Q&A with Ottawa Immigration Lawyer Claire Houkayem
As part of uLawPractice's ongoing Spot Light series, our team speaks with lawyers from across Canada. We explore what drew them to the legal profession, and how they built their careers.
In this article, we spoke with Claire Houkayem, an Ottawa-based lawyer who specializes in Immigration Law and works as a partner at A&C Law Firm LLP.
Q: What' was your academic and work history prior to getting your licence?
"I have been practicing law since January 2011. I earned both my LL.L. and LL.B. from the University of Ottawa, and also completed a semester of law studies at the University of Montpellier in France. In addition to my legal education, I hold a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Social Sciences, also from the
University of Ottawa."
Q: At what point in time in your life did you decide to pursue the field of law? Why did you make such a decision?
"I decided to pursue a career in law when I was 15 years old. At that time, I came to Canada as an immigrant and needed the help of an immigration lawyer. That experience—and the profound impact that lawyer had on my life—inspired me to follow the same path. I saw firsthand how the law can be used to support and empower people during some of their most vulnerable moments, and I knew I wanted to be part of that."
Q: What were your reasons for becoming the legal practitioner who you are today? Which areas of the law do you focus on. Are there any trends that you've noticed during your practice?
"The reason I became the legal practitioner I am today is rooted in my personal experience as an immigrant. I deeply understand the challenges and complexities that newcomers face, and I wanted to use my skills to help others navigate these issues. "
"I focus exclusively on immigration and refugee law because I am passionate about advocating for individuals seeking a better life in Canada. Over the course of my practice, I have noticed several trends, particularly in the increasing complexity of
immigration procedures, as well as the growing need for legal assistance for refugees seeking protection."
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced through your career--where it was extremely difficult for you, professionally, and perhaps daunting? Can you explain your challenges and how you conquered them?
"One of the biggest challenges I faced in my career occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with clients who were either denied entry, detained, or facing removal from Canada. Due to the restrictions, counsel was not able to attend hearings or visits in person, which added a layer of difficulty
in managing these critical cases."
"These situations were extremely professionally demanding because the stakes were so high for the individuals and families involved. As a lawyer, it was incredibly challenging not being able to be physically present to advocate for my clients during such vulnerable and stressful times. The isolation of the situation made it even harder, both for me and for my clients, as many of them felt uncertain and overwhelmed by the circumstances."
"Although not the same as in-person representation, I worked tirelessly to ensure my clients' voices were heard and their rights protected through the use of technology, despite the limitations. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and the ability to adjust to rapidly changing circumstances, especially when the stakes are so high."
Q: Can you remark on any particular court cases and/or regulatory shifts/changes which you've encountered and had to work around while working in the field of law?
"In the field of immigration law, we are constantly working around regulatory changes and policies that can shift overnight. These changes often present significant challenges as they can directly impact the status of cases, application processes, and the options available to our clients."
"It’s not uncommon for regulations to be amended or new policies to be introduced with little warning, forcing us to quickly adapt and adjust our strategies."
"A particular challenge I’ve encountered is the unpredictability of government processing times, policy updates, and the imposition of quotas. These shifts can make it difficult to plan and offer clients clear guidance. However, navigating these fluctuations has also highlighted the importance of staying informed, remaining flexible, and ensuring that our clients are well-prepared for whatever changes may
come."
"Through staying up to date with policy changes, collaborating with colleagues, and maintaining a proactive approach, I’ve been able to manage these challenges effectively and continue to support my clients with the best possible legal advice and representation."
Q: Please highlight some of the most satisfying moments in this career? Without being too specific (client confidentiality, etc) can you give some examples of momentous occasions in your career and describe their significance?
"I’m proud of every positive refugee claim I’ve been involved in, as each success represents a pivotal moment in the life of a client seeking safety and stability.
A memorable moment in my career was winning my first case at the Federal Court, which has since been cited in multiple memorandums related to refugee claims."
"The fact that this case continues to have a lasting impact and serves as a precedent today is deeply meaningful to me. It’s a powerful reminder of the
long-term significance our work can have, not only on individual clients but also on the broader legal community."
Q: How has the practice of law shifted or changed over the time you've been a practitioner? Where do you see this direction going in the future?
Over the course of my career, I’ve witnessed significant changes in the practice of law, particularly in technology, client expectations, and regulatory shifts. One of the most notable changes has been the increased reliance on technology. The use of digital tools—ranging from multiple IRCC portals to virtual hearings—has made legal work more efficient and accessible. While these advancements bring numerous benefits, they also come with challenges, such as ensuring client confidentiality and adapting to the rapid pace of technological changes."
"Looking forward, I believe the practice of law will continue to be shaped by advancements in technology. I also see a growing need for human lawyers to provide the personal touch, emotional intelligence, and judgment that technology cannot replicate. As we move forward, I think we will see a balance between
leveraging technology and maintaining the human element that is so critical in the practice of law."
Q: How do you think the legal profession will change in the next 10 years?
As an immigration & refugee lawyer, I believe the next 10 years will bring both opportunities and challenges shaped by global mobility, political shifts, and advancements in technology. We’re already seeing how digital platforms and online portals—like those used by IRCC—are transforming how
applications are submitted and processed. This trend will only continue, with increasing automation and the use of AI in decision-making."
At the same time, I expect immigration law to become even more complex, with frequent policy changes driven by global events. Lawyers will need to be more agile than ever, staying ahead of evolving regulations and finding creative solutions for clients in increasingly nuanced situations."
"Despite these ongoing shifts, the human dimension of immigration and refugee law will remain paramount. Many clients find themselves in vulnerable and high-stakes situations, where the need for thoughtful, strategic, and compassionate legal representation is essential."
"In the coming decade, practitioners in this field will need to strike a careful balance between embracing technological advancements and maintaining a strong commitment to client-centered advocacy, combining legal expertise with empathy and ethical judgment."