Asaf Rashid | Halifax Immigration Lawyer

• Member | Verified with Ontario Bar Association

• Gordon Petrie Prize for Labour and Employment Law University of New Brunswick Law School
  2017

A client who was a permanent resident and facing domestic assault and several breach offences. Since he breached conditions a few times, he was being denied release on bail. I couldn't find a surety because all who were close to my client were worried about more breaches. I got approval for community supervision from a local bail program, but convincing a justice of the peace to release someone to community supervision who was facing multiple breaches and domestic assault charges was extremely unlikely. But I argued that release on community supervision was reasonable in his case. It was all he had available, noting the almost unbelievably tough circumstances in his life, including racism, serious health conditions, loss of family, etc,. I noted that, all considered, the client was making progress through existing treatment and counselling, which should not be interrupted (and would be if he was denied release). He was released and I helped get him a very favourable resolution to his charges. This was particularly satisfying because of how tough this client's life was, and I could tell it made a big difference to him.

It's important to stay active and involved in the community and stick to your "brand". My activist and social advocacy background is who I am and I try to extend that into my legal practice.

Someone who will understand them and work with them. Someone who will be honest and not simply say what the client wants to hear. Someone who is willing to problem solve and admit when there may be a solution that does not require legal services. Someone who will work hard for the client.

Knowing who's who and as much as possible about the decision makers and judges, and what they may be looking for, is always important. It is also crucial to know as much as possible about the various organizations and other key people in the city / community to know what is available for services and who may be able to offer non-legal assistance where needed. Understanding more about the culture and history where you are is crucial to understanding what and the forces that are shaping the thinking of and affecting current and future clients.

In my phone consultations, I ask a number of questions to figure out whether the person calling has a case or possible application they can make, or if I need more information. I can provide an quote for a consultation, and for the cost of a particular kind of application. I can also answer very basic questions (example: what happens after I am charged with a criminal offence? OR Can I sponsor my spouse if I am an international student?) If I am unable to assist, I may be able to provide the name of another lawyer or an organization that may be able to assist.

In all cases, name of person calling, where the person is calling from, if the person is calling about themselves or someone else, what they are calling about, immigration status (for both immigration and criminal cases). Answers to specific eligibility questions if a person wants a quick answer if they are likely eligible for a particular kind of immigration application. If the person is facing criminal charges, what ere the charges, when were they charged, what's the next court date, do they have a criminal record, etc. If it's another area, the questions will depend on what I need to know in order to provide useful information or set up a consultation.

I try to be attentive to access to justice and make payment plans available. I try and stay very connected to local activist and advocacy projects. I remain involved in the community.

Helping people clear away legal barriers and challenges that puts them in a better spot to accomplish their goals.

I am on the board of directors of the Halifax Workers Action Centre, a member of the Migrant Worker Rights Working Group, supporter of the East Coast Prison Justice Society, co-author of a forthcoming book on the prospects for unionization for prisoner-workers. I run and try and stay active, also having dabbled in Brazilian jiu jjtsu on occasion.

I am on the board of directors of the Halifax Workers Action Centre, a member of the Migrant Worker Rights Working Group (Nova Scotia), supporter of the East Coast Prison Justice Society, and involved with the New Brunswick Coalition for Tenant Rights