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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, Landlord and Tenant Board, 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, please. CIVIL LITIGATION You may need assistance in seeking compensation for the harm you have suffered. We have experience in: contracts; civil matters; civil disputes; appeals. We can help with animal ownership legal matters, breach of breeding agreements, and breeding contracts. SMALL CLAIMS You may need assistance in seeking recovery of up to $50,000. We have experience in: debt collection; contractual disputes; property damage claims; unpaid loans; services that were paid for but not performed. Read more LANDLORD AND TENANT BOARD MATTERS We can assist with Landlord and Tenant Board ("LTB") matters. The LTB is is where you go for most matters between the Landlord and Tenant, rather than a "Court". If you are appealing a matter from the LTB, you may need to take the appeal to the Divisional Court. Our lawyers have experience with LTB appeals. Read more EMPLOYMENT Employment can range from workplace grievances, to termination package negotiations, to mediation. We have advocated for the employee, and employer, in various cases. We have experience with: labour law; employment advice; wrongful termination; advice for employees and employers; grievance, arbitration, mediation assistance; human rights matters; and, employment contracts. Read More HUMAN RIGHTS AND MORE... We are passionate about protecting your human rights. We have experience in: Human Rights Tribunals; harassment cases; discrimination cases; civil litigation. We can assist with Tribunals, Regulatory proceedings, and more: 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") COMMISSIONING AND NOTARIZING You may need an affidavit drafted or commissioned, or documents notarized. Our St. Catharines and Welland offices can provide Commissioning and Notary services by appointment. Contact us for pricing via email to: contact@sagelegalsolutions.ca

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 Lawyer Languages: English, Polish As the founding lawyer of Sage Legal Solutions, Natalie works in Civil disputes; Civil litigation; Small Claims court; Landlord and Tenant matters; Human rights; Employment law. Natalie previously assisted as a Director of the Thunder Bay Law Association; and competed as an oralist at Moot competitions in University. She attended Lakehead University and Carleton University. Natalie has appeared at: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario; Canadian Human Rights Tribunal; Superior Court of Justice; Divisional Court. 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. 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. Arlene Preddie Lawyer Languages: English Arlene focuses on Employment law, Human Rights, and Litigation. Arlene has years of experience working in Employment law, and previously, insurance defense as a claims attorney. Kelsey Filipowicz Law Clerk Languages: English 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. Marina Lor Lawyer Languages: English, French Coming Soon... 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."

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).

In Canada, judges hold an essential role as impartial decision makers and are entrusted to apply the law fairly and consistently. Their authority carries immense weight on the court system and respecting their decisions is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the court system. Though everyone may not always agree with a judge’s decision, it is important to remember that judges are bound by legal principles and precedents. However, there are rare occasions where a judicial decision may seem unusual. One such instance occurred in R. v. Leclaire, 2025 ONSC 4203 . In this matter, the Respondent plead guilty to impaired driving for the fifth time. This time the Respondent was impaired by drug, namely fentanyl (amongst other drugs), and was driving while under a 2-year driving prohibition. The Crown made it clear that they would be filing a Notice of Application for Increased Penalty, and that by statute the Respondent would need to serve 4 months of jail time, but Justice Jalali had a different plan: [16]           Her Honour then asked the Crown: “ Mr. Jackson what would you do if I sentenced the gentleman to four months conditional anyways?” [17]           The Crown responded, “That is not permitted by statute”. [18]           Her Honour replied:  “I know, but what if I do?”                     The Crown replied: “I will have to seek advice from my management”.   Despite the mandatory minimum sentence, Justice Jalali, who was appointed in October 2018, imposed a four-month conditional sentence with house arrest, citing mitigating factors. While a judge must consider mitigating factors in sentencing, the penalty she imposed disregarded the statute and ultimately undermined the administration of justice. The matter was brought back before the appellate court where the appellate judge set aside Justice Jalali’s sentence. The Respondent was instead sentenced to four months jail. Justice Jalali’s decision not only failed to apply the law correctly but also resulted in a waste of the court’s time and resources sparking quite the backlash on social media platforms and online forums from civilians voicing their opinions and discontentment.   Disclaimer: The content shared here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.

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