Renowned citizenship and immigration lawyer, Mr Johnson Babalola (BL.LL.B,C.S), has drawn international accolades following his designation as a Certified Specialist in ‘Citizenship and Immigration Law: Immigration and Refugee Protection’ by the Law Society of Ontario province, Canada.
Babalola, a Nigerian-born Canadian legal icon and the Group Managing Partner of Topmarké Attorneys LLP, a well-respected law firm based in Toronto was conferred with the prestigious honour in recognition of his near-two decades of unparalleled professional interventions on legal matters bordering on citizenship, immigration and refugee rights.
Johnson Babalola, popularly hailed as JB by admirers holds a degree in law and certificates in Mining law, Immigration law, Workplace Investigations, Negotiation Fundamentals, and Counseling. A member of the Ontario (Canada) and Nigerian Bars and the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), Babalola’s illustrious career in the legal profession spans over 30 years. Also, at least 17 of those years have been spent practicing citizenship, immigration and refugee law, leading to his official designation as the Certified Specialist Designation in Citizenship and Immigration Law: Immigration and Refugee Protection by the Law Society of Ontario on October 29, 2021.
The New Diplomat reports that the Law Society of Ontario is the regulatory body for the legal profession in Ontario and also the official body in charge of recognizing licensed lawyers who have established and satisfied the requirement of being a leader in a designated area of law. Designated individuals like Babalola must have demonstrated extensive knowledge, experience, and exemplary standard of professional practice in their field.
According to some senior lawyers who conferred with The New Diplomat, the Certified Specialist Designation in the Canadian legal system and jurisprudence can be likened to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) — the highest recognition a practicing lawyer can earn in the legal profession in Nigeria for his/her work.
In a congratulatory message, Topmarké Attorneys said the milestone recognition of Babalola will go a long way in encouraging many on the possibility of excelling as a professional in Canada.
Olukemi Oduwole, the Managing Partner of Topmarké Attorneys said: “The dedication Johnson has shown demonstrates a work ethic that few possess. The path he has taken has presented many challenges and also many milestones. Now Johnson steps forward with another outstanding achievement. His hard work paid off and his success deserves to be celebrated! Being one of the most talented people I know, it is with joy that I congratulate you on this significant achievement in your profession and career. I know J.B will keep shooting for the stars.
“We are proud to celebrate JB’s sincere commitment to pursing an advanced level of skill with which to best serve the public and colleagues in the legal professions. A trailblazer of the legal profession.”
According to Akinwumi Reju, Senior Partner at Topmarké Attorneys, the Certified specialist’s designation of Babalola has distinguished the legal luminary as an extensive legal expert, whose expertise covers the entire spectrum of citizenship, immigration, and refugee law. “This includes but is not limited to Citizenship, Permanent Residence, Family and spousal sponsorships, Federal Court Reviews, Refugee claims and Appeals. Admissibility, Humanitarian and Compassionate applications, Pre-Removal risk assessment and stay of deportation. In addition to his immigration practice, Johnson is also a Workplace investigator and Management trainer.”
The statement by Topmarké Attorneys, a firm of top-notch professional and experienced lawyers, further said the honour bagged by Babalola is a well-deserved one for his years-long advocacy in support of internationally trained and young lawyers, as well as diversity and inclusion.
“The recognition of the hard work and excellent legal services provided by Johnson over the years serves as an additional motivation to continue providing top notch and experienced legal services to clients navigating the very sensitive area of citizenship and immigration law. Clients can also count on the same level of excellence across other practice areas.”
