Robert Israel Blanshay

Robert started Blanshay Law (BL) in August 1998 on his own and built the firm into the success it is today. Robert graduated from McGill University & Robson Hall Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba. In 2006, Robert was Certified as a Specialist in Immigration, Citizenship & Refugee Law by The Law Society of Ontario (LSO). Robert has been a recognized LEXPERT Immigration Lawyer for years. He acted as the Chair of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Ontario Immigration
Section Branch (OBA). Robert acted as CBA Litigation Coordinator, Secretary/Communications Officer, Vice Chair & Vice Chair, Refugee & Litigation Affairs. Robert’s practice focuses on all immigration categories, with a focus on litigation before the Federal Court of Canada (Over 500 reported cases) & all Divisions of the Immigration & Refugee Board. Robert has particular expertise with Admissibility Issues such as criminal, medical and misrepresentation allegations. Robert has taught
several immigration law Courses, notably at the York University Professional Development Course on Immigration. Robert routinely appears in the Media on emerging immigration & refugee issues. Robert has been active in the 2SLGBTQI+ Community, representing thousands of asylum claims & Same-Sex Spousal Sponsorships.

Laura Sestito Burgess – Senior Legal Assistant & Operations Manager

Laura Sestito acts as the Firm’s Senior Legal Assistant. She brings hands-on experience and an  extensive knowledge of administration and office support. Laura is a seasoned team leader with  excellent communication skills and an outstanding ability to multitask. She spent seven years  working in the United Kingdom (U.K.) for senior executives and overseeing marketing, business  development, and sales teams. Laura was the Account Manager for numerous training and  education programmes developed for Legal and Investment Firms in the U.K. and United Arab  Emirates (U.A.E.). Laura bravely opened, owned and operated a successful, independent  business in Toronto for over five years. The opportunity enabled a deepened understanding of  client relations, communication, and a day -to- day understanding required for managing a  successful enterprise. At BLANSHAY LAW, Laura strives to assist and support clients with all  aspects of their immigration matters in a friendly, approachable and positive manner.

Annie Rupchand – Barrister & Solicitor, Senior Associate Lawyer

Annie is an Associate Lawyer with the Firm, having completed her Articles with BL, and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2020. Annie completed her B.A. (Honours) in International Development Studies, York University in 2009 along with a Bachelor’s Degree in the Sciences of Human Psychology in 2011. In 2012, she moved to Buckingham, England where she completed her Juris Doctorate (J.D.) at the University of Buckingham. After spending a few years exploring Europe, Annie returned to Canada. Her practice is diverse, deftly handling immigration applications in the Economic, Business, and Corporate Immigration domain, as well as Family-Class (FC) and the refugee category. Annie’s diverse background translates into her approaching clients with an open mind, providing her with an innate ability to connect seamlessly with a diverse spectrum of clients. In her spare time, Annie likes to play tennis in the Summer and snowboard in the Winter.

Felix Chakirov – Barrister & Solicitor, Senior Associate Lawyer

Felix graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2017. Felix’s practice focuses on both the immigration category as well as the refugee category. Felix works with clients in the Economic, Business Immigration stream. In addition, he has amassed a broad level of expertise, which includes litigating before all Divisions of the Immigration & Refugee Board (IRB), including refugee hearings, refugee appeals, and stays of deportation. Felix has successfully represented clients before the Federal Court of Canada. Felix holds a Master’s Degree in history from the University of Toronto, where he received the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. Felix’s legal practice is fueled by indelible respect for human rights towards immigrants and refugees in Canada. He acts zealously on behalf of our clients and has significant experience bringing urgent motions before the Federal Court of Canada to prevent forcible deportation

Alaa Abu-Hijleh – Junior Associate Lawyer 

Alaa holds a Master’s of Law (LLM) from Osgoode Hall Law School where she successfully presented her thesis entitled: ‘Mandatory Military Enlistments: A case of Inadequate Protections Under Refugee Law’. Alaa was called to the Bar of Ontario in June 2020.

Prior to joining BLANSHAY LAW, Alaa gained experience working on Immigration and Refugee cases on a pro bono basis at an Immigration and Refugee firm in Toronto. She subsequently completed her Articles at the same firm, which further elevated her experience.

Alaa volunteers much of her time helping new immigrants and refugees through the “New Comers Centre of Peel “organization and other Government funded initiatives.

Alaa is very compassionate towards her clients and very much empathizes with and understands their experiences. This enables her to procure all relevant particulars on any given file which serves to strengthen the client’s application and experience. This also allows her to connect with her clients on a deep level and build a relationship grounded on genuine trust.

In her spare time, Alaa likes to travel and enjoys watching documentaries.

Taaha Malik – Junior Associate Lawyer 

Taaha is a Junior Associate with Blanshay Law. She completed her Articles at Garson LLP and was called to the Ontario Bar in June 2019.

Taaha completed her B.A. (Honours) from the University of Toronto. In 2014 she moved to New York, U.S.A where she completed her Juris Doctorate (J.D.) at New York Law School.

Taaha is passionate about immigration law and advocates zealously for her clients. Her practice encompasses a diverse range of cases, including those in Economic, Business, Family Class, and Refugee categories. Taaha possesses a broad spectrum of expertise, with experience in litigation across all Divisions of the Immigration & Refugee Board (IRB).

Taaha is deeply committed to social responsibility. She maintains active affiliations with organizations, dedicating her time to pro bono work in Refugee Law for marginalized communities.

Fluent in multiple languages, Taaha seamlessly communicates in English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi. This linguistic versatility enhances her ability to connect with a diverse clientele and contribute to the inclusive nature of the legal profession.