Your justice. My mission.

Pokharel Law is a Toronto firm working in immigration, refugee, family, and civil law. We represent clients across Ontario and Canada — file by file, with the time each case deserves.

Rajendra Pokharel, Founder & Principal Lawyer
Rajendra Pokharel Founder & Principal Lawyer
About the firm

A practice rooted in refugee and immigration law.

Pokharel Law was founded in August 2024 to provide direct, founder-led representation in matters that often involve people at the most vulnerable points of their lives.

Mr. Pokharel was called to the Ontario Bar in November 2022. Before founding the firm, he practised at one of Toronto's largest refugee law firms, where he represented clients across a wide range of refugee and immigration cases.

He holds an LLB (Hons) from BPP University in the United Kingdom and an LLM in Business Law from the University of Montreal. Over the course of his career he has worked with more than 100 refugees, gaining extensive experience in managing complex immigration files.

Fluent in English, Hindi, and Nepali — with a basic understanding of French and German — Rajendra leads a diverse team capable of serving clients in Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Sinhalese, Yoruba, and Edo.

“I founded Pokharel Law to provide dedicated, compassionate legal support to people navigating the complexities of immigration and refugee law.”

— Rajendra Pokharel, Founder & Principal Lawyer
Practice areas

Five disciplines we take on every day.

We work within a deliberately narrow scope — areas where our counsel has direct tribunal and court experience.

  1. Refugee Law

    Refugee Protection Division hearings, Refugee Appeal Division submissions, PRRA applications, and Federal Court judicial reviews.

  2. Immigration Law

    Express Entry, Provincial Nominees, study and work permits, spousal sponsorship, humanitarian & compassionate applications, and inadmissibility files.

  3. Civil Litigation

    Commercial and personal disputes, debt recovery, and Landlord & Tenant Board proceedings.

  4. Family Law

    Spousal sponsorship, separation agreements, and cross-border family matters.

  5. Notary Public

    Affidavits, statutory declarations, certified true copies, and notarization of documents for use in Canada and abroad.

The team

You'll know your counsel by name.

A small team of lawyers, consultants, and clerks who carry files personally — from the first call to the final decision.

  • Portrait of Rajendra Pokharel

    Rajendra Pokharel

    Founder & Principal Lawyer

    Immigration · Refugee Law

  • Portrait of Kirti Dhagavkar

    Kirti Dhagavkar

    Barrister & Solicitor

    Personal Injury · Civil Litigation

  • Portrait of Navjiwan Singh

    Navjiwan Singh

    RCIC-IRB · Immigration Consultant

    Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant

  • Portrait of Nabina Khanal

    Nabina Khanal

    Law Clerk

    Refugee · Immigration · Family

  • Portrait of Yaman Poudyal

    Yaman Poudyal

    Finance & Administration

    Financial Planning · Accounting · Operations

  • Prachi Awasthi

    IT Administrator

    Cybersecurity · Networking · IT Systems

Portrait of Rajendra Pokharel

Rajendra Pokharel

Founder & Principal Lawyer

Immigration · Refugee Law

Mr. Pokharel is the Founder and Principal Lawyer of Pokharel Law, established in August 2024, which focuses on immigration and refugee law. Called to the Ontario Bar in 2022, he has built his practice on strong advocacy and accessible legal services for individuals and families seeking support with immigration matters.

I hold an LLB (Hons) from BPP University in the United Kingdom and an LLM in Business Law from the University of Montreal. Before founding the firm, I practiced at one of Toronto's leading refugee law firms, representing clients across a wide range of refugee and immigration cases. Throughout my career, I have worked with more than 100 refugees and asylum seekers, providing me with extensive experience in case preparation, legal strategy, and client representation. In addition to English, I am fluent in Hindi and Nepali and have a basic understanding of French and German, allowing me to effectively serve a diverse clientele.

Under my leadership, Pokharel Law has proudly built a multilingual and culturally diverse team capable of serving clients from a wide range of backgrounds. The firm provides services in Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Sinhalese, Yoruba, and Edo, ensuring effective, accessible communication and personalized support throughout the legal process.

Education & Admissions:

  • LLM, University of Montreal (Canada)
  • LLB (Hons), BPP University (United Kingdom)
Portrait of Kirti Dhagavkar

Kirti Dhagavkar

Barrister & Solicitor

Personal Injury · Civil Litigation

Kirti Dhagavkar is a barrister and solicitor with international legal experience spanning Dubai (U.A.E.), India, and Canada. With a strong litigation-focused background and a practical, client-centred approach, she provides strategic guidance to individuals and families navigating personal injury, immigration, and civil litigation matters.

Kirti holds an LL.B. from India and is a licensed Barrister and Solicitor in Ontario, practising as a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). In Canada, she completed her articling at a personal injury law firm, where she gained substantial hands-on experience in litigation and courtroom practice.

Beyond personal injury, she has handled Landlord and Tenant Board proceedings and Highway Traffic Act matters, appearing independently in hearings, negotiations, and court processes. This breadth of work has sharpened her drafting, advocacy, and courtroom confidence.

Her personal injury practice includes car accidents, slip-and-fall cases, and other serious injury claims. In immigration, she assists clients with family-based petitions, visa applications, adjustment of status, and deportation defence. Her civil litigation practice covers a range of disputes, including contract and commercial matters, debt recovery, landlord-tenant proceedings, and other civil claims pursued through negotiation, mediation, or trial. Across every file, Kirti combines assertive advocacy with genuine empathy, delivering personalized attention and practical solutions tailored to each client's circumstances.

Known for her attention to detail, professionalism, and clear communication, Kirti is committed to making the legal process accessible and transparent. She takes the time to understand her clients' goals and works diligently to protect their rights — whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

Fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Urdu, Kirti proudly serves a diverse clientele, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps within the legal system with competence and care.

When you choose Kirti Dhagavkar as your counsel, you gain a trusted advocate genuinely invested in your future and your family's well-being.

Education & Admissions:

  • LL.B., India
  • Barrister & Solicitor, Ontario — Law Society of Ontario (LSO)
Portrait of Navjiwan Singh

Navjiwan Singh

RCIC-IRB · Immigration Consultant

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant

Navjiwan Singh came to Canada as an international student and understands firsthand the challenges, uncertainty, and struggles many newcomers face while building a future in a new country. Before entering the immigration field, he completed his Bachelor's degree in Hospitality in India and gained valuable professional experience working with internationally recognized hospitality brands including Marriott International, Hilton, Taj Hotels, and within the Distillery District in Canada.

Having personally experienced the immigration journey, he developed a passion for helping others avoid the same hardships and confusion many international students and newcomers encounter. This inspired him to pursue a career in immigration and become a regulated RCIC-IRB professional.

Today, Navjiwan Singh serves as the Director of Electra Immigration and Visa Services Inc., where he is committed to providing honest, strategic, and client-focused immigration guidance to individuals and families pursuing their Canadian dreams.

Portrait of Nabina Khanal

Nabina Khanal

Law Clerk

Refugee · Immigration · Family

I am Nabina Khanal, a Law Clerk graduate from Seneca Polytechnic and a current law student at Arden University. I also hold a law degree from Nepal, which has provided me with both theoretical and practical knowledge of the legal systems in Nepal and Canada.

I have experience working in Refugee, Immigration, and Family Law matters, where I assist clients through various stages of their legal process with professionalism and care. Prior to joining the legal field in Canada, I interned with the ServiceOntario Business Registry Office, where I gained valuable administrative and client service experience.

As one of the first points of contact for clients, I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment while ensuring that files and documentation are handled efficiently and accurately. I assist lawyers with legal drafting, court filings, client communication, and case preparation. I understand that legal matters can often be stressful, and I am committed to helping clients navigate the process smoothly and confidently.

I am passionate about serving diverse communities and take pride in being organized, detail-oriented, and client-focused in my work.

Portrait of Yaman Poudyal

Yaman Poudyal

Finance & Administration

Financial Planning · Accounting · Operations

Yaman Poudyal is a highly driven business and finance professional with experience in accounting, financial operations, and legal administration within the Canadian immigration and legal services sector. He currently works in the field of financial planning and accounting at an immigration law firm in Canada, where he contributes to financial management, operational coordination, client support, and administrative systems.

Yaman holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Bangalore University, graduating with an outstanding 85% aggregate. During his undergraduate studies, he demonstrated exceptional academic excellence in quantitative and analytical subjects, achieving perfect scores of 100/100 in Accounting and Mathematics in multiple semesters. His academic background reflects strong analytical thinking, financial understanding, and problem-solving ability.

In Canada, he further advanced his education through postgraduate studies in Global Business Management, strengthening his expertise in international business operations, strategic management, finance, and global market systems. Alongside his academic achievements, Yaman has gained practical experience working in professional legal and financial environments, developing skills in client relations, financial coordination, compliance processes, and organizational management.

Beyond business and finance, Yaman has a strong interest in international relations, global governance, and diplomacy. He is passionate about leadership, policy development, and contributing to long-term institutional and economic growth both in Canada and Nepal. His professional vision combines financial expertise, global business knowledge, and a commitment to impactful leadership.

Yaman is recognized for his discipline, professionalism, adaptability, and dedication to continuous growth. His ability to combine academic excellence with real-world professional experience positions him as a motivated and forward-thinking professional with an international perspective.

Prachi Awasthi

IT Administrator

Cybersecurity · Networking · IT Systems

I am Prachi Awasthi, an IT Admin with a strong background in cybersecurity, networking, and information technology. I graduated in Cyber Security and Networking from Seneca Polytechnic and also hold a degree in Information Systems from Nepal, which has provided me with both theoretical and practical knowledge of IT systems and technology management.

I have certifications in Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Database Management, and I have also completed training in Website Designing and Software Development in Nepal. Through my education and professional experience, I have developed strong technical skills in Linux/UNIX administration, Microsoft administration, wireless networks, software-defined networks, cloud services, maintenance and security, analyzing and resolving information technology problems, and system design and installation.

As an IT Admin, I manage networking and cybersecurity operations within a law office environment. I assist with maintaining secure systems, monitoring network performance, managing user accounts and cloud services, troubleshooting technical issues, performing system updates and data backups, and ensuring the security of confidential legal and client information. I also look after several office software systems, legal software applications, and network infrastructure to ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operations. In addition, I provide technical support to staff and help maintain reliable and secure IT systems across the office.

I am passionate about technology and cybersecurity and take pride in being organized, detail-oriented, and solution-focused in my work. I am committed to providing reliable IT support while helping maintain secure and efficient systems in a professional environment.

Languages spoken across the team

English · Nepali · Hindi · Bengali · Punjabi · Tamil · Telugu · Kannada · Malayalam · Sinhalese · Yoruba · Edo

Offices

Our offices.

Frequently asked questions

Refugee and immigration questions, answered plainly.

How do I start a refugee claim in Canada?

A claim can be made at a Canadian port of entry or from inside Canada through an online application. We assist with form preparation, evidence gathering, and representation before the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Who qualifies as a Convention Refugee?

A Convention Refugee is a person who fears persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. A person in need of protection faces torture, risk to life, or cruel treatment if returned home.

How long does a refugee claim take?

Most claims take 12 to 24 months to reach a decision. We track every stage and ensure deadlines are met.

Can I work or study while my claim is processed?

Yes. Most refugee claimants can apply for a work permit or study permit after their claim is referred to the IRB.

What if my claim is refused?

You may appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division or seek judicial review at the Federal Court. We represent clients at both stages.

What's the difference between a refugee claim and an H&C application?

A refugee claim is based on fear of persecution. A humanitarian & compassionate application is for individuals who do not qualify as refugees but have strong personal, family, or community ties in Canada.

Contact

Tell us about your matter.

Every engagement begins with a private consultation. We respond within one business day.

Submitting this form does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Information sent is treated as confidential but is not legal advice.