Executive Profiles: Introducing Sajjad Malik

  • 06 décembre 2022
  • Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section

1.    What are your primary areas of immigration practice? photo of Saijjad Malik

I practice immigration and business law. When I started my practice in Canada, I decided to be my own boss instead of working for someone, which meant that I had to forgo the benefits of being part of an existing law firm with its organized learning and mentoring structure. So, I had to revisit my toolkit and think of how I would use it to establish myself in a new country and a different environment. One of the decisions I made was to select an area of practice where I could gain a strategic advantage by applying my past business, legal and public relations experience. 

I thought that I could leverage my past experiences in the corporate world as a corporate affairs professional who was managing public affairs, corporate communications, and regulatory functions. Being a former civil servant, I understood the bureaucratic mindset and could utilize this experience in my practice too. That’s what motivated me to practice immigration law and business law, especially the domain where they overlap. I felt comfortable with my choice because I could use my practical experience and apply my academic knowledge of my MBA and LL.M. in Business Law in my practice. I knew I could provide more value to my clients through my unique experience. My working abroad as an international lawyer, tax professional and business consultant helps me understand the goals, aspiration, and challenges of international entrepreneurs when they venture into the Canadian business environment.

With time, my practice around those areas has evolved to helping businesspeople establish and acquire businesses and immigrate to Canada. I also assist Canadian small and medium entrepreneurs who are selling or acquiring businesses, starting new business ventures, conceptualizing start-ups, and I do corporate business work as well.