Tony Balkissoon is a powerful example of how dedication, education, and ethical leadership can shape a meaningful legal career. Beyond his lineage, Tony has developed an independent profile through rigorous academic pursuits, significant achievements in litigation, and dedicated advocacy for underserved communities. His life teaches valuable lessons about perseverance, public service, and legal reform.
Quick Facts About Tony Balkissoon
| Full Name | Tony Balkissoon |
|---|---|
| Nickname | ToNY |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | Born in 1984 |
| Age (As of 2024) | 41 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Place of Birth | Ontario, Canada |
| Current Residence | Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Not Known |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height in feet | 5 feet 7 Inches |
| Height in Centimetres | 171 cm |
| Weight in pounds | 156 lbs |
| Weight in Kilograms | 73 kg |
| Body measurements in Inches | 45-36-7 |
| Body measurements in Centimeters | 58-59-20 |
| Shoe Size | 8 (UK) |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Dark Black |
| Siblings | Denise Balkissoon |
| Marital/Relationship Status | Married |
| Partner | Laura Jarrett |
| Ex-Partner | Not Known |
| Children | James Anthony Balkissoon, June Tahay Balkissoon |
| School | Harvard Law School |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Net Worth | 47k pounds to 51k pounds |
| @tonybalkissoon | |
| tony balkissoon | |
| @balkissoontony |
Early Life of Tony Balkissoon
Tony Balkissoon was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, in a family committed to public service and leadership. His father, Bas Balkissoon, emigrated from Trinidad and Tobago and served as a respected politician and Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament. Growing up in this environment inspired Tony to pursue a career rooted in service, justice, and advocacy.
Educational Background
Tony’s academic path reflects his dedication to excellence. He graduated with honors in engineering science from the University of Toronto, blending analytical precision with problem-solving skills. His passion for justice led him to Harvard Law School, where he graduated cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree, preparing him for a highly impactful legal career.
Career Journey and Early Clerkships
Following his graduation, Tony Balkissoon embarked on an impressive legal career marked by dedication and a drive for excellence. His early experiences included prestigious judicial clerkships, a critical training ground for top-tier attorneys. These roles provided him with firsthand exposure to judicial processes, in-depth case law analysis, and courtroom procedures, shaping him into a sharp and analytical legal professional.
Legal Practice and Specializations
Over the years, Tony has built a diverse and impactful legal portfolio, focusing on several key areas:
Civil Rights Litigation
Advocating for the protection of fundamental freedoms and civil liberties, often representing individuals and communities facing discrimination or systemic injustice.
Public Interest Law
Handling cases that champion the public good, including issues involving housing rights, employment discrimination, and government accountability.
Corporate Governance and Compliance
Advising organizations on adhering to legal standards, ethical practices, and transparent operations to ensure integrity and accountability.
Pro Bono Advocacy
Dedicating significant time to representing individuals from marginalized or vulnerable populations who cannot afford legal representation.
Tony Balkissoon’s Personal Life
Tony married Laura Jarrett, a legal correspondent for NBC News and co-anchor of “Saturday Today,” in 2012 after meeting at Harvard Law School. Their wedding in Chicago was notably attended by former President Barack Obama and his family, reflecting close ties through Laura’s mother, Valerie Jarrett, who served as a senior advisor in the Obama White House. The couple has two children:
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James Anthony, born in 2019
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June Tahay, born in 2022
Tony maintains a private online presence. While he doesn’t have known social media accounts, he occasionally appears on his wife’s Instagram in candid family moments
Contributions to Society
Tony’s commitment to justice extends far beyond individual cases. His broader contributions include:
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Wrongful Conviction Advocacy: Fighting tirelessly to secure justice and compensation for those unfairly imprisoned
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Legal Mentorship: Training and mentoring young attorneys pursuing careers in civil rights and public service
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Educational Impact: Supporting academic excellence and integrity in his leadership role at John Jay College
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Cultural Representation: Bringing a multicultural perspective to the legal community as a Canadian of Indian-Trinidadian heritage
Tony Balkissoon’s Favourite Things
| Favourite Singers | Shakira |
|---|---|
| Favourite Colours | Dark brown |
| Favourite Foods | White mushrooms |
| Hobbies | Books reading |
Awards and Recognitions
Although specific awards have not been documented publicly, Tony’s accomplishments—such as his multi-million-dollar verdicts, precedent-setting appellate successes, and high-level institutional roles—reflect the recognition and respect he commands within the legal industry.
FAQs
Who is Tony Balkissoon?
A civil-rights attorney and litigator known for his work in wrongful-conviction and appellate cases.
What is his educational background?
He holds an honors degree in engineering science from the University of Toronto and a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School.
Where does Tony Balkissoon work?
He is counsel at NSBHF and serves as executive counsel at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Who is Tony Balkissoon married to?
He is married to Laura Jarrett, a prominent NBC News legal correspondent and co-anchor of “Saturday Today.”
What are his areas of expertise?
Tony specializes in wrongful-conviction litigation, appellate law, and legal strategy for complex civil-rights cases.
Conclusion
Tony Balkissoon’s journey reflects a blend of dedication, intellect, and compassion. From his upbringing in a civic-minded family to his achievements in prestigious legal roles, Tony continues to influence the legal landscape through advocacy and reform. His commitment to justice, mentorship, and family makes him an inspiring figure, embodying the values of integrity, service, and excellence.
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