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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 Posala is a social justice Lawyer licensed in Ontario, passionate about fighting for human rights and seeking equity for all. Natalie speaks fluent Polish and can provide legal assistance in Polish. Practice areas include: Civil disputes; Civil litigation; Small Claims court; Landlord Tenant matters; Human rights; Employment law; Labour law; grievances; discrimination claims; wills; power of attorney; COVID-19 vaccinations and issues; Charter claims; representing clients mistreated by Police or government; death investigations; Indigenous law; band council resolutions; border closures; 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: Coroner's Inquests; Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario; Canadian Human Rights Commission; Provincial Offences court; Superior Court of Justice; Divisional Court. 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. Nahal Golmohammadi Law Student Nahal is a law student at Lakehead University. Coming from a Bachelor's in Social Work, she has extensive experience in human rights law, and is particularly interested in constitutional and international law. She has worked with LEAF as a Legal Researcher. Nahal works with clients, conducts research on legal precedents, and drafts legal documents. Nahal can be reached at nahal@sagelegalsolutions.ca. Gabriella Ochin Paralegal Gabriella is a paralegal student at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario, with a strong legal foundation from earning her Bachelor of Law degree in Nigeria. 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 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.

Home: Welcome HUMAN RIGHTS AND LITIGATION LAWYERS Serving St. Catharines and Ontario Sage Legal Solutions was founded to serve clients in a timely, service-oriented, and cost-effective manner. To give sage advice means to give sound, sensible, and intelligent advice. Protecting your human rights, simplified. 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."

Practice Areas: Practice Areas PRACTICE AREAS Sage Legal Solutions handles cases including Human Rights and Litigation. 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. 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).

Receiving court papers can feel overwhelming and frightening. Whether it’s a Statement of Claim , a Notice of Motion , or another legal document, it’s easy to feel lost in the legal labyrinth. Statement of Claim in Ontario - instructions to defendant Understanding the Court Papers When served with court papers, it's important to comprehend what these documents mean. Here are common types of court papers you might encounter: Statement of Claim : This outlines the plaintiff's case and the specific reasons for the lawsuit. For example, if someone is suing you for $30,000 in damages related to an unpaid loan, or faulty construction work, the Statement of Claim would explain the incident, the claim amount, and the basis for their complaint. In Small Claims, this is called a Plaintiff's Claim. Notice of Motion : This indicates that a party plans to ask the court for a specific order, such as an i nterim order for return of your personal property . It’s essential to understand what they are asking for and how it might affect you. Defence : If you are the plaintiff, and you receive a defence document, it is crucial to determine whether you are permitted to "Reply" to maintain your legal position. Responding to the Court Papers After receiving court papers, crafting an appropriate response is usually your next step. In Ontario, you typically have 20 days to file a response to a Statement of Claim. Here's how to proceed: Consult with a Lawyer : Engaging a qualified lawyer can significantly enhance your understanding of the situation. For instance, a lawyer can provide targeted advice and help you frame a strong defense tailored to your unique situation. Prepare a Defence : If you choose to represent yourself, draft a Statement of Defence that clearly responds to each allegation made in the claim. Use clear, concise language to explain your side of the story. Consider hiring a lawyer to draft the document for you as part of "unbundled" services. An incorrect defence statement can negatively affect the entire case. File Your Documents : Make sure to file your response with the court and serve a copy to the other party. Following court rules is essential to ensure your documents are accepted. Possible Outcomes Understanding the possible outcomes of your case can help you manage your expectations: Settlement : Many disputes are settled before reaching court through negotiation, often resulting in compromise. In our experience, settlement doesn't usually happen at the initial stages, but towards the end of a matter, prior to trial. Court Hearing : If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Both parties will present their evidence, and a judge will make a ruling based on the facts presented. Default Judgment : If you don’t respond to the court papers, the plaintiff may seek a default judgment against you, leading to significant financial or legal repercussions. Know When to Seek Professional Legal Assistance Consider hiring an experienced lawyer to draft your response or to handle the case entirely. The right legal counsel can change the trajectory of your case. A lawyer can: Translate complex legal language into understandable terms, ensuring you grasp the implications of the documents you receive. Aid in compiling evidence and presenting a compelling case. Handle negotiations on your behalf, increasing the likelihood of securing a favorable settlement. Investing in legal support can save you considerable stress and lead to better outcomes in challenging situations. Please note that this post is not legal advice, as every situation differs. Some information here may not apply to your specific case. A close-up view of a stack of court papers.

Tribunal Watch Ontario says applicants’ lack of legal knowledge accounts for many dismissals. There has been a rise in tribunal-initiated 'motions to dismiss' using a variety of different forms, requiring Applicants to file further legal submissions. Self-represented Applicants are failing to do so, resulting in their complaint being dismissed. The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario ("HRTO") announced on October 25 a series of proposed procedural changes, including: eliminating summary hearings, case management conference calls, expedited hearings, and interim remedies.   Tribunals Ontario noted that it has made progress in reducing its caseload. In June, the number of active cases totalled 8,800 – nearly a 1,000 reduction from the 9,700 active cases in February 2023. Last year was the first time since 2013 that the tribunal was able to reduce its caseload. At Sage Legal Solutions, we understand that the human rights process can be confusing and time-consuming. If you aren't able to afford hiring a lawyer to take on your entire case, we can assist with a "limited retainer" by editing your application form, or completing further forms as required by the tribunal (HRTO). We can also assist with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. For information on limited assistance, you can contact us at: contact@sagelegalsolutions.ca and 289-270-7243.

The Ontario Superior Court declared a lawyer a 'vexatious litigant', barring him from initiating or continuing legal proceedings without prior court approval. This was due to his persistent abusive and harassing behaviour in litigation against the City of Toronto. October 5, 2022: Shane O’Herlihy filed a personal injury lawsuit against Toronto and a city employee, alleging assault at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. After the defence was filed,the lawyer embarked on a campaign of harassment, sending 392 emails, voicemails, and letters over 318 days to the defendants, their lawyers, and unrelated parties. His communications included threats to embarrass and harm the lawyers and their families. His motives? Forcing a settlement.