Effective January 1, 2026, the Law Society of Saskatchewan has the authority to grant limited licenses to individuals who are not lawyers, authorizing them to provide certain legal services within a defined scope of practice.

For insurance adjusters, claims professionals, and insurers operating in Saskatchewan, this new framework may affect how individuals obtain legal assistance.

Overview of the Limited Licensing Program

Under Saskatchewan’s limited licensing program, qualified non-lawyer legal professionals may be licensed to provide specific legal services to the public. The scope of each license is individualized and restricted to areas that reflect the licensee’s education, training, and experience. Potential areas of practice may include matters commonly encountered in claims environments, such as small claims, traffic matters, certain administrative tribunal proceedings, limited corporate services, contracts, land title transfers, and assistance to self-represented litigants.

Limited licensees are regulated by the Law Society of Saskatchewan and must meet eligibility, education, training, and continuing professional development requirements. They must also complete mandatory training on the Code of Professional Conduct for Limited Licensees and comply with the rules governing their license.

Why This Matters to Insurance Adjusters and Insurers

The introduction of limited licensees may create a broader pool of regulated legal service providers in Saskatchewan. In practice, this may mean that parties involved in a claim may be assisted by a limited licensee rather than a lawyer, particularly in lower-value, routine, or procedurally focused matters.

For adjusters and insurers, the key issue will be understanding the limited licensee’s authority. A limited licensee is not authorized to practise generally in all areas of law. Their authority depends on the specific terms and conditions of their license. When a limited licensee is involved in a claim, insurers should consider confirming the scope of that person’s license before relying on communications, undertakings, settlement discussions, or procedural steps taken by that individual.

Potential Claims and Coverage Implications

The program may affect claims handling in files where legal representation is limited or evolving. For example, a limited licensee may assist a claimant in a small claims matter, help prepare documents for court, or provide services in an administrative tribunal proceeding. Insurers and their legal counsel should be attentive to whether the person they are communicating with has authority to act for the party, whether the matter falls within that person’s permitted scope of practice, and whether any undertakings or trust conditions are being proposed.

Undertakings, Trust Conditions, and Funds

Similar to lawyers, limited licensees may give and accept undertakings and trust conditions. However, there is no obligation to accept an undertaking or trust condition from a limited licensee. Insurers and adjusters should therefore exercise the same caution they would in any claims matter involving undertakings: confirm the person’s authority, ensure the undertaking is clear and within the scope of the license, and document the terms carefully.

Limited licensees cannot accept money in advance in trust for the delivery of legal services. This restriction may be relevant where settlement funds, retainers, costs, disbursements, or other payments are discussed. Adjusters should ensure that payment directions are clear and appropriate, particularly where funds are being paid to, or through, a limited licensee.

Practical Considerations for Adjusters and Insurance Companies

• Confirm whether the person assisting an insured, claimant, or third party is a lawyer, limited licensee, or another representative.
• Confirm the limited licensee’s scope of practice before relying on legal positions, procedural steps, undertakings, or settlement authority.
• Update claims-handling protocols to recognize that some regulated legal service providers in Saskatchewan may not be lawyers.

Final Thoughts

Saskatchewan’s limited licensing program is designed to expand access to regulated legal services while preserving public protection. For insurers and adjusters, this new role calls for careful attention to authority, scope of practice, professional obligations, and payment arrangements.