So You Want to Sell Your Law Firm? Succession Planning, Mergers and Acquisitions and Business Planning in the Immigration Space

Transitioning ownership of an immigration law practice requires more than finding a buyer—it demands deliberate valuation, client continuity planning, and strategic deal structuring. Whether you are contemplating retirement, exploring an acquisition, or positioning your firm for long-term equity transfer, this session provides a practical roadmap for executing a successful transition in today’s legal market.

Key Discussion Areas

• Succession Models: Structuring internal equity buy-ins vs. external sales and mergers.

• Practice Valuation: Identifying key value drivers, managing risk, and evaluating goodwill in an immigration practice.

• Client & File Continuity: Navigating ethical obligations, regulatory compliance, and retaining client trust during leadership changes.

• The Buyer & Seller Dynamic: Aligning expectations between retiring founders and incoming partners to ensure a seamless handover.

Program Details

Date: Wednesday November 25, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Registration: $50 for CILA Members and Law Students; Open to eligible Non-Members ($100 per ticket).

Register now to secure your spot!

Meet the Speakers

Joycna Kang is a young and dedicated lawyer (and CILA board member), who recently bought into Battista Migration Law Group as Justice Battista tranitioned to his role on the bench. As someone on the purchasing side of a law firms’ transition, she has valuable insight into what young lawyers are looking for in taking ownership of an existing practice.

Joycna is a Partner at Battista Migration Law Group and a dedicated advocate for the rights, dignity, and safety of migrants and refugees. Her practice spans the full spectrum of immigration and refugee law, with a particular focus on representing individuals in high-stakes matters before the Immigration and Refugee Board. Whether advancing complex refugee claims, appeals, or risk assessments, Joycna is known for combining meticulous legal strategy with a deep commitment to the human stories at the heart of every case.​

Joycna’s impact extends beyond the courtroom. Her advocacy has been recognized in Parliament, where she has provided testimony before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. She is also a trusted voice in public discourse, frequently called upon by national media to comment on immigration law. She has been quoted by CBC, The Globe and Mail, CTV News, and the Montreal Gazette, and has appeared on CBC’s The National, CTV News, and CBC Radio. Her written commentary has been published in University Affairs and The Globe and Mail, reflecting her commitment to shaping a more informed and just immigration system.​

Jarrett Reaume, B.Acc, CPA, CA-IFA, CBV, CFF, Partner/Senior VP At MDD Forensic Accountants. Jarrett is an accountant with years of experience in business valuation; he’s who you’d go to if you’re wondering what your firm is worth and looking for advice on how to navigate the process.

Jarrett has been engaged across a wide range of industries, including: retail and wholesale, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, forestry, mining, construction, hotel, travel, power generation, professional practices, residential and commercial rental properties, trucking, transportation, manufacturing, communications, not-for-profit, co-operatives and restaurants. Jarrett has provided expert testimony before the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, the Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick and at arbitration in Ontario. In addition, he has testified at examination for discovery and supplied litigation support to numerous MDD clients.

Jarrett has prepared and delivered seminars to many of Canada’s leading insurers and law firms on economic loss, business interruption and business valuation.

Mike Dull, K.C. Is the founding partner of Valent Legal. While his practice area focuses on personal injury, medical negligence and corporate and pharmaceutical wrongs, he has long held an interest in business development, mergers and acquisitions, and entrepreneurial endeavours. Mike brings valuable experience to the table as a founding partner who has scaled up and sold a legal practice in the recent past.

Since 2017, Mike has annually been included in the Lexpert Directory as a leading lawyer in Canada in his areas of practice. He is a past finalist for Public Justice’s North American Trial Lawyer of the Year. He was honoured to have been voted Atlantic Canada’s 2022 Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers, a peer-reviewed publication. In 2025, Mike was inducted into the King’s Counsel, a recognition of his exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession.