Ningjing Zhang
Biography
Natalie grew up in a military family in Shanghai, where she developed a deep respect for discipline, integrity, and service — values that continue to guide her work today. Her path to the legal profession was not straightforward. Once a refugee herself, Natalie and her children lived in a women’s shelter for 3.5 years before she entered Queen’s Law. That lived experience gave her not only resilience but also profound empathy for clients facing uncertainty and hardship. Before becoming a lawyer, Natalie earned a Ph.D. in History and built a promising academic career, teaching and conducting research at world-class institutions such as Fudan University (China), Stanford University (U.S.), and Queen’s University (Canada). Her strong academic training sharpened her research and analytical skills, which she now applies to developing effective legal strategies for her clients. Today, Natalie is one of the few refugee-turned-lawyers in Canada. She practices immigration and refugee law, with a special focus on helping immigrants and immigrant entrepreneurs establish their lives and businesses in Ontario. As both a small business owner and an immigrant herself, she understands the challenges and opportunities newcomers face. Natalie is committed to making high-quality legal services accessible, efficient, and client-centered. She recognizes how much every dollar means to immigrant families and strives to provide services that are not only professional and effective but also mindful of her clients’ realities. For her, practicing law is more than a career — it is a calling rooted in social justice, gratitude, and a desire to pay forward the help she once received. When she is not practicing law, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family (and their recently rescued dog Wonzy), volunteering in her community, and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
