Your Advocates for Equity and Empowerment
Open Doors Legal Services is dedicated to providing accessible and inclusive legal support to the LGBTQ and Spanish-speaking communities. We specialize in key areas, including summary convictions offences, administrative tribunals and small claims.
About Open Doors Legal Services
The name "Open Doors" reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming environment where individuals feel empowered to navigate their legal challenges confidently. Guided by justice, equity, and community welfare, we strive to make a meaningful impact by addressing legal challenges with empathy, expertise, and cultural sensitivity.
At Open Doors Legal Services, we’re not just solving legal issues but creating pathways to community empowerment and progress.
Founder
Maria Diaz
As the founder of Open Doors Legal Services and a licensed paralegal since 2013, I bring over a decade of experience advocating for fairness, equity, and representation. My career began at a criminal law firm in Toronto, where I developed a strong foundation in navigating complex legal issues. In 2016, I expanded my expertise while working with Legal Aid Ontario, gaining valuable experience in human rights law. In 2019, I further honed my skills in refugee and immigration law, assisting clients with a wide range of immigration-related processes and challenges.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, I am committed to breaking down language barriers and ensuring that clients feel understood and empowered throughout their legal journey. My goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where clients feel heard, supported, and confident.
Why I Do This Work
My passion for advocacy stems from my lived experiences and professional journey. As an immigrant navigating systemic barriers, I know firsthand the emotional and logistical challenges of seeking justice and representation. This personal understanding fuels my commitment to ensuring others have access to compassionate, culturally sensitive, and inclusive legal support.
Throughout my career, I have worked closely with diverse communities, including newcomers, LGBTQ individuals, and Spanish-speaking clients. I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves equity, dignity, and the opportunity to receive fair representation.
At Open Doors Legal Services, I combine my professional expertise with a deep commitment to community care, working every day to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.
Services
Summary Convictions
Representation in the Ontario Court of Justice for summary conviction offences.
Administrative Tribunals
Expert navigation of WSIB, LTB, HRTO, and limited IRB matters.
Small Claims Court
Assistance with civil disputes up to $35,000, from filing to representation.
Our Commitment to You
At Open Doors Legal Services, we combine professional expertise with a deep commitment to community care. We believe everyone deserves dignity, fair representation, and access to justice. Our core values guide every interaction:
Justice & Equity: Championing fairness in every case.
Accessibility & Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming space for all, especially LGBTQ+ and Spanish-speaking clients.
Understanding your unique background and challenges.
Equipping you with the knowledge and support to navigate the legal system confidently.
Contributing positively to the communities we serve.
We strive not just to solve legal issues, but to create pathways to community empowerment and progress.
Legal Resources & Information
Find official information about Ontario’s legal system and processes.
Legal information and community support available in Spanish.
General information regarding IRB processes
Organizations and resources specifically supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Ontario.
What types of cases can a paralegal handle in Ontario?
- Licensed paralegals in Ontario can represent clients in Small Claims Court (up to $35,000), various administrative tribunals (like LTB, HRTO, WSIB), and for summary conviction criminal offences. We cannot handle family law cases (except in Small Claims Court for related monetary disputes), wills and estates, or serious criminal (indictable) offences.
What is the difference between a paralegal and a lawyer?
- Both are licensed legal professionals, but lawyers have a broader scope of practice, including serious criminal matters, family law court representation, and real estate. Paralegals specialize in specific areas authorized by the Law Society of Ontario, often providing more focused and cost-effective services within their permitted scope.
Do you offer services in Spanish?
- Yes, our founder Maria Diaz is fluent in Spanish, and we are committed to providing services to the Spanish-speaking community in Ontario.