In an interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Anisa Rita, Managing Partner at ALF LLP, shared insights into her journey of founding a trailblazing law firm that merges cutting-edge innovation with client-focused solutions. As a leader in corporate, real estate, and construction law, Anisa has transformed the traditional legal landscape through initiatives like subscription legal services and “Modern Law,” empowering small businesses with accessible and efficient legal support. Beyond her legal expertise, Anisa’s commitment to mentorship, education, and community-building exemplifies her passion for creating a lasting impact in both the legal profession and the broader community.
Anisa Rita brings over a decade of thoughtful legal experience to her role as Managing Partner at ALF LLP, where she leads the firm and advises clients in corporate law, real estate law and construction law. A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, she also holds an Advanced Negotiation certificate from Harvard University, continually refining her skills to serve her clients effectively.
Beyond her work at ALF, Anisa is passionate about legal education. She has taught “Issues in Canadian Law” at Humber College and mentored aspiring lawyers in courtroom skills through the Ontario Justice Education Network, helping students build confidence and analytic skills.
Anisa is also deeply committed to her community. She is currently leading efforts to establish the first Albanian Canadian community center, a project close to her heart. She contributes as an advisor on St. Joseph’s Planned Giving Advisory Council, supporting fundraising initiatives that make a difference.
Her involvement in the legal community includes serving as President of Young Women in Law until 2024 and previously founding and chairing the Albanian Canadian Lawyers Association. Anisa continues to be active in professional organizations, bringing her experience and insights to support the next generation of legal professionals.
Anisa’s approach to law is guided by her commitment to integrity, efficiency, and creativity. She is dedicated to helping her clients succeed while contributing positively to the legal community and beyond.
What inspired you to create ALF LLP, and how do you ensure it remains at the forefront of legal innovation?
ALF LLP, formerly known as Arra Law Firm, was founded to redefine the practice of law with innovation and client-focused solutions. In 2017, the legal industry was slow to embrace change, with technology adoption rare and traditional practices dominating. ALF LLP chose a different path, embracing cutting-edge tools early to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs, and focus delivering value to our clients.
By leveraging technology, we prioritize our clients’ needs, approach challenges creatively, and simplify their lives with efficient, effective legal solutions. Our mission is clear: to offer top-tier legal representation that combines the expertise of big firms with the personal care of a boutique practice. At ALF LLP, you never have to choose between outstanding advice and approachable service. Here, you get both.
Here are some of our latest innovations:
- In 2022, we launched an all-in-one client portal app (ALF LLP) to streamline communication and simplify client interactions.
- In 2023, we introduced our podcast Law That Leads, which explores legal, business, and financial issues to empower our community.
- In 2024, we launched subscription-based services and Modern Law in partnership with Modern Controller, offering affordable, tailored solutions for small businesses and condominium boards.
These advancements also enhance accuracy, lowering the risk of errors, while freeing lawyers to focus on what matters most to our clients. Access to excellent legal services should not be a luxury but a standard. Every step we take is to make law more accessible, efficient, and most importantly, client-centered.
With your unique approach through “Modern Law” and subscription legal services, how do you see ALF LLP reshaping the legal landscape for small businesses?
We believe small businesses deserve to thrive, not just survive. One of their biggest challenges is accessing affordable, high-quality legal services. Often, cutting corners on legal advice leads to costly mistakes later. Modern Law was created to solve this problem.
Our subscription-based model makes expert legal advice accessible, affordable, and proactive. Business owners gain ongoing, comprehensive legal support without the expense of in-house counsel. Modern Law goes further by combining legal and financial advice to help businesses make informed decisions while eliminating administrative headaches.
Designed with flexibility in mind, our services cater to the unique needs of startups and medium-sized enterprises alike. At ALF LLP, we are not just changing the game. We are building a better one.
As a leader in the legal field and a woman entrepreneur, what do you believe is your most impactful contribution to the community?
As the first woman of Albanian origin who founded her own law firm in Canada, I see my greatest contribution as leading by example and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. From day one, my goal has been to show what is possible with passion, perseverance, and commitment to community.
In 2019, I founded the Albanian Canadian Lawyers Association to connect and support professionals in our community. By 2023, I had registered the first Albanian Canadian charity to build a community center in Toronto – a space to preserve our culture and bring people together. I have served as treasurer and president of Young Women in Law, taught at Humber College, and contributed to St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, each role deepening my commitment to service.
Running my own law firm has made this possible. It has given me the flexibility to dedicate pro bono hours and focus on what matters most. A proud moment has been seeing other Albanian women gain the confidence to start their own practices, creating a ripple of empowerment.
Leadership is about action, living your values and showing others what is possible.
I believe leadership is about action – about living your values and showing others what can be achieved. Being a business owner gives you the freedom to be your best self, focus on what matters most, and turn your strengths into success. And through that success, you can inspire others to do the same.
What are some of the key challenges you’ve faced while introducing new services like subscription legal plans, and how have clients responded?
Our biggest challenge is raising awareness in a world overwhelmed with information. Change is hard, and many hesitate to try something new, often realizing the value of these services too late. That is why platforms like CanadianSME are vital in spreading the word. These services help clients save money, reduce stress, and build lasting success.
We are proud of the trust our clients place in us. With over 1,100 users on our app, a growing podcast audience, and consistently positive feedback on our blend of human connection and technology, we know we are making a difference. Our latest innovation, Modern Law, helps businesses streamline operations, cut costs, and thrive. But to create lasting impact, we aim to see more clients embrace these tools and transform their businesses.
Looking to the future, what is your vision for ALF LLP, and how do you hope your journey inspires other women leaders in law and business?
My vision for ALF LLP is for it to have a lasting legacy which would one day rival well-established and respected firms in client service and quality of work. Beyond that, I hope my journey as a woman lawyer and business owner inspires others, especially women, to embrace courage and carve their own paths. I want them to not wait to be invited at the table but have the power to build their own table and to follow their hearts with conviction. Societal expectations can often hold women back, but women do not have “to buy the package” as Joan Didion tells us. If you have a dream, I believe it is within you because it is your purpose, and you are able to bring it to life.
