Anzhela Said

Anzhela Said, a Canadian lawyer well-versed in the complexities of immigration law, brings a rich tapestry of global experience to the Osuji & Smith Immigration Division from her previous base in Dubai. Not just a linguist fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, and Pashto, Anzhela's journey back to Canada from the Gulf on a regular basis underscores her commitment to aiding clients worldwide with their Canadian immigration needs.

Before law became her calling, Anzhela's path was as diverse as it gets. She began her career in healthcare, earning her stripes as a nurse in Ukraine, a testament to her innate desire to help others. Her academic pursuits led her to the Institute of Economics and Law in Ukraine, where she secured her LLB in 1998. Transitioning from healthcare to the corporate world, she then navigated the oil and gas sector as in-house corporate counsel across Ukraine and Kazakhstan for over fourteen years.

An insatiable curiosity about cultures and histories drove Anzhela to delve into Indigenous Canadian studies, earning certificates from the University of Alberta and the University of Toronto. Her legal prowess was formally recognized in Canada when she was called to the Alberta Bar in September 2021.

In the courtroom, Anzhela has championed family law cases before Alberta's Provincial Court and the Court of King’s Bench. Her expertise also shines in immigration law, representing cases before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Her professional affiliations include the Canadian Immigrant Lawyers Association and the Global Lawyers of Canada, highlighting her dedication to immigration and global legal practices.

Beyond the confines of her office, Anzhela's heart beats for community service. Her work with the newcomer community and various volunteer organizations in Calgary speaks volumes of her passion. Her decade-plus stint as an interpreter for Immigrant Services of Calgary earned her the “Volunteer of the Month” accolade in April 2019. Her commitment to Pro Bono Law and Calgary Legal Guidance was honored in 2021 with a Distinguished Service Award, marking her fifth year of voluntary service.

When not immersed in legal or community work, Anzhela finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. Be it social gatherings with friends, quality time with family, or engaging in winter sports like skating and sledding, she lives life to the fullest. Swimming and traveling the globe also feature prominently in her leisure activities, reflecting her adventurous spirit and love for exploring new horizons.