SSH LAW - Key Persons
Bjorn has over 20 years experience since graduating with a Bachelor of Laws in 1995 from the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta where he was on the Dean's List. Bjorn's legal experience began with articling at one of the top criminal law firms in Alberta in 1995 and 1996.
In March of 2020 Bjorn was appointed by the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General as King's Counsel (His Majesty's Counsel, learned in the law, for the Province of Alberta) due to his recognized expertise in immigration law and outstanding ability as a lawyer. This requires a demonstrated history of honesty, integrity, discretion as well as the trust and confidence of others, his fellow lawyers and the Bench and administrative tribunals.
Bjorn has successfully appeared before all levels of Alberta Courts, including Provincial Court, the Court of King's Bench of Alberta and the Alberta Court of Appeal. The extensive level of experience Bjorn holds has given him expertise in the preparation and presentation of legal cases before the Courts of Alberta.
In August of 2002 Bjorn joined the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) as a Refugee Protection Officer, working within Canada's refugee determination system. Bjorn worked at the IRB for approximately 3 years, during which he gained in-depth experience and knowledge in the areas of administrative law and the refugee determination system. As a representative of the IRB Bjorn has appeared in hundreds of hearings.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Faraz Bawa Senior Associate
Faraz Bawa graduated with a J.D. from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Law in 2013. Following his graduation Faraz joined Stewart Sharma Harsanyi as an articling student and was called to the Bar in 2014. Prior to a career in law Faraz completed a B.Com. from the University of Calgary, and has worked as a trader and a compensation analyst. Faraz has experience in appearing before all levels of the Immigration and Refugee Board, the Federal Court of Canada and regularly attends Provincial Court and Queen's Bench to deal with family and criminal law matters.
Outside of the office Faraz maintains a strong level of community involvement. Faraz coaches and plays on an amateur men's soccer club he founded in 2007. Faraz has also remained connected to the community through various volunteer organizations, and volunteers his time with the Drop-In Centre, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, the Elizabeth Fry Society and his constituency association.
Faraz is fluent in Urdu and Hindi, can speak Punjabi and is learning Japanese.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Qimat Zafar Associate
Qimat is an associate practicing in all areas of immigration, refugee and family law.
Qimat received her Bachelor's Degree in Law and Society/Political Science from the University of Calgary in 2015 and her law degree from the University of Exeter, England in 2018.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Sarah Shibley Associate
Sarah is an associate practicing in Immigration, Refugee and Family Law.
Sarah earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics at the University of Manitoba. She went on to complete her law degree at the University of Calgary where she volunteered with Student Legal Guidance, Pro Bono Students Canada's Human Rights Tribunal Project and the Public Interest Law Clinic.
Sarah is well-versed in a variety of immigration applications, including citizenship, temporary resident and permanent resident applications. Through her client-focused approach, she provides clear advice and legal solutions to individuals who are navigating these complex areas of law.
When she is not in the office, Sarah can be found playing recreational soccer, hiking or playing classical piano.
Sarah is able to assist clients in French.