About the firm

I am Rachel Bourbeau, a lawyer and member of the Barreau du Québec. I run a solo practice in Montreal devoted to one side of immigration law: defending people who are already in Canada and inside a procedure — a refugee claim, an appeal, a removal, a detention. My practice is federal, so where you live in Canada does not limit whether I can act for you.

Background

I hold a law degree (LL.B.) from Université de Montréal and have been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 2022. Since June 2025, I sit on the board of the AQAADI — the Association québécoise des avocats et avocates en droit de l'immigration, Quebec's association of immigration lawyers. I am an authorized representative under section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which allows me to represent you before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), in applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and at the Federal Court — where only lawyers can appear.

What the practice covers

Refugee claims before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD); appeals before the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD); judicial review and stay motions at the Federal Court; Pre-Removal Risk Assessments (PRRA); removal and deferral files; detention reviews before the Immigration Division; and permanent residence for protected persons. I do not practise business immigration or general sponsorship — if that is what you need, I will say so at the first call rather than learn it on your file.

How I practise

A solo practice means the lawyer you consult is the lawyer who reads your record, drafts your memorandum, and stands up at your hearing. I work in French, English and Spanish directly, without an interpreter. I explain fees in writing before any work begins, and if your income may qualify for legal aid, we check that first. And I tell clients the truth about their files, including when the honest answer is that a recourse is weak — because you can only make good decisions with real information.

Where and for whom

The office is in Montreal, but the tribunals I work before are federal, and hearings are frequently held by videoconference. I represent clients anywhere in Canada.

If your situation fits this practice, let's talk about it.