About

Your legal ally in immigration sports law international recruitment

Patrice Brunet Avocats has been supporting individuals, athletes and businesses for more than 30 years.

Mission

The DNA of Patrice Brunet Avocats: rigour, innovation and efficiency.

Established in 1993, Patrice Brunet Avocats is a leading firm in immigration and sports law. Thanks to its deep knowledge of the laws and processes governing immigration and sport, and to its extensive field experience, our multidisciplinary team delivers quality service to businesses, individuals and players in the world of sport.

History

PBA: more than 30 years of practice, more than 3,000 clients served.

1992 2023

  1. November 1992

    The very beginning

    Me Patrice Brunet is called to the Barreau du Québec.

  2. May 1993

    The firm is born

    The firm opens on Berri Street in Montreal. It would move several times over the years and is now located in the Outremont district.

  3. 1995

    Lawyer and arbitrator

    Me Patrice Brunet is appointed accredited arbitrator with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

  4. 1996

    Immigration

    The firm extends its expertise to business immigration.

  5. 2001

    Sports law

    The sports law practice expands significantly.

  6. 2002

    New recognition

    Me Patrice Brunet is appointed accredited arbitrator with the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC).

  7. 2023

    A new look

    The firm changes its logo and brand identity.

Patrice Brunet, président et fondateur du cabinet

founder and managing partner

Patrice Brunet, founder of the firm

Me Patrice Brunet is the founder and managing partner of Patrice Brunet Avocats. For more than 30 years, he has focused his practice on his two passions: immigration and sport. He supports businesses looking to recruit foreign workers as well as individuals seeking temporary or permanent residence and Canadian citizenship. A recognized expert in sports law, Me Brunet is also a respected arbitrator in the field. A gifted communicator, he is regularly invited by the media to comment on current issues in immigration and sports law.

Team

PBA: a formidable team of lawyers and experts

Lawyer, business immigration and sports law

Vincent Dubuc-Cusick

Vincent Dubuc-Cusick

Lawyer, business immigration and sports law

Vincent Dubuc-Cusick practises within our group as a lawyer specializing in business immigration. Known for his rigour and his availability, he develops creative strategies for obtaining work permits, permanent residence applications and family reunification procedures.

Having also practised business law, he puts that experience at the service of corporate and individual clients, helping them or their employees settle in Quebec or in other Canadian provinces. He also practises U.S. immigration law, supported by our U.S. counsel.

Vincent also practises sports law, offering his services to athletes and federations alike before the various judicial bodies in sport. Versatile, he works on doping and harassment matters as well as athlete contracts and national team selection. Fully fluent in French and English, Vincent Dubuc-Cusick practises law in both languages.

Education

  • Barreau du Québec (2018)
  • Bachelor of Civil Law (LL.B.), Université de Montréal (2017)

Involvement

  • Lawyers' Soccer League
  • Groupe Copley World Triathlon
  • Tente juridique
  • Board of directors, B3 Montréal

Lawyer, business immigration, litigation, sports law and administrative law

Rosalie Caillé-Lévesque

Rosalie Caillé-Lévesque

Lawyer, business immigration, litigation, sports law and administrative law

Rosalie Caillé-Lévesque practises as a lawyer specializing in humanitarian immigration files. A member of the Bar since 2019, she has solid experience representing clients before various administrative and judicial tribunals, and practises in both official languages.

A law graduate of the Université de Montréal, she completed exchanges in France and China, and is involved with associations such as AQAADI and the CBA.

Education

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.), North American common law, Université de Montréal (2023)
  • Barreau du Québec (2019)
  • Bachelor of Civil Law (LL.B.), Université de Montréal (2017)
  • Bachelor of International Relations and International Law, Université du Québec à Montréal (2013)
  • Exchange at Sciences Po Lyon (Institut d'études politiques), Lyon, France (2013)
  • Exchange at the China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China (2017)

Lawyer, business immigration, litigation, corporate governance and sports law

Katrina Graham

Katrina Graham

Lawyer, business immigration, litigation, corporate governance and sports law

Katrina Graham is a lawyer on our team. She supports our clients through a range of immigration procedures, offering tailored legal support to help them navigate their process. Thanks to her rigorous and human approach, she makes sure each client's specific needs are met with professionalism and attention.

A graduate of McGill University with a joint BCL/JD degree, Katrina built a solid legal foundation and developed a range of skills, notably in corporate governance and regulation. Her practical view of the law, combined with her attentive listening, allows her to build the climate of trust that is essential to the success of a file.

Alongside her legal practice, she is actively involved in social and community initiatives, reflecting her determination to have a positive impact on her clients and on society.

Education

  • Barreau du Québec (2023)
  • BCL/JD program, McGill University (2022)
  • Bachelor of Anthropology, Concordia University (2018)

Involvement

  • Native Women's Shelter of Montreal, yoga instructor
  • Le Studio Mile-End, diversity and inclusion advisor
  • Action Réfugiés Montréal, administrative assistant

Legal counsel, U.S. immigration

Charles J. Leamy

Charles J. Leamy

Legal counsel, U.S. immigration

As legal counsel in U.S. immigration, Charles Leamy has more than 25 years of experience and specializes in work permits and green cards.

An American citizen and a licensed attorney in several states, he is regularly invited to speak for AILA and works closely with U.S. border authorities to facilitate crossings.

Education

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.), Loyola University New Orleans (1992)
  • Bachelor of Political Science, American Government and Politics, University of Maryland, College Park (1989)

Lawyer

Hector Olivares

Hector Olivares

Lawyer

Hector Olivares is a dedicated lawyer specializing in immigration law. Trilingual (French, Spanish and English), he supports clients with rigour and humanity through their temporary and permanent residence, citizenship, asylum and sponsorship applications.

Drawing on diverse experience gained both in private practice and in academia, Hector is fully at ease preparing complex files and managing client relationships. A graduate of the Université de Montréal and of the École du Barreau, he combines solid legal knowledge with a personalized approach attentive to the specific needs of each situation.

Education

  • Bachelor of Political Science, Central University of Venezuela (2010)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Université de Montréal (2021)
  • École du Barreau (2023)

Lawyer

Julien Otis-Bouchart d’Orval

Julien Otis-Bouchart d’Orval

Lawyer

Julien Otis-Bouchart d'Orval is a lawyer at Patrice Brunet Avocats. Bilingual and curious about the world, he supports his clients with rigour and sensitivity through their temporary residence, permanent residence, citizenship and other complex immigration processes.

With solid experience in immigration law and a thorough understanding of administrative and regulatory issues, Julien puts his expertise at the service of personalized, human solutions. A polyglot, he speaks French, English, Mandarin and Russian fluently, and is a member of AQAADI.

Education

  • Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Université de Montréal (2016)
  • Barreau du Québec (2020)

Immigration lawyer

Marie Duchaine-Brunet

Marie Duchaine-Brunet

Immigration lawyer

Me Marie Duchaine-Brunet practises primarily in Canadian immigration law and supports a clientele of businesses, foreign workers, professionals and individuals through their temporary and permanent immigration procedures.

Before her admission to the Barreau du Québec, she worked as a law student and account manager at Patrice Brunet Avocats, where she took part in assessing and preparing Canadian and U.S. immigration files. That experience gave her a thorough understanding of the strategic issues surrounding international mobility, for employers and workers alike.

Along the way, Me Duchaine-Brunet also collaborated with the Law Society of Nunavut, where she contributed to various projects aimed at improving access to justice in northern communities. She notably followed up on the professional training of lawyers, took part in public awareness initiatives about legal services and coordinated projects on workplace harassment.

Recognized for her rigour, her efficiency and her organizational skills, Me Duchaine-Brunet favours a personalized and pragmatic approach. Her unconventional career path, which includes training in professional cooking at the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec, gave her a strong capacity to adapt, excellent priority management and a constant concern for excellence in client service. Perfectly bilingual in French and English, she supports her clients with professionalism, availability and empathy at every stage of their immigration project.

Education

  • Barreau du Québec (2025)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Université de Montréal (2023)
  • Diploma of Vocational Studies in enriched professional cooking, Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (2016)

Involvement

  • President and treasurer, Comité des étudiantes et étudiants finissants en droit de l'Université de Montréal (CEFDUM)
  • President, Comité Droit et Sports, Université de Montréal
  • Vice-president, practical activities, Comité Droit et Sports, Université de Montréal
  • Volunteer at the Montreal International Triathlon and at B3 Montréal

Executive assistant

Charlotte Boucher

Charlotte Boucher

Executive assistant

Executive assistant and administrative manager, Charlotte Boucher holds a degree in international relations and has personal experience of immigrating to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa.

She supports the lawyers in their work, and also manages finances, marketing and office administration. A former judoka, she takes an active part in the team's sports activities.

Education

  • Master of International Relations, international program management stream, Université Jean Moulin Lyon III, Lyon, France (2019)
  • Double bachelor's degree in law and political science, Université Jean Moulin Lyon III, Lyon, France (2017)
  • Baccalauréat général (economics and social sciences), Institution Rey, Rouen, France (2014)

Paralegal

Florent Letort

Florent Letort

Paralegal

Florent Letort is an immigration paralegal at Patrice Brunet Avocats. He specializes in preparing LMIA applications, work permits and visas, as well as coordinating complex procedures involving government portals and multiple stakeholders.

He stands out for his rigour, his administrative efficiency and his ability to guide clients with clarity and professionalism. Florent speaks French and English, and has a working knowledge of Spanish.

Education

  • Master's degree in regional planning and territorial projects, Université Toulouse II (2014-2016)
  • Bachelor's degree in regional planning and territorial projects, Université Toulouse II (2013-2014)

Paralegal

Iryna Salo

Iryna Salo

Paralegal

Iryna Salo is an immigration paralegal at Patrice Brunet Avocats. With a background in international relations, international law and paralegal studies, she supports clients through their immigration procedures, notably in preparing files, analyzing regulatory requirements and following up on applications with the Canadian authorities.

Her experience in immigration and with people who have lived through a migration journey allows her to understand her clients' realities and challenges. She is currently pursuing a graduate diploma in Canadian and Quebec immigration regulation at the Université de Montréal in order to become a regulated Canadian immigration consultant. She is fluent in French, English, Ukrainian and Russian.

Education

  • Graduate diploma (DESS) in Canadian and Quebec immigration regulation, Université de Montréal (in progress)
  • Bachelor of International Relations and International Law, Université du Québec à Montréal (2020-2024)
  • Specialization certificate in paralegal studies, Collège Supérieur de Montréal (2017)
  • Studies in foreign languages, specialization in French language and literature, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine (2012-2015)

Paralegal

Kaouté Rayanou Dara

Kaouté Rayanou Dara

Paralegal

Kaouté Rayanou Dara is an immigration paralegal at Patrice Brunet Avocats, where he contributes to business immigration and humanitarian immigration files. He works on preparing applications for temporary visas, permanent residence, citizenship, asylum and pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA), while ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.

Recognized for his rigour and his organizational skills, Kaouté follows up on files with government authorities, prepares legal and administrative documentation and makes sure the various stages of immigration procedures run smoothly.

His methodical approach, his attention to detail and his ability to manage several files efficiently allow him to provide reliable support tailored to the needs of the firm's clients. Kaouté speaks French and has a strong command of English.

Education

  • Master of International Law, Université du Québec à Montréal (2025)
  • Bachelor of International Law, University of Kara, Togo (2014)

Law student

Justin Angélil-Danis

Justin Angélil-Danis

Law student

Justin Angélil-Danis earned his Bachelor of Civil Law and his Juris Doctor from McGill University in 2026. Starting in September 2026, he will pursue graduate studies in diplomacy and international relations at Leiden University in the Netherlands. His academic path also includes an exchange at the University of Hong Kong.

Justin joined Patrice Brunet Avocats in June 2026 as a law student. Before joining the firm, he gained diverse experience in legal research, immigration law and human rights advocacy, notably with the Collectif Juridique and with Lawyers for Human Rights in South Africa. He was also a researcher at the Paul-André Crépeau Centre for Private and Comparative Law during his time at McGill.

These experiences allowed him to develop strong skills in research, writing and making the law accessible. Driven by broad intellectual curiosity, Justin is particularly interested in public law, international relations and human rights. Recognized for his community involvement, he was awarded the Lieutenant Governor of Québec Youth Medal.

Education

  • BCL/JD program, McGill University (2026)

Accounting technician

Sydney Duchaine-Brunet

Sydney Duchaine-Brunet

Accounting technician

Sydney Duchaine-Brunet, accounting technician, is responsible for managing the firm's expenses and billing.

Currently studying anthropology, she is passionate about primatology, and her experience in animal care makes her a valued ally for colleagues and office animals alike.

Education

  • Bachelor of Anthropology, Université de Montréal (2024-)

Canine colleagues

Wilfrid, Céleste et Rocky

Wilfrid, Céleste et Rocky

Canine colleagues

Wilfrid, Céleste and Rocky, always at their post, greet visitors and colleagues warmly and with enthusiasm.

Wilfrid (wearing the tie) was born in September 2020, and his name is inspired by the Honourable Wilfrid Laurier, who also gave his name to the avenue where our firm is located. His contagious good mood makes him a treasured companion for the team. His owner is Patrice.

Céleste (on the right) was born in June 2022, and her name is inspired by Céleste, Babar's wife and queen of the elephants. Her comforting presence creates a calmer working atmosphere. Her owner is Florent.

Rocky (in the middle) was born in May 2018, and his name is inspired by the Rocky Mountain horse breed. A retired Mira dog, he spends some of his retirement days at PBA. His calm and his experience bring a reassuring presence to the team. His owner is Vincent.

Philanthropy

Discover our firm's initiatives

The Patrice Brunet Avocats team is not only committed to its clients. It also invests in causes that contribute to a fairer, healthier and more inclusive society.

 
Dr Clown Foundation

Dr Clown Foundation

The Dr Clown Foundation brings an original kind of relief to children in hospitals and specialized schools. A source of comfort, friendship, self-esteem and laughter, these therapeutic clowns bring real joy to young people and, in doing so, lift them out of a routine or difficult daily life.

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Portage Foundation

Portage Foundation

The Portage Foundation helps people (teenagers, men and women) struggling with addiction. It gives them the means to overcome their dependency and live a sober, happy and productive life.

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Sport-Études Foundation

Sport-Études Foundation

The Sport-Études Foundation exists to help high-performance athletes pursue post-secondary studies, in order to raise their graduation rate and recognize their efforts, at school as much as in their sport.

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Valero Energy Foundation

Valero Energy Foundation

The Valero Energy Foundation supports individuals and organizations that give young people from disadvantaged backgrounds the conditions they need to succeed at school.

Animo pour la vie Foundation

Animo pour la vie Foundation

The Animo pour la vie Foundation helps families in need cover their pet's veterinary costs in the event of an accident or serious illness. Its ultimate goal is to reduce the number of pets euthanized for lack of financial means.

Leucan

Leucan

Leucan supports children with cancer and their families. In addition to conducting clinical research, the association offers support services, emotional support, financial assistance, massage therapy, activities, end-of-life care and bereavement follow-up.

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What can we do for you today?

Our seasoned lawyers and experts in immigration and sports law are at your service.