YEAR OF CALL: 2004 (Ontario)
2002 BCL/JD, McGill University
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
- Law Society of Ontario
- Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers (CALL)
- Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL)
- County of Carleton Law Association (CCLA)
Amarkai Laryea maintains a dynamic, fully bilingual practice working to advance the rights of unions, workers, and individuals. He has extensive experience and expertise in all areas of labour, human rights, and administrative law. He provides strategic advice to unions on both internal matters and external campaigns.
Amarkai has dedicated his career to working within Canada’s labour movement. Before joining RavenLaw, Amarkai was a leader in the legal services department of one of Canada’s largest unions. He has been an executive union member and staff representative for both private and public sector unions, and has experience developing comprehensive organizing campaigns with the Strategic Affairs section of an international union. Amarkai has appeared exclusively on behalf of unions, in both French and English, before labour arbitrators and administrative tribunals throughout the country. More recently, Amarkai led a new initiative focused on increasing access to justice at a federal tribunal. He is thrilled to be joining the team at RavenLaw and expanding his practice to include employment law and tenant law.
When not working, Amarkai is usually out and about with his family. A sports fan, he plays basketball and soccer, and volunteers teaching hockey to Black youth with the African Canadian Association of Ottawa. He also played Collegiate soccer and has previously won gold at the Canadian Club Championships.
Amarkai’s lived experience as a Black person continuously impacts his work and community activities. He is a mentor with the McGill Black Alumni Association and a volunteer with the Westboro Beach Community Association. He is also a member of the Black Legal Action Centre and the social justice organization Inter Pares.