About The Charles Osuji Foundation
A legacy built on resilience, opportunity, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed
THE FOUNDATION
From humble beginnings in Nigeria, Dr. Charles Osuji LL.D. (Hon.), C.Dir. has lived a story defined by perseverance, excellence, and purpose. Guided by the unwavering support of his family—who invested in his education and sponsored his immigration to Canada—he arrived in Calgary determined to turn adversity into opportunity.
After facing more than 300 job rejections, his breakthrough came when Jim Smith, a Calgary lawyer, offered him a chance. That single opportunity became the foundation of an extraordinary journey: called to the Alberta Bar in 2014, becoming Partner in 2016, and by 2017, assuming full ownership of the firm that now bears both their names—Osuji & Smith Lawyers.
Under his visionary leadership, Osuji & Smith Lawyers has grown from a small two-lawyer office into one of Canada’s fastest-growing mid-sized law firms, with more than 40 staff and offices in Calgary, Ottawa, Yukon, and Dubai. The firm serves clients in employment law, business law, real estate, family law, immigration, and litigation, and proudly reflects the diversity of its community—its team speaks over 30 languages and represents a mosaic of cultures and professional experiences.
Recognized as a multi-award-winning, full-service law firm, Osuji & Smith’s success mirrors the resilience and inclusiveness of its leader. Dr. Osuji himself has received over 120 local, national, and international recognitions, including Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from Mount Royal University, among others.
Complementing his business leadership, Dr. Osuji holds the Chartered Director (C.Dir.)designation from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University, reflecting his deep commitment to governance excellence, ethical leadership, and corporate accountability. He actively serves on several boards and advisory committees, bringing a principled, values-driven perspective to organizational governance and social impact.
True to his roots and his calling to lift others, Dr. Osuji is the Founder of the award-winning Foot in the Door Initiative (FIDI), a mentorship and training platform that has supported more than 300 locally and internationally trained lawyers in Canada. Rooted in his own early struggles as an immigrant lawyer with no local connections, FIDI was born from his resolve that no one else should face such barriers alone. It provides the mentorship, guidance, and opportunity he once longed for—creating a pipeline of diverse talent that continues to enrich Alberta’s legal profession and Canadian society at large.
The Charles Osuji Foundation is the natural extension of this same vision. It honors the mentors and family who opened doors for him and carries forward his belief that success finds its highest meaning in service to others. Through scholarships, entrepreneurial grants, and global education initiatives, Dr. Osuji is ensuring that the same doors once opened for him remain open for generations to come.
Dr. Charles Osuji: A Journey of Resilience
Dr. Charles Osuji’s journey is one of perseverance, excellence, and community impact. Raised in Nigeria, he was supported by his family who invested in his education and gave him the ultimate ‘foot in the door’ by sponsoring his immigration to Canada. Arriving in Calgary with determination but facing over 300 articling rejections, Charles finally received a chance from his mentor, Jim Smith, who opened the doors of his law firm to him. From there, Charles rose quickly—called to the Alberta Bar in 2014, made Partner in 2016, and became sole owner and CEO of Osuji & Smith Lawyers in 2017.
Today, he leads the largest Black-owned law firm in Canada (Osuji & Smith Lawyers), employing more than 40 staff across Calgary, Ottawa, Yukon, and Dubai. Recognized with over 120 awards—including Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from Mount Royal University—Dr. Osuji embodies resilience and leadership. The Charles Osuji Foundation is his way of honoring those who lifted him up, while ensuring that the cycle of generosity and upliftment continues for generations to come.
"We rise by lifting others, and in lifting others, we build a future greater than ourselves."
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Click HereOur Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Compassion
We lead with empathy, understanding the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities and responding with genuine care.
Community
We believe in the power of collective action and building strong networks that uplift entire communities.
Excellence
We maintain the highest standards in all our programs, ensuring quality and meaningful impact in everything we do.
Equity
We are committed to creating fair and equal opportunities for all, removing barriers to success.
Growth
We invest in long-term development, nurturing potential and celebrating continuous improvement.
Impact
We focus on creating lasting change that extends beyond individuals to transform entire communities.
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Our Vision for the Future
We envision a world where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to quality education, entrepreneurial support, and the mentorship needed to achieve their full potential.
Through continued partnerships, innovative programs, and unwavering commitment to our mission, we are building pathways for the next generation of leaders while fostering a culture of giving back that will impact communities for generations to come.