Dr. Charles Osuji, LL.D. (Hon.), C.Dir.
CEO & Managing Partner
…Dr. Charles Osuji (LL.D.) is a trusted advisor to individuals, executives, entrepreneurs, and corporations navigating complex legal challenges in today’s fast-changing business environment. He is the CEO and Managing Counsel of Osuji & Smith Lawyers, one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse firms, recognized as the largest Black-owned law firm in Canada, and comprised of staff who speak more than 30 languages.
Dr. Osuji is a multi-award-winning lawyer whose recognitions include Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Alberta. He is the youngest recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from Mount Royal University, awarded for his outstanding service, extraordinary standard of excellence, and contributions to society.
At an age when many lawyers are still learning their craft, Dr. Osuji is not only litigating at the highest level but also mentoring and leading a multidisciplinary team of lawyers and staff. He has received over 120 local and national awards, including a LEXPERT Rising Star for Canada’s Leading Lawyers Under 40 and recognition among Canada’s 100 Most Influential Black Canadians.
From law school in Nigeria to law firm CEO in Calgary, his journey has been swift and remarkable. After graduating top of his class with honours and being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2010, he articled at Osuji & Smith (then Smith Law Office) and was called to the Alberta Bar in 2014. Within two years he became Partner, and by 2017, sole owner of the firm. Today, Osuji & Smith employs more than 40 professionals across two Calgary offices, with an expanding footprint in Ontario, Yukon, and Dubai.
Dr. Osuji is also a Chartered Director (C.Dir.) from the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, equipping him with board-level governance expertise valued by executives and corporations. His advocacy has shaped Alberta jurisprudence with precedent-setting cases at all levels of court, particularly in employment, family, commercial, and civil litigation.
Titles and accolades do not define Charles’ work. What drives him is a deep belief that excellence must be inclusive. Beyond law, he founded the award-winning Foot in the Door Initiative (FIDI), which has supported more than 300 locally and internationally trained lawyers in Canada. Charles’ vision for FIDI is rooted in his own story. Arriving in Canada from Nigeria with strong academic credentials but no local network, he faced rejection after rejection—over 300 unanswered applications. Those barriers, while disheartening, became his motivation. He resolved that no one else should struggle alone to find their place in the Canadian legal profession. FIDI was created to give others what he never had: mentorship, guidance, and a genuine “foot in the door.”
Through FIDI, he continues to transform his personal story of struggle and perseverance into a collective opportunity for others. To date, the program has supported more than 300 internationally and locally trained lawyers, creating a pipeline of talent and resilience that enriches Alberta’s legal profession and Canadian society at large.
Charles has also founded The Charles Osuji Foundation, which has pledged over hundred thousand dollars in scholarships and entrepreneurial grants. He also serves on the boards of the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC), Black North Initiative, and United Way Calgary, among others.
For Charles, opening doors is not an act of charity but an act of justice. His life’s work—whether through law, governance, or community service—remains focused on ensuring that no capable person is left behind simply because of where they started. He understands what it means to fight for a seat at the table as he continues to scale the firm on perseverance, rather than privilege.
Charles’ clients range from employers, employees, homemakers to celebrities, CEOs, tech startup CEOs, disadvantaged men and women, ultra high net worth individuals, established corporations and emerging ventures, reflecting his ability to bridge complex legal issues with practical, business-focused solutions.
Charles is a sought-after keynote speaker and presenter at numerous legal and non-legal organizations including various law societies, bar associations and universities. He has mentored hundreds of students and junior lawyers, appeared as a panelist at numerous events, participated in podcasts and presented keynote speeches for various schools and universities including the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.
Honours & Awards (Selected)
National / Legal Awards
- Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.), Mount Royal University for outstanding service, extraordinary standard of excellence in his work and contributions towards the betterment of society
- Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers
- Lexpert Rising Star: Leading Lawyers under 40, Canada
- Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Lawyer to Watch
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, based on peer review and votes by fellow lawyers
- CHRR 5-Star Employment Lawyers Award
- CHRR 5-Star Employment Law Firms
- Voted one of the Best Labour & Employment Law Firms in Canada by Canadian HR Awards
Provincial / Community Leadership Awards
- Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta)
- Immigrant of Distinction (Achievement Under 35) Award by Immigrant Services Calgary
- Business in Calgary Leaders Award
- Avenue Calgary Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue Magazine
- Hope Awards by Aspen Family and Community Network Society
- Entrepreneur of the Year AC (Afro Canadians) Award by Diversity Magazine
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Awards
- Inclusive Workplaces Award – Government of Alberta
- Inclusive Leadership Award – Immigrant Champions Awards
- Inclusive Organization Award (Osuji & Smith Lawyers) – Immigrant Champions Awards
- Inclusive Organization Award (Foot in the Door Initiative) – Immigrant Champions Awards
- Innovative Recruitment Award (Osuji & Smith Lawyers) – ITL Canada
- Impact Award (Foot in the Door Initiative) – ITL Canada
- Power of Inclusion Community Award – Council of Nigerian Professionals, Canada
- Black Excellence Award – Calgary Black Chambers
- 100 Most Influential Black Canadians (two-time recipient, Afroglobal TV)
- Professional Achievement Award – Afroglobal TV
Cultural & Community Recognitions
- Achievement Award – Igbo Cultural Association of Calgary
- CY Ekwulugo Award for Volunteering and Community Service – Igbo Cultural Association of Calgary
- Distinguished Achievement Award – Nigerian Association of Calgary, Canada
- Humanity Champion – People’s Club of Nigeria, Calgary Branch
- Best of Nigerians in Diaspora (Bond) Awards, Toronto, Canada
- Innovation & Leadership Award by Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament, Scarborough North, Toronto
- Black Icon Award – Nigerian IT Professionals of Canada (NIPCA)
- Recognized as one of the Outstanding Africans in Canada
- Recognized as one of the 20 Most Influential Nigerians in Canada
Firm & Practice Recognitions
- Top 10 Employment Law Firms by Manage HR Canada Magazine
- Winner, 2021–2025 Top Choice, Business Legal Services in Calgary
- Employer of the Year Award – Afrovibes, Calgary
- The Community Impact Award (Foot in the Door Initiative) – The Impact Awards, Internationally Trained Lawyers Conference, Calgary
- The Innovative Recruitment Award (Osuji & Smith) – The Impact Awards, Internationally Trained Lawyers Conference, Calgary
- Nominated for the Employer Awards for Newcomer Employment – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Nominated Torch Awards – Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Nominated Les Prix Canie Awards’ Black Entrepreneur Award
- Nominated for the Canadian Bar Association’s Douglas Miller Rising Star Award
Peer & Market Rankings
- Consecutively rated one of the Top 3 Employment Lawyers in Calgary (2018–2025) – ThreeBestRated
- Consecutively rated one of the Top 3 Business Lawyers in Calgary (2019–2025) – ThreeBestRated
- Consecutively rated one of the Top 3 Divorce Lawyers in Calgary (2020–2025) – ThreeBestRated
- Consecutively rated one of the Top 3 Estate Planning Lawyers in Calgary (2020–2025) – ThreeBestRated
- Consecutively rated one of the Top 3 Civil Litigation Lawyers in Calgary (2020–2025) – ThreeBestRated
Education
- Chartered Director (C. Dir.), DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University – 2025
- Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.), Mount Royal University – 2024
- Call to the Bar: Alberta (2014)
- Call to the Bar: Nigeria (2010)
- Bar Admission Course, Legal education Society of Alberta – 2014
- Bachelor of Laws Equivalency Examinations, Federation of Law Societies of Canada – 2023
- L., Nigerian Law School – 2010
- B. (magna cum laude), Imo State University – 2009
Boards & Leadership
- Director, Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC) (2018–2025)
- Founding Ambassador, United Way Calgary (2020–present)
- Member, Black North Initiative (2022–present)
- President, Foot in the Door Initiative (FIDI) – supported 300+ internationally trained lawyers (2023–present)
- Founder, Charles Osuji Foundation – $110,000 committed to scholarships and entrepreneurship (2024–present)
- Mentor, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
- Director, Advisory Board, Roli Mabo Foundation
- Mentor Lead, Law Society of Alberta
- Corporate Legal Officer, Nigerians Inspiring Development Organization Americas
- Co-Founder, Nigerian Lawyers in Calgary
- Fellow, John Ware Institute, Canada
Charles has been featured by multiple news outlets, including Lawyers’ Daily, Canadian Lawyer Magazine, the Nod Magazine, The Sprawl, IAF Canada, Digital Journal, CityNews, Afro X TV, 660 News, OMNI TV, Global News, etc. You can find some of his interviews here -> Featured Interviews
Memberships
- The Canadian Bar Association
- The Law Society of Alberta
- The Calgary Bar Association
- The Nigerian Bar Association
- Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council
- Legal Aid Council of Nigeria
- Global Lawyers of Canada
- Calgary Black Chambers
- Association of Black Conservatives
- Ambassador, United Way, Calgary
- Co-Founder, Nigerian Lawyers in Calgary
Practice Areas
- Employment Law
- Family Law
- Real Estate
- Litigation
- Business Law
- Personal Injury
- Wills and Estates
- Foreclosures
You may contact Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) at 403-283-8018 or by email at [email protected].
Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) – Award Winning Calgary Employment and Business Lawyer
…Osuji & Smith Calgary lawyers has just won the 2025 Three Best Rated for Best Rated Employment Lawyers in Calgary. This is our ninth win having won it in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. We have also won the 2025 Three Best Rated for Best Rated Business Lawyers in Calgary for 2025. This is our 7th win having won it in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Osuji & Smith has also won the Three Best Rated for Best Rated Divorce, Civil Litigation and Estate Planning Lawyers in Calgary for 2025. This is our 5th win. We have also won the 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 Top Choice Award for Business Services in Calgary and the Hope Awards, Aspen, among other awards.
“Diversity and inclusion is at the core of our Calgary law firm mission and strategy. We walk the talk when it comes to diversity and multiculturalism. Also, effective communication is the key to our success. Our friendly and multilingual legal team speaks more than 32 languages including English, Mandarin, Uyghur, Turkish, Ibo, French, Edo, Urdu, Punjabi, Urhobo, German, Itsekiri, Italian, South Korean, Twi, Ewe, Japanese, Arabic, Spanish, Hindi, Yoruba, Pashto, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, Uzbek, Bengali, Hausa, Esan, West African Pidgin, Gujarati, Kiswahili, Moldavian, honesty and efficiency. We speak your language. Our lawyers will connect with you and understand your instructions.”
What People Say About US
“Charles was fantastic to work with! He was very professional, made sure I knew my options and supportive to the end. He successfully handled my employment matter and I would hire Charles again if needed.”
Aniedi Davidson at Osuji & Smith made our experience of incorporating interesting, accessible and hassle free. She took the time required to help us understand the process thoroughly and was very kind and friendly. Incorporating felt like a large task to us and she made it easy! I would highly recommend her services to anyone looking to incorporate their business.
Quite frankly, Osuji & Smith is the best. Charles and his team handled my Divorce process with ease. Their level of flexibility and professionalism is second to none! Would advise the general public to contact Osuji & Smith for all their legal needs.
I would like to thank Nitin Srivastava of Osuji & Smith for his help on my recent case. He was very professional and knowledgeable and helped me to make the proper decision regarding my case. I would recommend Nitin to anyone needing advice on labour and employment law.
My partner and I had a meeting with Charles today. He was very welcoming and so full of knowledge! Not only that but most importantly, honest. He helped us understand our situation and did so without us retaining him and charging us a ton of money! Such a different experience than any other lawyer I had dealt with in the city. He did not make us feel as if we were just a dollar sign and actually seemed to care. That is not common in lawyers. You’re awesome Charles and we would most definitely recommend you to anyone!
Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) has been my legal advisor for some time now. From the first day I met with him, I came to the conclusion that being brilliant and respectful has nothing to do with race or colour of skin. If you need a smart, efficient, competent, hardworking and professional lawyer, Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) embodies all these qualities. Charles is a very patient, considerate, hardworking lawyer that works 24/7 for the best interest of his client. He has been handling all my legal matters and has done an amazing job. I should note that he works with a dynamic and friendly team. I highly recommend him and his law firm, Osuji & Smith!
I had a great experience with Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) and his staff! Very professional and friendly and helpful. They are very reasonable with their hourly rates. I highly recommend Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) and Osuji & Smith to all my friends and anyone out there who is looking for professional help.
Had a great experience dealing with Charles. He looked after our best interests and finished our contract in good time. We will be using Osuji and Smith in the future.
Osuji and Smith handles all of our personal and business needs and we could not be happier with them. They are always available to answer any questions and provide sound advice. If you are looking for a great law firm, call them and they will take care of you every step of the way.
They are Excellent and I had a wonderful experience especially Mr. Charles! He is very friendly and explained us all the outcomes. And we won the case!
Charles and Colleen provided me with some legal and real estate services. They are very professional, competent and on time. Their fees are very reasonable too. I highly recommend Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) and to anyone looking for a competent and knowledgeable lawyer that can resolve your case quickly at a reasonable price. Thanks, Osuji and Smith for the excellent work!
We hired Charles to help us with Employment law. He was very knowledgeable on the matter, he worked very efficiently and he achieved a favorable result in a short period of time. He was also very reasonable priced. I highly recommend him to anyone in a need of legal advice and services.
I came to Osuji & Smith to review a commercial lease for my new business location. Charles and Alessia thoroughly reviewed my lease with me so that I understood it, and provided me specific notes about the present lease to take back to the landlord. Charles exceeded my expectations by also giving me additional tips on legal contracts on top of sharing some business advice that will be invaluable to the future of my business and my success as a new business owner. I feel the value I received from this office is why I will surely choose them again in the future.
I worked solely with Charles on an employment case that was very personal to me. From the get go he displayed nothing but the highest standard of respect, knowledge, case fact competency and actually cares about your interest & well being. Always reachable even whilst I was overseas in multiple countries. His consistency, experience, historic reference, and flawless case punctuality are very noticeable in the way he handled every single matter. I can’t thank him enough for his honest work, support, and dealings. Osuji and Smith law-firm is an amazing establishment. Thank you again, Charles.
Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) has been my legal advisor for some time. From the first day I met with Charles I came to conclusion that being brilliant and respectful has nothing to do with race or colour of skin. If you need a smart, efficient, competent, hardworking and professional lawyer, Charles embodies all these qualities. Charles is very patient, considerate, hardworking lawyer that works 24/7 for the best interest of his client. He has been handling all my legal matters and had done an amazing job. He works with a dynamic and friendly team. I highly recommend him and his law firm Osuji & Smith Lawyers.
I have used them once and all I can say is their services are top notch, didn’t have anything to complain about. Hence I will definitely recommend them to friends and family.
I had the opportunity to have Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) providing legal services for myself and I can say that he and his team dealt with my matter in a very professional way. They are very responsive and Charles worked even on a Sunday to have my issue solved as soon as possible. Reasonable priced and more than that, he offered me the most cost-efficient alternatives for my case. Highly recommend this law firm.
I hired Charles for a prenuptial agreement. He is amazing from day 1. Unlike other corporate family lawyers, Charles calls you back even after 9 pm and even on a Saturday or Sunday. You can directly talk to Charles anytime unlike other lawyers who are not so easy to talk. His prices are reasonable and he is very professional. I would highly recommend Osuji & Smith for your legal needs.
I worked with Charles and Colleen for the sale of my old home and the purchase of my new home. They were so wonderful to deal with. Very professional and helpful. I would highly recommend Osuji & Smith for your legal needs!
Charles is amazing. He handled my divorce efficiently and professional and put up with some craziness on my part. Would definitely recommend!