My life and work are guided by a commitment to justice, community, and the power of resilience. I have always sought to use my experience, strengths and voice to support those who face barriers, uncertainty, or displacement. Whether through legal advocacy, research, or volunteer work, my journey has been about creating spaces where people feel seen, understood, and empowered to navigate complex systems with dignity.
I am a Calgary-based immigration and refugee lawyer and the Founder and Principal of Alemyehu Law. My work is driven by a deep commitment to justice, empathy, and meaningful advocacy for individuals and families navigating Canada’s immigration system. I support clients with applications, processes and challenging government decisions on the basis of the rule of law. Every case I take on is guided by the principle that every person deserves access to justice.
EDUCATION
My path began at the University of Toronto, where I completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts specializing in Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies, and minoring in Political Science and English, graduating with high distinction. During my studies, I researched migration, race, labour, and criminal justice, publishing work on Ethiopian migrant workers, media depictions of police killings, and race and society. This early engagement with social justice issues shaped my perspective on law as a tool to support vulnerable communities.
I went on to earn my Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School, where I received multiple academic awards and presented research at a symposium for a prominent scholarly journal. I also gained practical experience in advocacy both locally with Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, supporting women facing violence, and globally with International Justice Mission, where I assisted with strengthening protection for women and children facing trafficking and sexual abuse.
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
After law school, I articled with Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG) providing services to those who do not have access to paid legal services. I gained significant experience across criminal, civil, family, and immigration law, including providing duty counsel services in court. Later in my career, I briefly returned as a lawyer, helping to manage CLG’s Immigration Law Program.
From 2021 to 2023, I practiced at a boutique immigration law firm, managing a broad range of immigration files independently, with a focus on application refusals, appeals, and matters affecting international students and temporary foreign workers.
In 2023, I founded Alemyehu Law, where I now maintain an exclusively immigration and administrative law practice. I manage all aspects of client representation, including legal advice, research, drafting, litigation, and advocacy before administrative tribunals and courts. My goal is to provide clear, thoughtful, and compassionate guidance while helping clients navigate complex processes with confidence and dignity.
Community work
Beyond my legal practice, I am deeply committed to community service and leadership. I have provided pro bono legal advice and education to newcomer organizations in Calgary, served as a board member for non-profit organizations helping women, migrants and youth, and contributed to law reform initiatives through the Canadian Bar Association. Community involvement is central to how I understand and practice law.
Personal Life
I am a mother, daughter and sister, and an active member of my own community. These roles shape how I understand resilience and justice, and they inspire the empathy, care, and perspective I bring to every client, colleague, and community initiative.
I am also Ethiopian, and my identity is a guiding force in my life and work. The real issues facing my own Ethiopian community motivate me to work toward justice everywhere.
My faith is a central part of my life and shapes how I approach both my work and my relationships. For as long as I can remember, I have served at my local church leading discussions, mentoring youth, and contributing to community programs. These experiences have grounded me in values of compassion, integrity, and service, particularly as I see these values emulated by Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of my faith.
HOMEPAGE 