Paul VanderVennen graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto in 1985 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1987.  In 1987 he started his own law firm which was primarily dedicated to the practice of Canadian immigration law.  Since 1995 he has worked exclusively in the field of Immigration Law. He was certified as a Specialist in Immigration Law by the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1997.

Mr. VanderVennen has extensive experience in representing clients in immigration law matters including applicants for immigrant visas as refugee claimants in refugee determination hearings, appeals to the Refugee Appeal Division and Federal Court of Canada and sponsorship applications and appeals.

Mr. VanderVennen is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers and the Refugee Lawyers Association. He is past Treasurer of the Inter-Church Committee for Human Rights in Latin America and has served as an international election monitor and as a member of a human rights fact-finding delegation to Central America.  Mr. VanderVennen has traveled to Dubai, Malaysia, China, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Pakistan where he has spoken to thousands of people who are interested in immigrating to Canada. He served as a volunteer lawyer at a clinic providing immigration assistance to low-income people. In 2024 he received the Bikila Professional Excellence Award honoring his career in immigration law.

Prevain Devendran
I am a refugee lawyer dedicated to helping individuals and families find safety and a new beginning in Canada. I understand that behind every case is a deeply personal story, often marked by hardship, resilience, and hope. It is a responsibility I take seriously.

My practice focuses exclusively on refugee and immigration law. I represent clients at every stage—from initial claims before the Refugee Protection Division to appeals at the Refugee Appeal Division and proceedings at the Federal Court. I work closely with each client to understand their experience, carefully build their case, and present it with clarity and strength.

Over the years, I have developed experience handling a large and diverse caseload, Pre-Removal Risk Assessments, and Humanitarian and Compassionate applications. I approach each matter with diligence, precision, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

Before focusing on refugee law, I practiced civil litigation at leading Toronto firms, where I gained strong advocacy skills that continue to shape my work today.

I was called to the Ontario Bar in 2010 and hold a Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.

At the core of my practice is a simple commitment: to listen carefully, to advocate effectively, and to stand firmly beside my clients at every step of their journey.