Raj Sharma

Raj Sharma, a distinguished figure in the field of law, embarked on his legal journey by earning a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alberta's Faculty of Law. His early career saw him engaging with the Alberta Court of Appeal, followed by a significant role at the Federal Department of Justice where he honed his skills. Sharma then ventured into private practice, bringing his expertise to the Immigration and Refugee Board as an Immigration Refugee Protection Officer. Here, he developed a deep understanding of immigration hearings, setting the stage for a stellar career.

With two decades of practice, Sharma established Stewart Sharma Harsanyi, a leading law firm specializing in immigration. His legal acumen has led him to argue cases across all court levels in Alberta, the Federal Court, and before various segments of the Immigration and Refugee Board, marking over 200 reported decisions. His knowledge in immigration law is vast and well-recognized.

Sharma also dedicates time to educating future legal minds, previously teaching at the University of Calgary and now at Queen's University Faculty of Law. His expertise makes him a popular figure at national conferences and community gatherings, where he discusses immigration issues. Sharma's insights have also reached the halls of parliament, where he has testified on numerous occasions.

His influence stretches into public discourse through op-eds on immigration and multiculturalism in major newspapers and commentary in the media. His scholarly work, too, is published in prestigious legal journals, contributing significantly to academic discussions on immigration law.

Sharma's commitment to his community is evident through his service on various boards, such as Immigrant Services Calgary and the Legal Aid Alberta Appeals Committee. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning him the Access to Justice Award from Legal Aid Alberta and a spot among Calgary's Top 40 under 40.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to immigration law and the legal community, Sharma was honored with the title of King's Counsel in April 2022. This accolade highlights his integrity, expertise, and dedication to justice.

Beyond the courtroom, Sharma's impact is felt through his co-authored book "Inadmissibility and Remedies," offering a valuable resource to both legal practitioners and scholars. Through his myriad roles, Sharma continues to shape the landscape of immigration law, standing as a beacon of knowledge and service.