CMLA Member Spotlight - Naseem Mithoowani

Meet Naseem Mithoowani,

Co-founder of Mithoowani Waldman Immigration Law Group, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal adjudicator, and adjunct professor at Osgoode.

Interviewed by Portia Wade: Legal Administration Student at Seneca Polytechnic

and CMLA Volunteer

Background Story

I am the daughter of a refugee. My dad entered Canada from Uganda after Indians were expelled and entered Canada on that basis. He was able to complete his education here and was given a very healthy start to his life in Canada. That’s always shown me the value of wrapping our newcomers around in support and then allowing them to flourish.

I grew up in Strathroy, we were the only Muslim family and one of the very, very few racialized families. In my last year of high school, I took a law course. When we got to the topic of the Charter, that really sparked an interest as I never thought about minority rights. To be frank, I had never really seen myself or thought of myself having rights or being a minority. From that class onwards, the path was to go to law school and do so as quickly as possible.

The Inspiration

It’s no coincidence that I named my son Musa. His story of speaking truth to power and going up against tyranny is why in part I do the work that I do. Looking back at historical figures and the leaders in our own community who started as lawyers before my time and who carved out that space for community advocacy, for Muslim lawyers to thrive, is inspirational.

Why Law?

The law allows rights to be protected, particularly when individuals are vulnerable, be it because they’re minorities in Canada, or refugees, or newcomers. I like looking at my role in the law as evening the scales of power and adding power back to people that are otherwise facing the full weight of the state against them and their interests. The law has been an entry point into the Muslim community because there’s so much advocacy and so much space for advocates within the Muslim community. I’ve never separated my legal career from that community advocacy. It’s my way of finding a place of belonging in the community, finding a way to contribute to the community, and to protect the rights of Muslim-Canadians in Canada.

My legal background has allowed me to join organizations within the Muslim community, like Islamic Relief [islamicreliefcanada.org] as a board member, or the CMLA as part of the legal advisory committee. The community work continues to strengthen the relationship between my daily life, my work life and my faith.

Advice to Other Muslim Lawyers

If you follow our traditions of standing up for justice, of excellence in whatever you do and set your intention in terms of the impact you want to have, you can’t help but be a success!

What skills or habits have been crucial to your success?

I've been able to separate myself from the outcomes of my cases. Sometimes, loss in this area can be heartbreaking and mean the deportation of a person from their community, the separation of a family. Reminding myself that while I did the best I could, I am not ultimately responsible for the fate of my clients has been instrumental in keeping me sane. I try to see my role as one part of a larger puzzle, and not the entire picture.

Favorite restaurants

Naseem loves the Toronto halal food scene. One of her favourite restaurants is Jatujak [jatujak.ca]