Joshua Slayen was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a city he remembers fondly for its sense of community and as the place where his legal journey first began.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Winnipeg, he went on to earn his law degree from the University of North Dakota. While his academic journey was demanding and required long hours of study, his determination carried him through.

Initially, his path into law was motivated by the idea of taking over his father’s real estate law practice. Life took him in a different direction, and he found himself with a law degree without the original purpose he had envisioned. After some exploration, he began practicing family law before being invited to join a firm specializing in immigration law. There, he found his passion for his current work. 

Today, his work is guided by the principle of keeping families together. His firm focuses on advocating for clients, reuniting loved ones, and navigating the challenges of the Canadian immigration system. Much of his day-to-day involves phone calls, emails, legal briefs, submissions, and court appearances. Among the many types of applications he handles, one of his favorites is the mandamus application, a legal tool used to expedite delayed immigration cases. 

When Joshua has spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog, Pickle, as well as staying connected with lifelong friends from childhood. He splits his time between San Francisco and Vancouver, while also overseeing a newly expanded office in Winnipeg. Though the travel and responsibilities can be hectic, he credits the success of his work to the support of a dedicated and top-notch team. He considers building that team and starting Slayen Immigration Law to be one of his greatest professional accomplishments of his career.

Be sure to say hello and introduce yourself if you see Joshua at our next event!