Barbara Louise Jackman

Barbara Louise Jackman is a leading Canadian lawyer specializing in immigration and refugee law, with particular emphasis on appeals and judicial review applications, complex cases concerning security, medical and criminality, domestic and international human rights issues, rights and protections afforded by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms , andCanada's responsibilities under international treaties. Barbara has handled all kinds of cases including applications for temporary and permanent residence, refugee hearings, appeals and review of negative decisions in the higher courts.

Barbara graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in 1976 and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1978. She is an experienced litigator and consummate professional – but above all she is a lawyer committed to and passionate about her clients’ rights.

Barbara has acted on behalf of parties or intervenors at all levels of Courts in Canada, including before the Supreme Court of Canada.Barbara has argued a number of precedent setting cases concerning the Charter of Rights and Freedoms , immigration, refugee and administrative law. Most recently, she argued two appeals – both successfully – before the Supreme Court in 2018. One dealt with the right of immigration detainees to challenge the legality of their detention.

The other dealt with clarification of the standard that courts use to review decisions of public administrative decision makers.

In addition to her work in the courtroom, Barbara is actively involved in law reform and has provided testimony before Standing Committees on Citizenship and Immigration in the House of Commons and the Senate.

Barbara has contributed over the years to legal education through sessional teaching at Ontario law schools (Queen’s University, University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall Law School) and professional development programs for the Law Society of Ontario, the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Union ofOntario. Barbara continues to share her expertise in these areas of law with other lawyers in need of assistance.