Q&A with paralegal & notary Thamara Jeyakumar

As part of uLawPractice’s 2025 Spot Light series, where we profile some of the legal minds who comprise the legal profession, our team recently sat down with Thamara Jeyakumar.

Jeyakumar is the founder and managing director of Alpha Legal Services. Based in Scarborough and operating as a licensed paralegal and notary, we reached out to her to get a better understanding of how she started her legal practice in the first place; and how she launched her legal business. 

1. How long have you been a legal practitioner? And what's your academic and work history prior to getting your licence?

I obtained my paralegal licence in 2019. Before that, I worked as a law clerk at an accident benefits firm, where I gained hands-on experience in personal injury claims, client communication, and file management. After getting licensed, I continued to work in the same firm, handling more complex cases and advocating directly for clients. In 2021, I entered into a partnership law office, where I managed accident benefit files from start to finish. Then, beginning of 2024, I launched my own firm “Alpha Legal Services Professional Corporation”, which focuses exclusively on Statutory Accident Benefits claims for individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents.

2. At what point in time in your life did you decide to pursue the field of law? Why did you make such a decision?

In high school I took a criminal Justice class and I absolutely loved it. Once I completed my Law clerk program, I began working as a law clerk. I saw how challenging it was for injured individuals to deal with insurance companies and navigate the accident benefits process while they were still recovering. I wanted to be in a position where I could represent clients directly, and stand up for their rights. Becoming a licensed paralegal allowed me to do exactly that.

3. What were your reasons for becoming the legal practitioner you are today? Which areas of the law do you focus on? Are there any trends you’ve noticed during your practice?

My main motivation was to make a tangible difference in people’s lives during what is often one of their most difficult times. I focus primarily on personal injury law, specifically accident benefits claims. 

One trend I’ve noticed is that insurance companies have become more stringent in their assessments and approvals, which means strong advocacy is more important than ever. I do take a lot of my files to LAT ( licensed Appeal Tribunal) to dispute the denials. 

4. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career? How did you conquer them?

One of the biggest challenges has been dealing with uncooperative insurers and repeated denials for treatment that clients genuinely need. It can be frustrating for clients to wait months for approval. I’ve overcome these challenges by maintaining persistence, reading a lot of previous cases in CanLii, and of course disputing matters to the LAT when necessary or even hearing.

(Editor note: CanLii is an open database of Canadian legal judgements & cases. It is a standard tool used by legal practitioners across the country to study case law and jurisprudence)

Over time, I’ve learned that being thorough, patient, and strategic is the key to overcoming these roadblocks. 

5. Can you remark on any particular court cases and/or regulatory changes you’ve encountered?

I wouldn’t say a specific court case however, over the years, I’ve had several cases where clients were wrongly placed under the Minor Injury Guideline (MIG), which limited their treatment funding. Through proper advocacy and presenting medical reports, I’ve been able to have those clients removed from MIG and secure additional treatment. The case laws from LAT decisions has also shaped the way we prepare our files, especially when it comes to proving chronic pain and psychological impairments.

6. Please highlight some of the most satisfying moments in this career.

The most rewarding moments in my career are when a client’s life improves because of our work—whether that’s securing critical treatment or achieving a settlement that lifts financial stress. One example that stands out was a client who came to us a year after their accident, frustrated with their previous representation. Their file was still in MIG, and all benefits were denied. We fought to have it removed from MIG and ultimately secured a settlement well beyond their expectations. Moments like that are the reason I love this profession—it’s about making a meaningful difference when clients need it most.

7. How has the practice of law shifted over time? Where is it going?

Well, after the pandemic, practice has definitely moved toward virtual hearings, online submissions, and electronic document exchange. While this has made the process more efficient, it also requires constant adaptation to new systems. I believe the future will involve even more technology, possibly AI to streamline case preparation. However, the human element of empathy, judgment, and negotiation will always be critical.

8. How do you think the legal profession will change in the next 10 years?

I see the legal profession becoming more technology-driven, with virtual processes becoming the norm rather than the exception. For paralegals like me, I believe there will be a greater scope of practice, allowing us to handle a broader range of matters. Notably, paralegals can now start practicing in certain areas of family law, which will open new avenues for service and representation. In addition, starting October 1, 2025, Ontario’s Small Claims Court monetary limit will increase from $35,000 to $50,000, enabling paralegals to represent clients in higher-value disputes. These changes, combined with advancements in technology, will significantly expand the role and impact of paralegals in the coming decade.