Introduction

Tony Balkissoon is a distinguished legal professional known for his contributions to civil rights, criminal justice reform, and advocacy for marginalized communities. With an impressive background in law and an unwavering commitment to justice, Balkissoon has dedicated his career to fighting for fairness and equity in the legal system.

Early Life and Family Background

Born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, Tony Balkissoon was raised in a family with a strong sense of public service. His father, Bas Balkissoon, was a well-respected politician who served as a Liberal member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for over a decade. This upbringing instilled in Tony a passion for justice and civic engagement from a young age.

Educational Journey

Tony’s academic excellence was evident early on. He pursued higher education at Harvard Law School, where he graduated with distinction. During his time at Harvard, he earned the Dean’s Scholar award in Trademark Law and Sex Equality. He was also actively involved in initiatives promoting gender equality and social justice, serving as a representative for Harvard’s Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.

Legal Career and Early Contributions

After law school, Tony embarked on a career that balanced corporate legal practice with a deep commitment to civil rights. He initially worked at a prestigious law firm, where he gained experience in high-profile patent litigation. However, his passion for justice led him to take on pro bono cases in criminal and immigration law, ensuring legal representation for those who needed it most.

Clerkship with Federal Judges

Tony Balkissoon’s legal acumen earned him the opportunity to clerk for two highly respected federal judges:

• Honorable Manish S. Shah (U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois)
• Honorable Ann Claire Williams (U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit)

These experiences provided him with a deep understanding of the judicial process and reinforced his dedication to constitutional rights and due process.

Civil Rights and Criminal Justice Work

Tony later joined Loevy & Loevy, a law firm specializing in civil rights litigation. As a Justice Fellow, he worked on cases involving wrongful convictions and criminal justice reform. His dedication to exonerating the wrongly accused and securing justice for underserved individuals further cemented his reputation as a fierce advocate for fairness.

Current Role at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Currently, Tony serves as Vice President and Executive Counsel at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In this role, he:

• Provides legal guidance on key institutional initiatives
• Supports policy changes for a more effective and fair criminal justice system
• Leads the Smart on Crime Innovations Conference, bringing together experts to discuss solutions for systemic challenges

Personal Life and Marriage

Tony is married to Laura Jarrett, an attorney and former CNN reporter. Laura is the daughter of Valerie Jarrett, a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama. The couple, who met during their time at Harvard Law, tied the knot in a private ceremony attended by high-profile guests, including President Obama.

Together, Tony and Laura have built a strong family foundation while balancing their influential careers. They welcomed their son, James Anthony Balkissoon, in 2019.

Tony Balkissoon’s Impact on Society

Throughout his career, Tony has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice. His work in criminal justice reform, civil rights advocacy, and public service continues to make a meaningful impact on the legal landscape. Whether through his legal practice, policy initiatives, or academic contributions, his efforts aim to create a fairer and more just society.

Influence and Legacy

Tony Balkissoon’s contributions extend beyond his individual achievements. His dedication to upholding justice, mentoring young legal minds, and advocating for policy changes has set a powerful example for future generations of lawyers and public servants.

Conclusion

From his early days in Canada to his influential role in criminal justice reform, Tony Balkissoon’s journey reflects a deep commitment to law and equity. His contributions continue to inspire and shape discussions on justice and human rights, ensuring that his impact is felt for years to come.

FAQs

1. Who is Tony Balkissoon?

Tony Balkissoon is a legal professional known for his work in civil rights, criminal justice reform, and policy advocacy. He currently serves as Vice President and Executive Counsel at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

2. What is his connection to Laura Jarrett?

Tony is married to Laura Jarrett, a lawyer and former CNN reporter. Laura is the daughter of Valerie Jarrett, a senior advisor to former President Barack Obama.

3. What legal work is he known for?

He has worked extensively on wrongful convictions, civil rights cases, and criminal justice reform, including his role at Loevy & Loevy and his judicial clerkships.

4. How has he contributed to criminal justice reform?

Tony has been involved in policy initiatives, advocacy efforts, and legal representation aimed at ensuring fairness and equality in the legal system.

5. What is his current role?

He is the Vice President and Executive Counsel at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he leads initiatives focused on improving the criminal justice system.