Julio Mena
Founder & Principal Lawyer
Pronouns: he/him/his
Let’s connect on LinkedIn
T: +1 514.237.9274
F: +1 438.796.8911
Languages: English, French and Spanish
Recognitions >
- Lexology Index, formerly Who's Who Legal ("Canada - Corporate Immigration" category) 2022-2024
- Lexology Index, formerly Who's Who Legal ("Immigration" category), 2022-2024
- Chambers Global (Immigration – “Recognized Practitioner” category), 2020
- Legal 500 Canada (Business Immigration – “Next Generation Lawyers” category), 2017
- Represented the University of Montreal during the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition, 2012-2013
- Recipient of “Reach Canada’s Student of the Year” award on behalf of Reach Canada
- Elected Secretary of Lawyers Without Borders (University of Ottawa’s Division), 2010-2011
Affiliations >
- Member, Human Resources Working Committee of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
- Board Secretary, Quebec & Latin-America Chamber of Commerce (QUÉtAL)
- Member of Executive Committee, Immigration Law Section (Quebec Branch) of the Canadian Bar Association
- Member, Quebec Immigration Lawyers Association
- Member, Quebec Bar, Admission 2013
- Member, Young Bar of Montreal
- Member, Golden Key International Honour Society
Education >
- Global Mobility Specialist Certification Program, Worldwide ERC, ongoing
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), University of Montreal, 2016
- Civil Law (LL.L.) - cum laude distinction, University of Ottawa, 2011
- Immigration Consultant Program, LaSalle College, 2007
Overview
Julio Mena is a dynamic, business-minded lawyer focused on corporate immigration and global mobility. With over a decade of experience, he provides strategic immigration advice and innovative, turnkey legal solutions to private and public organizations, as well as to individuals seeking to invest, launch, or acquire a business in Canada. Julio combines legal precision with a pragmatic, business-oriented approach, helping employers align their immigration needs with their broader talent and mobility strategies.
Julio advises domestic and international companies across diverse sectors on the full spectrum of business immigration matters, from executive transfers and LMIA-based work permits to corporate compliance and permanent residency strategies. His approach blends clarity, efficiency, and foresight, helping organizations navigate Canada’s complex immigration landscape with confidence.
Prior to founding LEGEM, Julio worked at two leading global law firms, where he earned recognition in Chambers Global and Legal 500 Canada and became a trusted advisor to both Fortune 500 corporations and some of Canada’s fastest-growing emerging companies.
He regularly assists clients with:
Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), work permits, and exemptions
Corporate compliance and inspections under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Immigration due diligence in mergers and acquisitions
Permanent residence and citizenship applications
Global mobility strategy and cross-border workforce planning
Julio frequently speaks and moderates at professional conferences and delivers in-house corporate training on best practices in immigration and mobility.
He currently serves as Chair of the Immigration and Citizenship Section (Québec Division) of the Canadian Bar Association and sits on the Boards of Directors of Entreprendre Ici and the Québec & Latin America Chamber of Commerce (QUÉTAL).
Before beginning his legal career, Julio completed a professional AEC in immigration and worked with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the department of the Government of Canada responsible for immigration and citizenship matters.