Grace Acan
Associate
Grace is a committed advocate for clients navigating the immigration and refugee system.
Grace is a committed advocate for clients navigating the immigration and refugee system.
Grace works with clients on a broad scope of immigration and refugee law matters, including refugee claims, Pre-Removal Risk Assessments, applications for permanent residence through family sponsorship and Humanitarian & Compassionate applications, applications for temporary residence through work and study permits, citizenship, and more.
Grace’s interest in immigration and refugee law dates back to the early days of law school, when she studied under Maureen Silcoff. She later completed her Integrated Practice Placement and articling at Silcoff Shacter and continued working at the firm as a Licensing Candidate prior to her call to the Bar of Ontario.
As an immigrant herself, she understands many of the challenges newcomers face. She approaches her cases with a trauma-informed lens, having worked closely with vulnerable communities. These experiences shape her commitment to equity, sustainability, and belonging, guide her legal work, and allow her to advocate effectively for clients facing high-stakes immigration and refugee matters.
Grace served as the President of the Student Chapter of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers (CARL) at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. In this role, she worked with CARL executive team to organize a series of events for CARL members focused on immigration and refugee law. She was also a member of the research team for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Legal Clinic at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Her work involved research on human rights issues, with a specific focus on indentured servitude in the Canadian and international law contexts.
Grace received her Juris Doctor from the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Prior to earning her law degree, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development with a focus on environmental and social justice at Acadia University.
Grace is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. She is also a member of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers.