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Meet the Founders

Our Association was established by a dedicated group of legal professionals united by a shared commitment to empowering newcomers in Canada. With decades of combined experience in immigration services, community support, and legal advocacy, our founders have worked extensively with individuals from diverse backgrounds—including refugees, refugee claimants, immigrants, and Canadian-born clients. Their collective expertise spans volunteer service, interpretation, immigration documentation, and formal legal training, creating a strong foundation for a practice built on integrity, compassion, and a deep understanding of Canada’s immigration system. Together, they are committed to delivering accessible, reliable, and client-centered immigration solutions.

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Lawyer

Teklemichael Abebe Sahlemariam

Teklemichael Abebe Sahlemariam is a distinguished lawyer, community advocate, and the Founder and Principal of TAS Law Office in Toronto, Ontario.  He brings over a decade of experience and is recognized for his dedicated advocacy in immigration, refugee, family, and criminal law, and for his longstanding commitment to serving both his clients and the wider community.
Teklemichael brings a strong academic and professional background to his practice. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies at Royal Roads University, followed by his Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Law in 2010. He later earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Humanitarian and Security Law from the University of Ottawa. Teklemichael completed his licensing with the Law Society of Ontario in 2014 and is a Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor authorized to appear before the Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
His legal practice is known for its client-centred approach and culturally informed representation. Drawing from both extensive legal training and lived experience, Teklemichael provides effective, compassionate advocacy for individuals facing complex legal challenges. He has represented clients from diverse backgrounds and maintains a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and resolute dedication to achieving fair outcomes.
In addition to his legal work, Teklemichael is deeply invested in strengthening community institutions and supporting educational advancement. He actively engages with the Ethiopian and broader East African community through mentorship initiatives and speaking events, including bringing accomplished Habesha professionals to share their experiences at the Ethiopian Community Association. His philanthropic efforts extend internationally as he provides scholarships to law departments at universities in Ethiopia, contributes to community fundraisers and church initiatives, and consistently supports programs aimed at empowering youth and newcomers.
Teklemichael is also known for offering pro bono legal guidance at community meetings and educational sessions, ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to reliable legal information. His commitment to public service and community development is a defining aspect of his professional identity.
Through his legal practice, mentorship, and ongoing philanthropic work, Teklemichael continues to uphold the values of justice, service, and community empowerment that shape his career and his contributions both in Canada and abroad.

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Lawyer

Liyusew Kidane

Liyusew Kidane is a Canadian-licensed immigration and refugee lawyer committed to supporting individuals and families navigating Canada’s complex immigration system. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2018 and holds dual Master of Laws (LLM) degrees, including one from Dalhousie University and another in Canadian Common Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University.


Prior to founding his firm, Kidane Law, Liyusew gained extensive experience as an associate at TAS Law Office, representing clients before Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and all four divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB): the Immigration Division (ID), Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), Refugee Protection Division (RPD), and Refugee Appeal Division (RAD). From February 2020 to January 2024, he also served as an Adjudicator Member at the IRB, providing invaluable insight into decision-making and the inner workings of Canada’s immigration and refugee system.


At Kidane Law, Liyusew focuses on refugee protection claims, appeals, admissibility hearings, spousal sponsorships, and other immigration-related matters. He provides strategic, pragmatic guidance, helping clients navigate evidentiary requirements and complex procedures. Known for his accessible and client-focused approach, he offers virtual consultations to reach clients across Canada and abroad.
Liyusew is deeply committed to protecting the rights of refugees and immigrants, ensuring that each client receives professional, personalized, and effective legal support throughout their immigration journey. He welcomes referrals and strives to make the immigration process as clear and manageable as possible for his clients.

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RCIC-IRB

Syn Amanuel

Syn Amanuel is the founder of Selamta Immigration Services, established in 2016 with a primary focus on refugees. With 16 years of prior volunteer experience as a host, interpreter, and assistant with immigration forms, Syn works with clients from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including both immigrants and Canadian-born individuals.


Syn holds an L3 RCIC-IRB Unrestricted Practice license from the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), allowing her to represent clients before Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and all four divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB): the Immigration Division (ID), Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), Refugee Protection Division (RPD), and Refugee Appeal Division (RAD).


Born in Eritrea, Syn came to Canada as a government-sponsored refugee in 2001. Her personal immigration journey inspired her to become an RCIC in 2016, fueling her passion for helping others navigate the immigration process. Her lived experience as a refugee enables her to empathize with clients and advocate effectively within the Canadian immigration system, understanding their stories while finding solutions within the often-rigid structure of the system.


Beyond her professional practice, Syn has been actively involved in legal and community organizations. She serves as co-chair of the Overseas Protection and Resettlement working group at the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) and has been a board director for International Ave BRZ in Calgary since 2019, contributing to the development and support of immigrant communities.
Syn is committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and culturally sensitive guidance, helping refugees and immigrants navigate complex immigration pathways while empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity and opportunity.

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Get to Know Habesha LPAC

The Habesha Legal Professionals Association of Canada is a Black-led non-profit organization that unites its members to provide evidence-based, language-specific, and culturally appropriate legal support. Our mission is to equip Habesha legal professionals to serve their community with dignity, unity, and excellence.

Get in Touch

Opening Hours

Come Visit

Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat: 10am - 2pm
Sun: Closed

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