"If you want to come to Canada — explore every option."
Lead Counsel — Pepa v. Canada
Supreme Court of Canada, 2025
Mary Lam is one of Canada's most accomplished immigration lawyers, with 33 years of complex litigation experience before appellate courts across Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada. She advocates for clients caught in the machinery of immigration systems that others find too difficult to challenge.
Over three decades, Mary has served clients from every corner of the world — every continent but the Arctic. This breadth of experience means that whatever your background, wherever you are coming from, she has likely navigated a situation like yours before.
Mary argued and won Pepa v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2025 SCC 21, before the Supreme Court of Canada. It took over 8 years to get a just result. Significantly, in the post-Vavilov era, the Supreme Court settled the jurisdictional question itself rather than sending it back to the Immigration Appeal Division — opening the door for other levels of court to make such conclusions.
Lead counsel in Pepa v. Canada, 2025 SCC 21 — establishing a landmark precedent on immigration appeal rights under IRPA.
Zafar Mahmood et al (IMM-8302-12)
Part of a legal team in the landmark class action against the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration — resulting in a significant settlement.
Taught immigration law at one of Canada's leading research universities, contributing to the next generation of immigration practitioners.
Actively assisting individuals affected by the retroactive provisions of the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12).
Advising businesses and individuals on the Canadian immigration law dimension of cross-border matters — Canadian work permits, permanent residence pathways, USMCA professional categories, and Bill C-12 implications. Available in English and Chinese (Cantonese & Xinhui).
Federal Court judicial review, Immigration Appeal Division appeals, and Supreme Court advocacy for the most difficult immigration matters, including protection claims arising from Bill C-12's retroactive provisions and matters involving potential inadmissibilities.
Serving as Canadian immigration law co-counsel for law firms handling cross-border files. Mary provides the Canadian law expertise that enables complete advice to cross-border clients. Referral relationships welcome.
Expert commentary and analysis on USMCA, Canadian immigration legislation, and cross-border policy developments through USMCA Watch (usmcawatch.com). Available for speaking engagements, media commentary, and expert witness engagements.
Mary is fluent in Cantonese and Xinhui — the dialect of Guangdong province spoken by the earliest Chinese settlers to North America. She advises Chinese-speaking clients directly on Canadian immigration law in English and Chinese (Cantonese & Xinhui), without interpretation, serving a community that few practitioners can reach.
Lead counsel — Supreme Court of Canada win as sole practitioner
Part of a legal team — landmark settlement against the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Immigration law lecturer — one of Canada's top research universities
Hong Kong Exchange Program, 1992 — supervised by Prof. Rebecca Cook, O.C.
Actively assisting individuals affected by Bill C-12's retroactive immigration provisions
Publisher and editor — USMCA, border policy and North American trade
Every immigration matter is unique. Mary Lam takes the time to understand your situation fully before advising you on the best path forward. Whether you are navigating a complex immigration matter or a cross-border Canada–U.S. immigration issue, reach out to discuss how she can help.