Frequently Asked Questions
What is LexOutsource?
LexOutsource is a company founded in 2012 that provides legal research, writing and analysis support to Canadian lawyers. This type of service is commonly referred to as legal process outsourcing.
How does LexOutsource provide its affordable legal services?
LexOutsource uses a hybrid model to ensure quality and affordable legal services. We employ experienced legal professionals based in South Africa to handle the bulk of the actual legal work. In turn, a non-resident Canadian legal professional provides oversight and quality control. This blended model is capable of delivering high quality services at a low cost, resulting in savings of up to 90%.
Is outsourcing legal services ethical?
In virtually every jurisdiction where the question has been considered, the relevant regulatory bodies have found that outsourcing legal services is ethical. For example, ABA Formal Opinion 08-451 states that “There is nothing unethical about a lawyer outsourcing legal and nonlegal services, provided the outsourcing lawyer renders legal services to the client with the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation.”
In Canada, the Ethics Committee of the Law Society of British Columbia (opinion dated March 3, 2005) concluded that “Provided the lawyer can supervise a contractor in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 12 and can fulfill required obligations of confidentiality, it is proper for a lawyer to engage [an outsourced legal service provider] to do work that is the practice of law.”
CLICK HERE >>> to read the research memorandum which we have prepared regarding the nature of our services.
Why did LexOutsource choose to set up its offshore operations in South Africa?
There are a number of reasons we have chosen South Africa. Even though entities in many countries offer legal outsourcing services, South Africa emerges as the best outsourcing destination for Canadian lawyers.
Common Law Jurisdiction
South Africa, like Canada, has its foundations in the common law. This common legal tradition equips South African legal professionals with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of Canadian law.
Fluency in English
Language can be a key barrier to outsourcing, especially when it comes to legal research, writing and analysis. While South Africa has 11 official languages, English is the predominant language used in legal education and litigation.
Knowledge of Canadian Law
South Africa’s Constitution is based on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As a result, Canadian jurisprudence forms an integral part of legal research for South African lawyers. The Constitutional Court of South Africa has quoted from Canadian case-law on over 60 (sixty) occasions to date, and the Supreme Court of Canada has done the same in respect of South Africa. For these reasons, our staff have extensively used Canadian case-law in their practice, even before joining us.
Cost Savings
Legal professionals in South Africa make a fraction of the salary that a lawyer working in Canada would make, despite their comparable expertize. This gives you access to a much lower wage scale.
How does legal education in South Africa compare with Canada?
Legal education in South Africa is similar to Canada. A law degree (LLB) is obtained through 4 years of study after graduating from high school and encompasses a wide range of common law related subjects. Thereafter, law graduates generally complete 2 years of articles with a law firm.
How can a foreign trained lawyer do work for a Canadian firm?
Experience has shown that most legal matters involve general legal principles which can be understood by any lawyer with sound legal education and training. Indeed, major law firms and corporations in the United States and United Kingdom have been successfully outsourcing legal matters to India for over a decade. More importantly, we invite you to read the testimonials on this site from our own satisfied clients, many of whom have found that our legal research, writing and analysis skills are superior to any lawyer (local or otherwise) that they have ever dealt with.
In addition, our entire legal team has prior experience working with Canadian law. They are recruited from top international universities, and many have practised as legal professionals at some of the top chambers and law firms in the world. We also provide continuing legal education and training to our staff with respect to Canadian law and use of online tools. These factors make our staff well equipped for the services we offer.
Finally, all our projects have an additional layer of protection as oversight and quality control is provided by an experienced Canadian law graduate.
How long does a project take to complete?
LexOutsource completes all projects within the time specified by the client. It offers a 24-hour turn around time for urgent time-sensitive work.


Legal Research
Covering statutes, case-law and secondary sources of federal and provincial law, as well as several foreign jurisdictions.

Legal Writing
Drafting legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, factums, written submissions, memoranda of law, and summaries.

Legal Analysis
Applying the law and offering ideas and strategies to ensure the best possible outcomes on your matters.