Publications & Scholarship
Dr. Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang is a published legal scholar and practising Ontario lawyer whose work bridges Canadian immigration and refugee law, comparative fiduciary doctrine, and gender & migration studies. Her writing has appeared in Thomson Reuters publications, the Ontario Bar Association, the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association, and Just. Magazine.
Forthcoming Book
Fiduciary Duties in Canada (2027)
Co-authored with Robert Fischer of DWF LLP and published by Thomson Reuters, this book provides a comprehensive and practical treatment of fiduciary duty as it operates within the Canadian legal system. Drawing on Dr. Zhang’s research expertise and her active litigation practice at BridgePoint Law, the book examines how Canadian courts define, assess, and enforce fiduciary obligations in trust, estate, corporate, and power-of-attorney contexts.
Selected Articles & Contributions
Ontario Bar Association
- “Beyond the Weather: A Newcomer Lawyer’s Guide to Small Talk” — OBA Young Lawyers Division (April 2026)
- “Hierarchy Is Not the Problem. How We Exercise It Is.” — OBA Sole Small Firm and General Practice (April 2026)
- “Be Your Best Friend: A New Year Resolution that I Suggest to All of You” — OBA Sole Small Firm and General Practice (January 2026)
- “Think Bigger: Three Things I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Self” — OBA Young Lawyers Division (November 2025)
- “It Is Not About You”: Holistic and Collaborative Care for Vulnerable Clients — OBA Young Lawyers Division (September 2025)
- “Serving Clients with Trauma: A Brief Guide for Young Lawyers” — OBA Young Lawyers Division (February 2025)
Just. Magazine (OBA)
- “SPILL: How to Make a Clean Getaway – and the Most of Your Time Away from Work” — Just. Magazine (March 2026)
- “SPILL: Your Go-To ‘New Person’ Move” — Just. Magazine (2025)
Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA)
- “Serving Clients with Trauma: A Brief Guide for Young Lawyers” — CILA Thought Leadership (February 2025)
Speaking & Continuing Education
CLE/CPD Presentations
- “Ways to Overcome Hierarchy, Bullying and Isolation in the Legal Professions” — Mental Health Summit for Legal Professionals 2026, Law Society of Ontario, Panellist (May 2026)
- “Client Contingency Planning Requirement: Be Ready for the First Reporting Deadline” — OBA/CBA, Speaker (March 2026)
- “Your Guide to Temporary Resident Visa Applications” — OBA Citizenship and Immigration Law / Young Lawyers Division, Program Chair (May 2025)
Community & Conference Presentations
- “Canadian Immigration 101: What International Students and Graduates Need to Know” — City of Kingston (video recording)
- CBA Sole, Small Firm and General Practice Conference — Canadian Bar Association
For a complete list of lectures, CLE/CPD presentations, and academic talks, see Speaking Engagements.
In the Media
Dr. Zhang’s litigation work and advocacy have been featured by national and local media:
- Kingston Daily — “She rebuilt her life in Kingston—now this newcomer lawyer is winning a top award” (April 2026)
- CBC Radio, Ontario Morning — “Kingston lawyer wins Inspirational Entrepreneur Award” (April 2026)
- Toronto Star — “She was a refugee mother living in a shelter…”
- Toronto Star Opinion — “Protecting children from poverty and neglect shouldn’t be this complicated”
- CSALC — Media Report on the Toronto Star coverage