Karim Jivraj

1/ Karim Jivraj: Summary

Karim Jivraj is a law graduate with a background in public international law, investor-State disputes and international arbitration. Karim's current professional interests include defamation and media law, civil and commercial litigation, professional regulation and discipline, and human rights law.

2/ Early Years

Born and raised in Ontario, Karim Jivraj attended the Toronto French School, where he served as the elected Student President and became one of the best debaters in the country, representing Canada at the World Schools Debating Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.

3/ University Years

Karim Jivraj pursued his university studies overseas. He graduated from the Sorbonne with degrees in International Law and Public Law. Karim Jivraj also pursued graduate studies at Sciences Po Paris, where he was admitted via national entrance exam. He also pursued an exchange on a full tuition scholarship at Cornell Law School, where he won the Cuccia Cup Moot Court Competition in Constitutional Law.

4/ Legal Background

Karim’s legal background includes experience in international disputes, corporate and tax law practices at leading law firms. During his studies, Karim Jivraj clerked at the Cour de cassation, France’s Supreme Court in civil, commercial and criminal matters.

5/ Activism in France

While a student in Paris, Karim Jivraj was a vocal activist for the "No" side in the 2005 French European Constitution referendum. During the March 2006 student riots, Karim became the de facto spokesperson for students opposing mass protests against the government's attempts at labour deregulation. Karim Jivraj played a key role in forming the Alternative Liberale, a conservative/libertarian party promoting small government, lower spending and economic deregulation, delivering the keynote speech at their founding convention. Karim Jivraj appeared on national radio and television where he debated former socialist Prime Minister Laurent Fabius.

6/ Canadian Politics

Returning to Canada after a decade abroad, Karim Jivraj ran for Parliament in the 2015 Canadian federal election, after winning the Conservative Party of Canada nomination in University-Rosedale. Karim was asked by the outgoing Prime Minister to represent the Conservative Party at locally and nationally broadcast debates, where he faced off against key Liberal cabinet ministers. Karim's parliamentary run was profiled in the National Post, The Walrus, CPAC and the Toronto Sun.