules of Conduct define competence as applying relevant knowledge, skills, and judgment with thoroughness and promptness. Paralegals are not required to guarantee outcomes, and referral to a lawyer is only required when the matter falls outside a paralegal's scope of practice.

A. 70% of gross pre-accident income up to $400 per week

B. 80% of net pre-accident income up to $400 per week ✓

C. 70% of gross pre-accident income up to $200 per week

D. 80% of net pre-accident income up to $600 per week

Correct — B. Under SABS, the income replacement benefit is calculated at 80% of the insured person's net pre-accident weekly income, subject to a maximum of $400 per week unless the insured has purchased an optional higher benefit. This applies when the person cannot perform the essential tasks of their pre-accident employment.