Law Society of Ontario’s “Start Here” Campaign assists Ontarians with the tools needed to maneuver the Justice System

BY BRITTNEY CHANNER

For many people living in Toronto, finding adequate help when it comes to legal information and resources can be quite difficult. Correctly maneuvering through an already challenging justice system leaves many people puzzled in regards to what steps to take once an unfortunate event arises. However, the Law Society of Ontario has recently created a public awareness campaign called “Start Here” that will assist those in attaining the proper legal information they need.

The Law Society of Ontario governs Ontario’s lawyers and paralegals in the public at large by ensuring that citizens of Ontario are assisted by lawyers and paralegals who meet high standards of knowledge, proficiency and professional conduct. In addition, it is here where you can find viable information about obtaining a lawyer or paralegal for hire or information concerning legal processes.

Nevertheless, the “Start Here” awareness campaign is getting ready to wrap up the first phase theme of the campaign which is entitled “Our Society is Your Society”. The basis of this current phase is to inform Ontarians that they can “Start Here”, with the Law Society of Ontario, when in need of access to legal information or resources. By visiting their website www.LSO.ca, citizens will be able to learn more about the tools that are available for them.

The initial purpose of the campaign surrounds the interests of the public and its concerns. Through continued efforts made by the Law Society of Ontario, to connect and reach out directly to the public, citizens will be able to foster a better understanding of the role they play and what people can do should a legal issue arise.

In Ontario alone, many people do not know where to turn when situations pertaining to divorce, child custody, creating a will or initiating a small claims court matter commences. Emotions tend to arise in situations such as these which can, therefore, make an already complex process even more stressful. However, through the Law Society’s “Start Here” campaign, individuals will be able to learn more about their options and make informed decisions as they see fit.

The campaign additionally focuses on key resources and tools such as The Law Society’s Lawyer and Paralegal Directory; which assists people in accessing licensed and legal professionals based on their geographic area, area of practice, or language spoken. The Law Society Referral Service, which provides a free 30-minute consultation with a lawyer or paralegal to help people determine their legal rights and options. Also, the campaign provides helpful information regarding a wide range of topics such as divorce or child custody and offers step by step information about legal problems offered by Steps to Justice.

The Law Society has additional tools and resources for individuals who are already a part of the legal profession which can assist them in their own legal practice and will be run through a separate internally run campaign called “Your Source.”

Nevertheless, the “Start Here” campaign has already commenced as of May 6^th and will continue to run province-wide until June 30^th, 2019. Promotions for the campaign can be accessed on multiple platforms such as radio, in print, television and on various social/digital channels province wide. Communities throughout urban and rural centers will specifically be targeted within this campaign nonetheless, these services will be made available to all Ontario citizens.

Navigating through the legal justice system can produce a wide range of emotions and be a daunting process overall. When sudden events arise, most people do not have the information or resources needed to effectively make decisions regarding their options. However, the Law Society of Ontario and their “Start Here” campaign offers insightful information and procedures for Ontarians to utilize and essentially make the pathway through the justice system slightly easier.