The Law Society of Ontario is the governing body responsible for regulating the legal professions in the public interest. Established in 1797 as the Law Society of Upper Canada, it operates as one of North America's oldest professional organizations, overseeing more than 57,000 lawyer licensees and 10,600 paralegal licensees. The Law Society ensures that legal practitioners meet high standards of learning, competence, and professional conduct while serving the people of Ontario. Headquartered at the historic Osgoode Hall in Toronto, the organization maintains a rich legal heritage spanning over 225 years.
As a self-regulatory body, the Law Society licenses and disciplines lawyers and paralegals pursuant to the Law Society Act, facilitating access to justice and maintaining the rule of law. The organization processed 4,145 complaints to Professional Regulation and filed 143 discipline notices in 2022 alone. Beyond regulatory functions, the Law Society provides comprehensive resources including the Lawyer and Paralegal Directory, Law Society Referral Service, Continuing Professional Development programs, and the Great Library. The organization has been recognized as one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers, reflecting its commitment to creating a supportive workplace that invests in professional growth, employee well-being, and progressive employment policies.