Skip to main content

About Us

Strengthening our legal community

The Tamil Bar Association (TBA) is a not-for-profit professional organization for Tamil legal professionals. We provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development, while fostering a strong, connected, and inclusive legal community grounded in professionalism and integrity.

Jump To Section:

Mission & History
Board of Directors
Committees

Our Mission

Connecting people, supporting growth

Our mission is to strengthen the Tamil legal community by promoting professionalism, integrity, and professional growth while empowering legal professionals at every stage of their careers. Through programs, initiatives, and community engagement, we promote mentorship, collaboration, and inclusion while contributing to a stronger and more representative legal profession.

Our History

Serving the community since 2017

The TBA was established in 2017 to create a dedicated professional network for the Tamil legal community. Founded on the principles of representation and community, the founding Board of Directors — Kartiga Thavaraj, Nevethan Balendra, Gathya Manoharan, Gajan Sathananthan, Prashanth Chandrapal, Janani Shanmuganathan, Kubes Navaratnam, Sangeetha Punniyamoorthy, and Sujith Sutharsan — came together to establish an organization that would serve and connect Tamil legal professionals. The TBA has now become a vibrant network of more than 400+ lawyers and law students, continuing to create opportunities, strengthen connections, and advance a more inclusive legal profession.

Our Values

What guides our work

Community & Collaboration

Mentorship & Professional Development

Leadership & Representation

Inclusion & Shared Growth

Leadership

The people guiding our vision

The TBA’s Board of Directors provides strategic leadership to advance the organization’s mission, initiatives, and commitment to strengthening the Tamil legal community.
Prashanth Chandrapal

Prashanth Chandrapal

President & Chair
Read Bio
Nevethan Balendra

Nevethan Balendra

Vice-President
Read Bio
TBA No Image Available

Lavaniya L. Rajah

Secretary
Read Bio
Vinosha A. Thevarajah

Vinosha A. Thevarajah

Treasurer
Read Bio
Haran Viswanathan

Haran Viswanathan

Co-Chair of External Engagement Committee
Read Bio
Akkila Thirukesan

Akkila Thirukesan

Co-Chair of Advocacy
Read Bio
Harrish Sinnadurai

Harrish Sinnadurai

Co-Chair of External Engagement and Gala Committee
Read Bio
Primiya Sivamoorthi

Primiya Sivamoorthi

Co-Chair of Mentorship & Events and Marketing & Communications Committee
Read Bio
Keeth Raveendran

Keeth Raveendran

Co-Chair of Mentorship & Events Committee
Read Bio
Heyla Vettyvel

Heyla Vettyvel

Co-Chair of Finance Committee
Read Bio

Committees

Where ideas become impact

Our committees are the driving force behind the TBA’s programs, initiatives, and community engagement efforts. They provide members with meaningful opportunities to contribute their skills, collaborate with fellow professionals, and develop leadership experience while helping shape the future of the Tamil legal community.

Advocacy

The Advocacy Committee leads the TBA’s policy and legal advocacy work by monitoring emerging issues, drafting statements and submissions, and engaging strategically with partners and institutions on matters aligned with the TBA’s mandate.

Finance

The Finance Committee oversees the TBA’s financial sustainability through budgeting, financial reporting, sponsorship development, grant applications, and the management of financial controls and best practices.

External Engagement

The External Engagement Committee builds and strengthens the TBA’s relationships with legal organizations and institutions while supporting member advancement through opportunities such as awards, clerkships, appointments, and leadership roles.

Gala

The Gala Committee plans and delivers the TBA’s Annual Tamil Heritage Month/Pongal Gala, coordinating programming, logistics, sponsorship, fundraising, and engagement with members and partners.

Marketing & Communications

The Marketing & Communications Committee manages the TBA’s communications strategy, including email and member communications, website and social media management, and ensuring timely, consistent, and creative outreach.

Mentorship & Events

The Mentorship & Events Committee organizes the TBA’s annual programming—such as CPD sessions, conferences, networking events, and mentorship initiatives—to support the professional growth of students and lawyers.

Growth

Community

Mentorship

Leadership

Education

Advocacy

Our Sponsors

Sponsors supporting community, leadership, and growth.

Become A Sponsor
See All Sponsors
Our sponsors are essential partners in advancing the TBA's mission. Through their generous support, we create meaningful programs and opportunities that connect lawyers, law students, and the broader community while fostering professional growth and engagement. We thank our partners and supporters for their continued commitment and generosity.
Ankit Designs Logo
Baker McKenzie Logo
Blakes Logo
Closer Logo
Gowling Logo
McCarthy Tetrault Logo
Paliare Roland Logo
Scotiabank Logo
Stewart Title Logo
Teplitsky Logo

Join The TBA

Membership that opens doors

Join the TBA to build your network, support the community, and gain new skills.
Become A Member

Lawyer Directory

Find a Tamil lawyer in various practice areas

Browse our Lawyer Directory to connect with Tamil legal professionals across practice areas.
Browse Directory
Group photo
Tamil Bar Association Logo Black

© 2026 Tamil Bar Association. All Rights Reserved.
Website made with by Ankit Designs.

Vinosha A. Thevarajah

Vinosha A. Thevarajah

Treasurer
Vinosha Thevarajah is the founder and principal lawyer of Theva Law Professional Corporation, where she advises individuals, families, and businesses on residential and commercial real estate, wills and estates, business law, family law, and civil litigation matters. With over 20 years of experience in the legal industry and having been called to the Ontario Bar in 2016, Vinosha is known for her practical advice, responsiveness, and client-focused approach. She has built a respected boutique practice dedicated to delivering strategic legal solutions with exceptional client service.

Beyond her practice, Vinosha is committed to legal education, mentorship, and community leadership. She currently serves as Treasurer and Co-Chair of the Finance Committee of the Tamil Bar Association, overseeing the organization's financial governance and strategic planning. She previously taught Medical-Legal Ethics to medical students and internationally trained physicians through Medskool Reviews and was one of the inaugural members of the Canadian Tamil Chamber of Commerce's Women's Committee.

Committed to expanding access to the legal profession, Vinosha established the Theva Law Legal Education Bursary, which provides financial assistance to Tamil-identifying law students pursuing their legal education. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Canadian Bar Association, the Ontario Bar Association, the Christian Legal Fellowship, the South Asian Bar Association, the Tamil Bar Association, and the Canadian Tamil Chamber of Commerce.

Vinosha holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University.
Keeth Raveendran

Keeth Raveendran

Co-Chair of Mentorship & Events Committee
Keethanjan (Keeth) Raveendran is the founder and principal lawyer of Veridian Law, a dedicated family law practice in Markham, Ontario. Serving clients across the Greater Toronto Area, Keethanjan is deeply committed to guiding individuals and families through some of life’s most complex transitions with clarity, empathy, and strong advocacy.
​
Recognizing the distinct familial dynamics and values within our diverse communities, Keethanjan pairs community-minded care with robust legal strategy. His practice encompasses all areas of family law, including divorces, separation agreements, property division, and child or spousal support. He prioritizes cost-effective, sustainable solutions that protect long-term family well-being and safeguard children's future.
​
Keethanjan earned his law degree (LL.B.) in the United Kingdom before obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. As a proud member of the Tamil Bar Association, he is dedicated to advancing access to justice, mentorship, and professional excellence. He is honoured to serve as a trusted resource and advocate, helping community members protect their rights and move forward with confidence.
Harrish Sinnadurai

Harrish Sinnadurai

Co-Chair of External Engagement and Gala Committee
Harrish Sinnadurai is a lawyer at a large asset management and investment fund company, where he works on corporate governance, investment management, and securities law matters. In his role, he works closely with boards and internal stakeholders on strategic decision-making in fast-paced, highly regulated environments, with a focus on governance and oversight.

Prior to his legal career, Harrish worked in real estate and managed a family-run mortgage brokerage, where he developed strong skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and client management.
Harrish is passionate about fostering community, mentorship, and greater representation within the legal profession, with a particular focus on supporting the growth and connection of Tamil legal professionals across diverse backgrounds.

Harrish holds a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto, an LL.B. from the University of Leeds (UK), and attended Western University for his undergraduate studies.
Haran Viswanathan

Haran Viswanathan

Co-Chair of External Engagement Committee
Haran Viswanathan is a Partner in the Corporate Transactions Practice Group at Baker McKenzie’s Toronto office, where he advises public and private companies, investment funds, underwriters, and strategic investors on a broad range of corporate and securities law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, private financings, venture investments, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. His practice spans a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare and life sciences, gaming, and natural resources, with a particular focus on complex cross-border transactions. A proud member of the Tamil community, Haran is passionate about mentorship, professional development, and supporting greater representation of Tamil lawyers within the legal profession through his involvement with the Tamil Bar Association and the broader community. Haran holds a J.D. from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and a B.A. from York University.
Nevethan Balendra

Nevethan Balendra

Vice-President
Nevethan Balendra is the founder and principal of Balendra Law Professional Corporation, where he provides strategic legal counsel on wills and power of attorney, employment law, and a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. His expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, technology contracts, privacy and data security, competition law, health law, regulatory compliance, and private investments. With extensive experience negotiating complex agreements, Nevethan helps individuals and businesses mitigate risk and navigate legal challenges in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Beyond his legal practice, Nevethan is committed to fostering diversity and representation in the legal profession. He is the co-founder and vice president of the Tamil Bar Association, where he leads governance initiatives, mentorship programs, and community engagement efforts. He also serves as a board member of the South Asian Bar Association of Toronto, contributing to advocacy work and professional development initiatives.

Nevethan holds an Honours Bachelor of Science, a Master of Health Information Science, and a Juris Doctor from Western University.
Prashanth Chandrapal

Prashanth Chandrapal

President & Chair
Prashanth Chandrapal is Counsel at the Law Society of Ontario, where he advises on legal and policy matters that support the Law Society's public interest mandate, strengthen institutional governance, and shape the regulation of Ontario's legal profession. He also serves as Chair of the Law Society's Diversity & Inclusion Council, leading initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, and employee engagement across the organization. Previously, he served as Counsel in the Law Society's Professional Regulation Division, responsible for investigating and prosecuting matters involving professional misconduct.

Prior to joining the Law Society, Prashanth practised in the areas of class actions, civil litigation, family law, and child protection. His litigation practice focused on matters involving institutional misconduct, state accountability, and issues of public interest. He also served as appointed counsel for the Office of the Children's Lawyer (OCL), representing children and youth in child protection proceedings and advocating for their legal interests in matters affecting their safety, well-being, and long-term care.

In addition to his legal practice, Prashanth is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto's Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, where he teaches on the intersections of law, social inequality, crime, and the justice system. He has also held teaching appointments at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.

Prashanth is a co-founder, director, and current president of the Tamil Bar Association. He is passionate about supporting the next generation of Tamil legal professionals and advancing Tamil representation at all levels of the legal profession.

Lavaniya L. Rajah

Secretary
Prashanth Chandrapal is Counsel at the Law Society of Ontario, where he advises on legal and policy matters that support the Law Society's public interest mandate, strengthen institutional governance, and shape the regulation of Ontario's legal profession. He also serves as Chair of the Law Society's Diversity & Inclusion Council, leading initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, and employee engagement across the organization. Previously, he served as Counsel in the Law Society's Professional Regulation Division, responsible for investigating and prosecuting matters involving professional misconduct.

Prior to joining the Law Society, Prashanth practised in the areas of class actions, civil litigation, family law, and child protection. His litigation practice focused on matters involving institutional misconduct, state accountability, and issues of public interest. He also served as appointed counsel for the Office of the Children's Lawyer (OCL), representing children and youth in child protection proceedings and advocating for their legal interests in matters affecting their safety, well-being, and long-term care.

In addition to his legal practice, Prashanth is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto's Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, where he teaches on the intersections of law, social inequality, crime, and the justice system. He has also held teaching appointments at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.

Prashanth is a co-founder, director, and current president of the Tamil Bar Association. He is passionate about supporting the next generation of Tamil legal professionals and advancing Tamil representation at all levels of the legal profession.

Prashanth Chandrapal

President & Chair
Prashanth Chandrapal is Counsel at the Law Society of Ontario, where he advises on legal and policy matters that support the Law Society's public interest mandate, strengthen institutional governance, and shape the regulation of Ontario's legal profession. He also serves as Chair of the Law Society's Diversity & Inclusion Council, leading initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, and employee engagement across the organization. Previously, he served as Counsel in the Law Society's Professional Regulation Division, responsible for investigating and prosecuting matters involving professional misconduct.

Prior to joining the Law Society, Prashanth practised in the areas of class actions, civil litigation, family law, and child protection. His litigation practice focused on matters involving institutional misconduct, state accountability, and issues of public interest. He also served as appointed counsel for the Office of the Children's Lawyer (OCL), representing children and youth in child protection proceedings and advocating for their legal interests in matters affecting their safety, well-being, and long-term care.

In addition to his legal practice, Prashanth is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto's Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, where he teaches on the intersections of law, social inequality, crime, and the justice system. He has also held teaching appointments at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.

Prashanth is a co-founder, director, and current president of the Tamil Bar Association. He is passionate about supporting the next generation of Tamil legal professionals and advancing Tamil representation at all levels of the legal profession.

Prashanth Chandrapal

President & Chair
Prashanth Chandrapal is Counsel at the Law Society of Ontario, where he advises on legal and policy matters that support the Law Society's public interest mandate, strengthen institutional governance, and shape the regulation of Ontario's legal profession. He also serves as Chair of the Law Society's Diversity & Inclusion Council, leading initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, and employee engagement across the organization. Previously, he served as Counsel in the Law Society's Professional Regulation Division, responsible for investigating and prosecuting matters involving professional misconduct.

Prior to joining the Law Society, Prashanth practised in the areas of class actions, civil litigation, family law, and child protection. His litigation practice focused on matters involving institutional misconduct, state accountability, and issues of public interest. He also served as appointed counsel for the Office of the Children's Lawyer (OCL), representing children and youth in child protection proceedings and advocating for their legal interests in matters affecting their safety, well-being, and long-term care.

In addition to his legal practice, Prashanth is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto's Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, where he teaches on the intersections of law, social inequality, crime, and the justice system. He has also held teaching appointments at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.

Prashanth is a co-founder, director, and current president of the Tamil Bar Association. He is passionate about supporting the next generation of Tamil legal professionals and advancing Tamil representation at all levels of the legal profession.
Heyla Vettyvel

Heyla Vettyvel

Co-Chair of Finance Committee
Heyla Vettyvel is an associate in the litigation department of Gowling WLG's Toronto office. Heyla is known for her composed, pragmatic approach and her ability to navigate complex legal disputes with clarity and purpose.

Heyla’s practice focuses on commercial litigation (including shareholder disputes, contract disputes, banking litigation, and class actions) with an emphasis on real estate litigation and product liability matters. She frequently acts for institutional and private clients and is recognized for resolving matters efficiently. Heyla independently manages large client portfolios, has prepared for and was extensively involved in numerous trials and arbitrations, and has successfully led a team to victory in the defence of a nearly $1 billion claim involving allegations of negligent engineering and project management.

Heyla is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, where she served as a criminal law division leader at the Community & Legal Aid Services Programme. While at Osgoode, Heyla also competed in and judged numerous mooting competitions and held various roles as an executive member of the Osgoode Tax Law Association.

Heyla graduated with distinction from the BBA program at the Schulich School of Business, completing a triple specialization in accounting, responsible business and entrepreneurship.