Paralegals Unite!
April 26, 2014 was a historic day for the paralegal profession. Members of the paralegal Society
of Ontario (PSO) met in Toronto to vote for the amalgamation of their organization (PSO) with
the Licensed Paralegal Association of Ontario (LPA) to become the Ontario Paralegal
Association (OPA). As OPA had previously been registered, in fact amalgamation of three
organizations was put to vote.
The motion that passed:
"Be it resolved that the Paralegal Society of
Ontario's membership agrees and accepts
the amalgamation Agreement and thereby
the amalgamation of the Paralegal Society
of Ontario, Licensed Paralegal Association
and Ontario Paralegal Association.”
In an opening speech, PSO’s President John Tzanis
explained that education, advocacy, and fraternity were
the three pillars of the PSO. As regards education, it had
always been a concern that the CPD evens were mostly
being held only in Toronto. Amalgamation would
facilitate presence in different places of Ontario. Joint
lecture series and free CPDs would be among other
expected benefits of amalgamation. According to John Tzanis, as a result of good advocacy, both
associations now get invited to important committees of the LSUC and their policies are being
implemented; also, the Ontario Bar Association has a “less aggressive” relationship with
paralegals now. “Rob [Robbert Burd] and I are advocates for paralegals. We have to be there [in
the LSUC’s committees and groups] to argue on your behalf.” Tzanis added. He also explained
that fraternity develops through networking events such as holiday parties or receptions where
members can talk and get advice from more experienced paralegals. According to John Tzanis,
amalgamation would improve efficiency in services, advocacy, education, marketing and
mentoring.
Robert Burd, President of the LPA who was present at this meeting alongside many other special
guests, provided a brief history of the LPA. He explained that the creation of the LPA dated back
to 1985 when a group of five paralegals who were called ‘agents’ at that time, formed the
‘Association of Agents at Court’. That association eventually turned into LPA. The purpose of
that association was educating the agents and strengthening the profession. Burd’s father was one
of those five agents. Burd said that he was initially reluctant to give up what his father had built;
however, he was eventually convinced that amalgamation was the “correct route to take”. On
March 29, 2014, the LPA members voted in favor of amalgamation (with a ninety six percent
turn-out). Burd explained that one important benefit of the amalgamation for members would be
27 hours of free CPD hours for all members each year.
Marian Lippa, paralegal bencher at the LSUC, was the third person to make a speech before the
votes were cast. She pointed out that the reason she became a member of the PSO was the
importance of being part of an organization that addresses issues of the paralegals that she could
not address alone. “When you choose to vote today, remember that you are voting for a voice for