LAW SOCIETY TRIBUNAL
HEARING DIVISION
Tribunal File No.: 25H-181
BETWEEN:
Law Society of Ontario Applicant
- and -
Reena Lynn Basser Respondent
Before: Murray Walter Chitra
Heard: March 6, 2026, by videoconference
Appearances:
Apiramy Suntharalingam, for the applicant
Respondent, self-represented
Summary:
BASSER – Books and records – The Law Society alleged, and the Paralegal acknowledged that she had not been keeping her books and records in compliance with By-Law – The panel found that the Paralegal had engaged in professional misconduct – The Paralegal was suspended indefinitely until compliance and the completion of other suspensions – She was ordered to pay costs of $4,677.50 to the Law Society.
REASONS FOR DECISION
1Murray Walter Chitra:– The Law Society filed an application on December 3, 2025, alleging Reena Lynn Basser (the Paralegal) engaged in professional misconduct.
2It asserted that since May 1, 2018, she has failed to maintain books and records contrary to s 18 of By-Law 9.
3A summary hearing into these matters was scheduled for March 6, 2026, starting at 1:30 PM. Apiramy Suntharalingam appeared for the Law Society. The Paralegal was self-represented.
4I received evidence and heard the testimony of Law Society forensic auditor Aurora He and the Paralegal. Following oral submissions, I found that the Law Society’s allegation had been established.
5The Law Society then made submissions on penalty and costs. It sought the immediate suspension of the Lawyer’s licence until compliance, followed by a one-month suspension, and costs of $4,677.50 payable within one year.
6I agreed with the proposed penalty and costs and so ordered. These are my reasons.
BACKGROUND
7The Paralegal was licensed in 2012 and practises in Toronto. She is currently the subject of three client complaints.
Client A
8On April 10, 2023, the Law Society received a complaint from Client A. As a result, on June 12, 2023, an investigation was initiated into concerns that the Paralegal may have:
misled;
withdrawn representation without good cause or reasonable notice;
failed to account;
failed to act with honour and/or integrity; and
failed to provide legal services to her client in accordance with standards of competence and quality.
9On September 18, 2023, the Paralegal was sent the first of multiple demands for information and documents. This included requests for written representations; client files; records of all financial transactions, including trust records and billings; copies of all correspondence with Client A; and any other supporting documents that might assist.
10The Paralegal provided some documentation and representations. However, these did not include any financial information. She was reminded in a letter dated October 9, 2023, that the earlier request was for:
… the complete client file and a complete accounting and records of all associated financial transactions. This specifically means all financial records in relation to this client file (accounts/invoice issues [sic], client trust and general ledgers including all the funds received/expended regarding this specific client matter, disbursements expended on behalf of this specific client), none of which have been included in your response.
11The Paralegal subsequently responded stating that she had no invoices because “she works with verbal requests from this client”. She sent a portal message on November 10, 2024, that stated amongst other things that:
I have no other financial details
All of my cases are FLAT FEE structures. I do not note down every call or small disbursement as I believe I am entitled pursuant to the LSO Paralegal Rules of Conduct to use this Flat Fee Pay Structure.
12There was a further exchange of communications. Eventually, on December 24, 2024, the Paralegal provided a chart setting out the dates on which funds were received, spent, transferred from trust to general and their purposes.
13On April 17, 2025, she was advised that this was insufficient and directed to sections of By-Law 9 and the Paralegal Rules of Conduct to assist her in preparing her response.
14On April 24, 2025, the Paralegal replied, “I have no other documents to present to you. I have supplied everything I could in the last round of submissions.”
Client B
15On February 27, 2023, the Law Society received a complaint from Client B. As a result, on July 6 and 7, 2023, an investigation was initiated into concerns that the Paralegal may have:
failed to act with honour and/or integrity;
failed to provide legal services in accordance with the standards of competence and quality; and
communicated in a tone inconsistent with the proper tone of communications from a paralegal licensee.
16On September 19, 2023, the Paralegal was sent the first of many requests for information and documents. That included written representations; a complete client file, including any retainer agreement, records of all financial transactions, trust ledgers, deposits, disbursements and billings relating to it; copies of all correspondence with Client B; and any other supporting documentation that might assist.
17On October 9, 2023, the Paralegal provided representations, a description of payments, and some documents. In a letter dated May 21, 2024, she was reminded to provide the following:
… a complete electronic copy of the original client file(s) for the matters/transactions under investigation, including all solicitor’s notes, work product and correspondence
Retainer agreement
Records of all financial transactions, trust ledgers, deposits, disbursements and billings related to this file
Any draft or executed release surrounding the termination for the retainer with the Complainant.
18The Paralegal replied on June 2, 2024, forwarding the same material she had sent October 9, 2023. When this was followed up upon, the Paralegal sent some additional information about accounting, but no further documents.
19On November 10, 2024, the Paralegal wrote:
…My fee structure is “flat rate” which is a viable and helpful way for me to operate a modest and reasonable paralegal small business that provides access to justice for those who need.