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Trusted legal partner in St. Catharines Ontario for Human Rights, Civil Litigation, and more. Read About our team here. Meet the Team Sage Legal Solutions is supported by a talented team of lawyers, paralegals, students, and clerks. Read on to learn more. Natalie Posala Languages: English, Polish Lawyer Natalie previously sat as a Director of the Thunder Bay Law Association; and competed as an oralist at Moot competitions. Practice areas include: Civil disputes; Civil litigation; Small Claims court; Landlord Tenant matters; Human rights; Employment law; Labour law; grievances; discrimination claims; representing clients mistreated by Police or government; Indigenous law; Aboriginal rights; community consultations. Natalie has represented: institutional clients, corporations, private clients throughout Ontario; Not For Profit organizations; First Nations police services; largest First Nations political and territorial organization of Ontario; First Nations Chief and Council. Natalie has appeared at: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario; Canadian Human Rights Tribunal; Superior Court of Justice; Divisional Court. Notable cases: she argued at Divisional Court for First Nations communities to have the choice of child welfare service providers which align with their communities cultures and values. Kelsey Filipowicz Law Clerk Kelsey is a graduate of the Law Clerk program at Niagara College, bringing a strong foundation in legal procedures and documentation. Kelsey is skilled at supporting legal teams with case preparation, file management, and client communication. When Kelsey is not working she enjoys spending time with her children and kayaking. Gabriella Ochin Paralegal With prior experience, she has a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of the legal system. This unique perspective allows her to take a well-rounded approach to paralegal work, drawing from her comprehensive knowledge of legal principles. She has a proven track record of conducting thorough legal research, analyzing legal precedents, and crafting precise legal documents to effectively support clients' needs. For inquiries or to seek Gabriella’s assistance, please don't hesitate to contact her at gabriella@sagelegalsolutions.ca Nahal Golmohammadi Law Student Nahal works with clients, conducts research on legal precedents, and drafts legal documents. Nahal can be reached at nahal@sagelegalsolutions.ca. OUR STORY SAGE (definition): Sage is a Anishinaabe medicine - it is burned as a purifier, releasing troubles from one's mind, and removing negative energy from the area in which it is burned. To give sage advice means to give sound, sensible, and intelligent advice. Founded in 2021, Sage Legal Solutions strives to provide our clients with sound and simplified legal advice in a cost-effective manner.

Sage Legal Solutions: Trusted legal partner in St. Catharines for Human Rights, Litigation, Small Claims, Employment matters. Sound advice, and timely resolutions. Schedule a consultation today. Home: Welcome SMALL CLAIMS AND LITIGATION LAWYERS Serving St. Catharines and Ontario To give sage advice means to give sound, sensible, and intelligent advice. From this, Sage Legal Solutions was founded to serve clients in a timely, service-oriented, and cost-effective manner. What Clients Say "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help in recovering our money. There are no words to describe our gratitude for everything that you’ve done for us."

Small Claims, Civil Litigation, Human Rights, Indigenous Law, Labour and Employment. Practice Areas include: Human Rights Civil Litigation Litigation Small Claims Indigenous and Aboriginal Tribunals Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Regulatory Tribunals Ontario Superior Court of Justice Ontario Divisional Court Practice Areas: Practice Areas SERVICES Sage Legal Solutions handles cases including Small Claims, Civil Litigation, Small Claims, Human Rights, Labour and Employment. Your case may pertain to multiple areas of the law - just ask us if we can help. We can assist with commissioning documents and notarizing by appointment only. Small Claims? Click here for more. HUMAN RIGHTS We are passionate about protecting your human rights. We have experience in: Human Rights Tribunals; harassment cases; discrimination cases; civil litigation; police misfeasance cases; wrongful arrest; and, police brutality and misconduct. CIVIL LITIGATION, SMALL CLAIMS You may need assistance in gaining compensation for the harm you have suffered. We have experience in: contracts; landlord and tenant disputes; residential and commercial tenancies; small claims court; civil matters; and, civil disputes. We can help with animal legal matters, animal rights, and breeding contracts. TRIBUNALS, REGULATORY PROCEEDINGS, AND MORE... We can assist with Tribunals, Regulatory proceedings, and more: Landlord and Tenant Board ("LTB") Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario ("HRTO") Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ("CHRT") Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the “OCSWSSW”) Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario ("IPC") LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT Labour and employment can range from workplace grievances, to collective bargaining agreement negotiations, to mediation. We have advocated for the employee, and employer, in various cases. We have experience with: labour law; employment advice; advice for employees and employers; grievance, arbitration, mediation assistance; advice on employment matters relating to COVID-19 (including return-to-work issues); and, employment contracts. FIRST NATIONS AND INDIGENOUS LAW Indigenous Law is complex, nuanced, and encompasses centuries of traditional knowledge. We have the creativity to craft solutions for individuals and communities while navigating the Canadian legal system. We provide assistance to First Nations communities, Chief and Council, Indigenous Police Services, and individuals. You may need an affidavit drafted or commissioned, or documents notarized. Our St. Catharines office can provide Commissioning and Notary services by appointment. Contact us for pricing via email to: contact@sagelegalsolutions.ca COMMISSIONING AND NOTARIZING

This is a no-cost, 15 minute consultation with a Lawyer to see if we are a good fit for you. Please request either a telephone or a video call (Zoom).

There are some upcoming changes to the Small Claims Court procedures coming into effect on October 1, 2025. For those unfamiliar with civil procedure, Small Claims Court is a branch of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The first step in any civil matter is to determine which court has jurisdiction. Currently, there are 3 ways to proceed through the court system; simplified procedure for claims up to $200,000; regular procedure for claims of any amount – there is no maximum threshold; and Small Claims Court for monetary claims under $35,000. Small Claims Court is often a more appealing choice to navigate the legal system due to the quicker, simpler, and more affordable process. Currently, the monetary limit an individual can claim in Small Claims Court is $35,000.00, however, as of October 1, 2025, the amendment Ontario Regulation 626/00  increases that limit to $50,000. What does this mean for claimants? Under the old Rules, the courts would see many plaintiffs often choosing to write off thousands of dollars in damages in order for their matter to be heard in Small Claims Court. The new change allows for a larger threshold, and less loss to claimants. The changes are also being implemented to keep up with today’s economy, and to improve access to justice for individuals, all while easing the strain of the higher courts. The last increase to the claim limit was made in 2020 when the limit increased from $25,000 to the current $35,000.

Opposing party not willing to settle? Offer not good enough? If your matter is proceeding to trial, adequate preparation is essential. Follow these steps to ensure you are ready: Gather Evidence : Collate all relevant documents, emails, and communication records that could support your case. For example, if you are disputing a contract, gather copies of the original agreement. There are specific requirements for how your evidence is provided to other parties and to the court - including what colour paper to use, document format, deadlines of when to provide documents to the other party versus to the court... Understand Court Etiquette : Acquaint yourself with the court's rules and procedures. Understanding what to expect can ease your anxiety. For example, knowing how to formally introduce yourself and your case can help you present more effectively. Dress appropriately - business attire is best. Practice Your Presentation : If you represent yourself, rehearse your key points. Practicing can boost your confidence and clarity while presenting before a judge. You can prepare your entire case yourself and then hire someone to represent you only at the hearing. This is called "unbundled representation" or "limited assistance". You can inquire with us via email at: contact@sagelegalsolutions.ca or phone: 289-270-7243

Before your case reaches its conclusion, consider alternative settlement options. These can save you from lengthy, costly court proceedings. Common methods include: Mediation : A neutral mediator facilitates a discussion between both parties to find a mutually acceptable solution. Arbitration : An arbitrator hears both sides and makes a binding decision, which can be faster than traditional trials. Direct Negotiation : Engaging the opposing party in straightforward conversations might lead to an agreement without involving mediators. Usually, lawyers will start with Direct Negotiation first. This can happen at any stage - on first contact to the opposing party, throughout the court process, or right before trial. Lawyers will make recommendations but it is ultimately up to you, the client, to decide what you'd like to offer. Each of these options can offer a path that avoids the complexities and expenses of a trial.