Can I recover my legal fees if I win in small claims?
Only partly. In Ontario, representation fees awarded to the successful party are capped at 15% of the amount claimed under section 29 of the Courts of Justice Act, except in exceptional cases. Most other provinces award only limited costs, so you rarely recover your full legal or paralegal bill.
Do I need a lawyer or paralegal for small claims?
Not usually. Small claims court is designed for self-represented parties, and the procedures are simplified. Hiring a licensed paralegal (permitted in Ontario) or a lawyer makes sense for larger or complex claims, but for a simple case the cost can approach or exceed what is at stake.
Can a paralegal represent me in small claims?
In Ontario, yes — licensed paralegals are authorized to represent clients in Small Claims Court and typically charge less than lawyers. In Quebec, neither lawyers nor paralegals may represent parties in the small claims division; you must represent yourself.
How much does small claims representation cost?
Licensed paralegals commonly charge $100 to $250 per hour and lawyers more. A straightforward defended claim might involve several hours of preparation plus the hearing. Because recovery of these fees is capped, weigh the cost against the claim before retaining a representative.