HMS Paralegal Services

04/10/2026

It was another big week for us at HMS! On Tuesday we received a decision on an application for summary dismissal/judgment that was argued back in January.

Our client was being sued by his former employer for breach of education contracts. However, before HMS was retained the client had opened an investigation with Employment Standards, and while the employer took the position that the employee had quit, Employment Standards found that employment had been terminated.

After reviewing the pleadings and contents of the Employment Standards investigation file, HMS filed an Application for Summary Dismissal/Judgment on the basis of issue estoppel (the matter had already been decided before another overseeing body, Employment Standards).

Surprisingly, the Court issued written reasons for decision on the application, and we are very pleased that our application for summary dismissal of the claim was granted, and our application for summary judgment on our counterclaim was partially granted. The employer was ordered to pay back the wages they had withheld, plus interest on the judgment. All in all, a very successful outcome for our client!

10/02/2025

Today was a big win for HMS!

In June of this year we were granted default judgment in a breach of contract matter. Despite being given an additional 15 days, two of the Defendants chose to not file a Dispute Note. The Defendant only filed an Application to Set Aside Default Judgment well after judgment enforcement proceedings were underway. It was only after the Writ was filed at Land Titles that the two Defendants chose to file the Application.

The Application was heard this morning, and I am thrilled to share that the Defendants' application was dismissed, with costs, on the basis that the Defendants' did not meet the 3-part test for setting aside a default judgment.

12/19/2024

Wishing you all a happy holiday season and joyous new year!

11/12/2024

We have a new phone number! Effectively immediately, our new number is: 825-886-1390

04/11/2023

Earlier this year I was interviewed by Ann Pearson for the Paralegals on Fire podcast. It was an absolute privilege to be given this opportunity!

If you would like to check out the episode, please go to:

Ann interviews Heidi Semkovich as part of our monthly paralegal inspiration episode to inspire you, motivate you, and provide you with tips.

03/23/2023

What is the difference between legal information and legal advice?

Legal information is general information about the law and legal processes. Examples of legal information are:
- providing information on where or how to search for cases, legislation, forms or articles;
- pointing a person towards a certain law and explaining what the law says;
- outlining options on how to deal with a legal issue (ie. alternatives to court);
- explaining court processes and procedures;
- explaining common legal terms.

Legal advice is applying the law to a specific situation or matter. Examples of legal advice (which we will not provide) are:
- interpreting and explaining how the law applies to a specific situation;
- recommending what steps to take in your matter;
- guiding someone on what to say in court;
- providing an opinion on possible outcome of a legal matter.