In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Arezoo Hosseini‑Cuthbert, Founder and Operator of Hosseini Cuthbert Legal Services, shares how her global experience and technical background have shaped her mission to make legal services more accessible across Ontario. Combining strategic precision from her engineering roots with compassion born from years of multicultural experience, Arezoo leads a paralegal practice built on transparency, trust, and client empowerment—helping individuals and small businesses navigate legal challenges with confidence, clarity, and care.
Arezoo brings both strategic thinking and a multicultural perspective to her work. Her practice is dedicated to accessible, community-focused legal services, with a focus on matters before the Landlord and Tenant Board, Small Claims Court, employment-related disputes and reviewing and drafting legal contracts.
How did your background in computer engineering and global work experience prepare you for launching a community-focused paralegal practice in Ontario?
My background in computer engineering gave me a foundation in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and precision, skills that translate seamlessly into the legal field. At the same time, my global journey, from growing up in Iran, to living in France and Australia, and now building a life in Canada, taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of community.
As an immigrant, I know firsthand the challenges of navigating complex systems in a new country. That lived experience inspires me every day to make legal support accessible, compassionate, and client-focused.
Launching a paralegal practice wasn’t just about pursuing a career, it was about creating a trusted space where people, no matter their background or financial status, feel heard and supported.
In many ways, my engineering training gave me the tools, and my global experience gave me the heart, to build a practice grounded in both excellence and empathy.
What are the most common legal challenges you see small business owners facing, and how can clear contract review protect their interests?
Small business owners often encounter legal challenges that can impede their growth and stability. Common issues include ambiguous contracts, disputes over deliverables, misclassification of workers, sudden contract terminations, and unclear payment mechanisms.
These challenges can lead to misunderstandings, financial losses, and, in some cases, litigation.
A comprehensive contract review is essential in mitigating these risks. By ensuring that agreements are clear, detailed, and compliant with the laws of your jurisdiction, business owners can protect their interests. This process involves verifying that all key terms, such as scope, timelines, deliverables, payments, termination clauses, and liability, are explicitly defined.
Engaging a legal professional to draft or review contracts can help identify and address potential pitfalls, such as vague language or missing terms, which are often overlooked by those without legal expertise. Furthermore, a well-structured contract can serve as a safeguard, preventing minor issues from escalating into significant obstacles and fostering confidence in business operations.
For small businesses aiming to build a solid foundation, investing in thorough contract review is not just a precaution, it’s a strategic move to ensure long-term success and legal protection.
Can you share a memorable case where providing accessible legal support made a meaningful difference for an individual or small business?
In my practice, I had the privilege of assisting a small, family-run bakery in Ontario that was just starting out and navigating the challenges of building its business from scratch. The founders faced a contractual dispute with startup business consultants they had hired to help launch and structure their operations. Misunderstandings over deliverables, timelines, and payment terms threatened the bakery’s very survival and the realization of their entrepreneurial dream.
Without accessible legal support, this promising business could have been derailed before it even fully launched, risking years of preparation, investment, and the livelihoods of those involved. By providing clear, practical, and affordable legal guidance, we were able to renegotiate terms, clarify obligations, and secure a fair outcome that allowed the bakery to move forward confidently.
This experience highlighted the critical role accessible legal support plays for small business owners, it is not just about interpreting the law, but about empowering entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles, protect their hard work, and ensure their vision thrives. Supporting small businesses in this way is about safeguarding dreams, fostering growth, and enabling communities to flourish.
What innovative approaches does Hosseini Cuthbert Legal Services use to simplify complex legal processes for clients from diverse backgrounds?
At Hosseini Cuthbert Legal Services, we are dedicated to simplifying complex legal processes for clients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that legal support is accessible, understandable, and actionable. We recognize that navigating the legal system can be intimidating, particularly for small business owners and newcomers, and we have implemented strategies to make the process seamless.
Our bilingual services in English and Farsi enable clients to engage fully in their legal matters while allowing us to extend accessible, culturally sensitive support to individuals from a range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This approach ensures clarity, builds trust, and empowers clients to make informed decisions.
We also offer flexible consultation options, including in-person, virtual, and mobile appointments, accommodating the varied schedules of our clients and removing barriers to timely legal guidance.
Transparency and clarity are at the core of our practice. We explain contracts, agreements, and legal procedures in practical terms, breaking down complex concepts into actionable advice.
Deeply rooted in the Mississauga and Greater Toronto Area community and throughout Ontario, we are proud to give back by supporting local entrepreneurs and individuals. By combining accessibility, professionalism, and innovation, Hosseini Cuthbert Legal Services ensures every client—regardless of background—can navigate legal challenges with confidence and clarity.
Finally, what is the most important advice you’d offer entrepreneurs and SMBs in Ontario who want to navigate legal matters with confidence?
For entrepreneurs and small business owners in Ontario, my most important advice is to treat legal matters as an integral part of building a strong foundation, not as an afterthought. Start with clear, well-drafted contracts for every partnership, service, or employee arrangement, these documents are your first line of defense against misunderstandings, disputes, and potential financial loss.
Seek professional guidance early, even on matters that may seem minor. A proactive approach allows you to identify risks, close gaps, and structure agreements that protect your business interests. Understand your rights and obligations under provincial laws, and don’t hesitate to ask questions until everything is clear.
Finally, prioritize accessibility and clarity in your own processes. Just as you want your clients to feel confident and supported, you should ensure your legal foundation is transparent and resilient. By combining foresight, careful planning, and the guidance of trusted legal professionals, small business owners can navigate challenges with confidence, minimize surprises, and focus on growth and innovation.
