Robert Israel Blanshay

Robert started Blanshay Law (BL) in August 1998 on his own and built the firm into the success it is today. Robert graduated from McGill University & Robson Hall Faculty of Law. In 2006, Robert was Certified as a Specialist in Immigration, Citizenship & Refugee Law by The Law Society of Ontario (LSO). Robert has been a recognized LEXPERT Immigration Lawyer for years. He acted as the Chair of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Ontario Immigration Section Branch (OBA). Robert acted as CBA Litigation Coordinator, Secretary/Communications Officer, Vice Chair & Vice Chair, Refugee & Litigation Affairs. Robert’s practice focuses on all immigration categories, with a focus on litigation before the Federal Court of Canada (Over 500 reported cases) & all Divisions of the Immigration & Refugee Board. Robert has particular expertise with Admissibility Issues such as criminal, medical and misrepresentation allegations. Robert has taught several immigration law Courses, notably at the York University Professional Development Course on Immigration. Robert routinely appears in the Media on emerging immigration & refugee issues. Robert has been active in the 2SLGBTQI+ Community, representing thousands of asylum claims & Same-Sex Spousal Sponsorships. Senior Advisor – Refugee & Litigation Affairs – Faculty of Law – University of Toronto / WoodGreen Community Services (2025/2026)

Laura Sestito Burgess – Senior Legal Assistant & Operations Manager

Laura Sestito acts as the Firm’s Senior Legal Assistant. She brings hands-on experience and an  extensive knowledge of administration and office support. Laura is a seasoned team leader with  excellent communication skills and an outstanding ability to multitask. She spent seven years  working in the United Kingdom (U.K.) for senior executives and overseeing marketing, business  development, and sales teams. Laura was the Account Manager for numerous training and  education programmes developed for Legal and Investment Firms in the U.K. and United Arab  Emirates (U.A.E.). Laura bravely opened, owned and operated a successful, independent  business in Toronto for over five years. The opportunity enabled a deepened understanding of  client relations, communication, and a day -to- day understanding required for managing a  successful enterprise. At BLANSHAY LAW, Laura strives to assist and support clients with all  aspects of their immigration matters in a friendly, approachable and positive manner.

Felix Chakirov – Barrister & Solicitor, Senior Associate Lawyer

Felix graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2017. Felix’s practice focuses on both the immigration category as well as the refugee category. Felix works with clients in the Economic, Business Immigration stream. In addition, he has amassed a broad level of expertise, which includes litigating before all Divisions of the Immigration & Refugee Board (IRB), including refugee hearings, refugee appeals, and stays of deportation. Felix has successfully represented clients before the Federal Court of Canada. Felix holds a Master’s Degree in history from the University of Toronto, where he received the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. Felix’s legal practice is fueled by indelible respect for human rights towards immigrants and refugees in Canada. He acts zealously on behalf of our clients and has significant experience bringing urgent motions before the Federal Court of Canada to prevent forcible deportation

Taaha Malik – Senior Associate Lawyer 

Taaha is a Senior Associate with Blanshay Law. She completed her Articles at Garson LLP and was called to the Ontario Bar in June 2019.

Taaha completed her B.A. (Honours) from the University of Toronto. In 2014 she moved to New York, U.S.A where she completed her Juris Doctorate (J.D.) at New York Law School.

Taaha is passionate about immigration law and advocates zealously for her clients. Her practice encompasses a diverse range of cases, including those in Economic, Business, Family Class, and Refugee categories. Taaha possesses a broad spectrum of expertise, with experience in litigation across all Divisions of the Immigration & Refugee Board (IRB).

Taaha is deeply committed to social responsibility. She maintains active affiliations with organizations, dedicating her time to pro bono work in Refugee Law for marginalized communities.

Fluent in multiple languages, Taaha seamlessly communicates in English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi. This linguistic versatility enhances her ability to connect with a diverse clientele and contribute to the inclusive nature of the legal profession.

Aayush Bhawani – Junior Associate Lawyer

Aayush Bhawani joined B.L. in September 2025 as a Junior Associate Lawyer. Aayush’s legal practice focuses on all Immigration, Refugee, Enforcement / Admissibility & Litigation matters before the Federal Court of Canada and all Divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).

Aayush brings with him solid and sturdy experience with Federal Court Judicial Reviews, Enforcement / Admissibility matters, as well as Procedural Fairness (PF) issues. Aayush is committed to combining strategic advocacy with a personal client-focused approach.

Prior to B.L., Aayush articled with a Corporate, Commercial, and Real Estate practice in Ontario, working at an Immigration-focused Law Firm, where he supported clients matters involving Labour Market Impact Assessments, Start-Up Visa applications, and LMIA-Exempt Work Permits.

Aayush served as a Judicial Clerk to the Chief Justices of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in India, assisting in judicial review proceedings and constitutional cases. A role and honour bestowed on very few.

Aayush earned his LL.M. at the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, where he was awarded the Law and Innovation Fellowship and focused his studies on Administrative Law, Canadian Migration Law, and Governance of Artificial Intelligence.

Aayush holds a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) from Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab, and further holds a J.D., having been Called to the Bar Council of India in 2018, and Law Society of Ontario (Ontario Bar) in August 2025.

Aayush brings a calm, focused and creative approach to each file. Clients can expect to find him friendly, courteous, focused, exhibiting an obvious zeal and relentless energy to achieve the maximum results for each B.L. client.

Adam Sobh – Articling Student

Adam recently obtained his J.D. from the University of Victoria.

During law school, Adam gained experience in administrative law as part of a co-op position with a provincial regulator. He also completed an exchange semester in the Netherlands where he studied international and public law. Adam was an active member of his law school community, notably winning the 2023 Dentons Negotiation Competition.

Adam is a volunteer with The Red Cedar Advocacy Centre, a community-based not-for-profit legal clinic, where he has worked on matters pertaining to human rights, ecological stewardship, and Indigenous rights.

Prior to law school, Adam studied Philosophy at the University of British Columbia where he graduated with distinction.