About Abarca Law

Abarca Law is a solo practice in Kitchener, Ontario, run by principal lawyer and notary public Carlos A. Abarca. It covers a broad range of everyday legal needs: civil litigation, immigration, employment, family law, wills and estates, and notary and commissioner of oaths services, plus entertainment and media work for creative clients. A legal assistant, Erica Abarca, rounds out the office.

The founder was born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo and moved into private practice after more than a decade in public service, including roles across all levels of the Canadian government and with the U.S. federal government. That earlier work also took in a mid-sized Toronto firm acting for Canadian banks, a personal injury practice, and civil litigation at firms in Kitchener and Cambridge. The office keeps Saturday hours alongside its weekday schedule and offers a free 30-minute initial consultation. On the family side it sticks to non-litigation matters, helping clients reach negotiated agreements and stay out of court where they can.

Practice areas

Civil Litigation & Dispute Resolution Immigration Law Employment & Labour Law Family Law Wills, Estates & Trusts Notary & Commissioner Services

Milestones & recognition

  • Principal lawyer Carlos A. Abarca holds a B.A. (Hons.), an M.A., and a J.D., is a licensed member of the Law Society of Ontario, and is a notary public.
  • Before private practice, the founder spent more than ten years in public service, including roles across all levels of the Canadian government and with the U.S. federal government.
  • The founder has lived and worked across North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

In the community

  • The founder serves on Compass Kitchener, a citizen advisory committee that reports to Kitchener city council.
  • The firm is a member of the Waterloo Region Law Association and the Ontario Bar Association.
  • The founder has volunteered with a local food bank and the Out of the Cold program, and has taught at the University of Waterloo and for the City of Kitchener.

Fees & payment

A price tag with a dollar signFlat feeA clipboard with a speech bubble and a no-charge dollar coinFree consultation

Lawyers 1

Carlos A. Abarca Principal Lawyer and Notary Public Civil Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Who handles what

The neighbourhood

Abarca Law works out of Suite 253 at 508 Riverbend Drive, in the Lancaster Corporate Centre off the Riverbend Drive business strip in Kitchener. It's a shared office complex, so a solo practice can book boardrooms and meeting rooms as matters call for them, and on-site parking is included for clients who come in. The building sits close to Highway 85, which makes it easy to reach by car. For a lawyer who grew up in Kitchener-Waterloo, keeping the practice in the community it serves is part of the appeal.

Frequently asked questions

Does Abarca Law offer a free consultation?
Yes. The firm offers a free 30-minute initial consultation. It suggests bringing any documents related to your matter, a list of your questions and concerns, and two pieces of government ID.
I think I was wrongfully dismissed. Can Abarca Law help?
Yes. The firm advises both employees and employers on wrongful and constructive dismissal, severance package review and negotiation, workplace harassment, discrimination and human rights complaints, and Employment Standards Act matters.
Can Abarca Law help with an immigration application?
Yes. It handles temporary residence applications such as visitor visas and study and work permits, permanent residence and post-graduation work permits, family class sponsorships, humanitarian and compassionate applications, refugee claims, detention reviews, and admissibility hearings.
Does the firm handle family matters without going to court?
Yes. Its family law work focuses on non-litigation matters, helping clients who want to stay out of court reach negotiated agreements.
Can Abarca Law prepare my will and powers of attorney?
Yes. The firm drafts wills and Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care. As a notary and commissioner of oaths it also swears affidavits, certifies documents, and prepares travel consent letters for minors.
Where is the office and when is it open?
The office is at 508 Riverbend Drive, Suite 253, in Kitchener. It's open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and you can book by phone or email.

Where to find them

508 Riverbend Drive, Suite 253, Kitchener, ON N2K 3S2 · 226-887-2881

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Listing compiled from the firm’s public website in July 2026. Verify licence status in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗