You may know Laura Jarrett as a smart and confident legal expert on NBC. She’s always calm, clear, and ready with the facts on TV. But have you ever wondered about the man standing quietly by her side?
That man is Tony Balkissoon — her husband. He’s not famous, and he doesn’t appear on camera. But he’s just as impressive in his own way. Tony is a kind, smart, and deeply thoughtful person. He works hard to help others and make the world more fair.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Tony Balkissoon really is. We’ll explore where he comes from, what he does, and what makes him special. Let’s begin!
Tony Balkissoon Quick Bio
| Full Name | Tony Balkissoon |
| Birth Year | 1985 |
| Age (2026) | 41 years old |
| Birthplace | Scarborough, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity / Race | Indian‑Trinidadian |
| Father | Bas Balkissoon |
| Mother | Tahay Balkissoon |
| Wife | Laura Jarrett |
| Marriage Year | 2012 |
| Children | James (2019), June Tahay (2022) |
| Education | Univ. of Toronto, Harvard Law School |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Current Role | VP & Exec. Counsel, John Jay College |
| Legal Focus | Civil rights, justice reform |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (approx.) |
| Net Worth | $1–5 million (est.) |
| Residence | New York City, USA |
| Social Media | Not publicly active |
Where Was Tony Balkissoon Born and Raised?
Tony Balkissoon was born in Scarborough, a neighborhood in Toronto, Canada. It’s a busy and diverse place, full of people from many cultures. His parents came to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago in the 1970s, hoping to give their family a better life.
Growing up, Tony saw how hard his parents worked. He also saw how much they cared about their community. His dad became a leader in local politics, and this made a big impression on Tony.
Even though Tony now lives in the U.S., he still carries the values he learned back home — hard work, fairness, and helping others.
Who Are Tony Balkissoon’s Parents?
Tony’s parents are Bas and Tahay Balkissoon. His dad, Bas, is well-known in Canadian politics. He was a city councilor and later served as a Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) in Ontario from 2005 to 2016.
Bas was respected for speaking up for people and making neighborhoods safer and better. He believed in fairness and doing the right thing — the same things Tony believes in today.
Tony’s mother, Tahay, isn’t in the public eye, but she means a lot to the family. Tony and Laura even named their daughter June Tahay to honor her. That shows just how much love and respect Tony has for his mom.
Tony Balkissoon’s Education Journey
Tony didn’t always plan to be a lawyer. At first, he studied Engineering Science at the University of Toronto. But later, he changed direction and followed his heart into law. He went on to study at the world-famous Harvard Law School, graduating in 2010.
While at Harvard, Tony worked hard and stood out. He won awards for his work in trademark law and gender equality. He also helped with the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, showing that he cared deeply about safety and fairness on campus.
It was clear early on that Tony wanted to make a difference — not just make money or chase titles. His time at Harvard helped shape the path he follows today.
How Tony Balkissoon Met Laura Jarrett
Tony met Laura Jarrett in 2008, when they were both second-year students at Harvard Law School. They didn’t just share books and study halls — they shared values. Both of them believed in justice, fairness, and helping others.
Their connection grew quickly. They were smart, driven, and kind to each other. In a busy place like Harvard, finding someone who truly understands you is special — and that’s what they found in each other.
They supported one another through school, then through their early careers. It was the beginning of a strong partnership based on respect and love.
Tony Balkissoon and Laura Jarrett’s Wedding Story
After graduating from law school, Tony and Laura decided to get married. They tied the knot in June 2012, in a beautiful wedding in Chicago.
But this wasn’t just any wedding. Barack and Michelle Obama attended the event with their daughters, Malia and Sasha. Why? Because Laura’s mother, Valerie Jarrett, was one of President Obama’s closest advisors at the White House.
Even with such big names present, the wedding was focused on love, laughter, and family. It was a joyful celebration, and it showed how strong the bond was between Tony and Laura.
Tony Balkissoon’s Career as a Civil Rights Lawyer
After law school, Tony started his career at a major law firm in Chicago. There, he worked on intellectual property cases, helping companies with patents and trademarks.
But something was missing. Tony wanted to do more. He wanted to help people who had been treated unfairly — especially in the justice system. So he joined Loevy & Loevy, a law firm known for fighting for civil rights.
At this firm, Tony took on serious cases. He worked to free people who had been sent to prison even though they were innocent. He stood by them and helped them fight for justice.
His goal was clear: to give a voice to those who had none.
Major Cases That Made a Difference
One of the biggest cases Tony worked on was in 2018. He helped a man who had spent 30 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. The man was released in 2016, but Tony helped him take the next step — filing a lawsuit against the police.
The case said that the police had used false and misleading statements. Tony worked to bring the truth out and help this man get justice, even after all those years of pain.
That’s the kind of lawyer Tony Balkissoon is — calm, careful, and committed. He doesn’t just win cases. He helps people heal.
Tony Balkissoon’s Role at John Jay College
Today, Tony Balkissoon works at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. It’s one of the top schools in the U.S. for justice and public safety. Tony has a big role there. He is the Vice President and Executive Counsel.
What does that mean? It means Tony gives legal advice to the college. He helps with big decisions and supports the school’s mission to train the next generation of justice leaders. He also helps plan important events, like the Smart on Crime Conference, where leaders from across the country share ideas on how to improve the justice system.
Even though Tony is not in a courtroom now, he still makes a real impact. He uses his knowledge and experience to help shape the future of justice.
Life at Home, Laura Jarrett’s Husband and a Loving Father
Outside of work, Tony Balkissoon is all about family. He and Laura Jarrett have two young kids — a son named James (born in 2019) and a daughter named June Tahay (born in 2022). Their daughter’s name honors both of their mothers, which shows how important family is to them.
Tony is a hands-on dad. He spends time with his children, takes them on walks, and reads books with them. He’s calm, gentle, and present — the kind of parent who makes small moments feel big.
Even though both Tony and Laura have busy jobs, they make time for their family. They keep their home life peaceful and full of love.
Tony Balkissoon and Laura Jarrett’s Strong Marriage
Laura Jarrett is often seen on TV, but she always talks about how much Tony Balkissoon supports her behind the scenes. When she started thinking about leaving her job as a lawyer to try journalism, Tony was the one who encouraged her.
He told her to follow her heart. Laura later said that Tony noticed how excited she was about her new work and how it made her a happier person. That kind of love and support is special.
Their marriage is built on teamwork. They help each other grow and cheer each other on through every step of life.
What Is Tony Balkissoon’s Life Like Today?
In 2026, Tony lives a quiet and peaceful life in New York with his family. He doesn’t like being in the spotlight, and that’s okay with him. He doesn’t have public social media, and you won’t see him giving interviews.
But if you follow Laura Jarrett on Instagram, you might catch a glimpse of him. Sometimes she shares sweet family photos — Tony walking with their son, or holding their daughter during a park day.
He lives with purpose. He focuses on work, parenting, and staying true to his values.
Tony Balkissoon’s Net Worth, Height, and More Facts
People are often curious about the personal side of Tony Balkissoon. He’s about 5 feet 10 inches tall and has a calm, steady presence. He isn’t flashy or loud. He leads with kindness and quiet strength.
His net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This comes from his years of work as a lawyer and now his leadership role at John Jay College. He and Laura live a comfortable life, but they don’t show off. They care more about their family and helping others than about things like fame or money.
Tony’s success shows that you don’t need to be in front of the camera to make a big impact.
Final Thoughts
Tony Balkissoon may not be a household name, but he is a man of deep purpose. He’s a lawyer, a father, a husband, and a quiet force for good. His story reminds us that strength doesn’t always shout — sometimes, it simply listens, helps, and keeps going.
While Laura Jarrett shines on television, Tony supports her behind the scenes and builds his own legacy in the world of justice. Together, they make a strong team — one that’s full of love, support, and shared values.
So the next time you see Laura Jarrett on your screen, remember the kind, brilliant man cheering her on at home: Tony Balkissoon.
(FAQs)
What is Tony Balkissoon’s race and background?
Tony is Indian-Trinidadian. His family came from Trinidad, and their roots go back to India.
How much money does Tony Balkissoon have?
Tony’s net worth is between $1 million and $5 million. He made this money through his work as a lawyer and a college leader.
Did Tony Balkissoon really have the Obamas at his wedding?
Yes! Barack and Michelle Obama came to his wedding in 2012 because Laura’s mom worked with them at the White House.
How old is Tony Balkissoon and when was he born?
Tony was born in 1985, so he is 41 years old in 2026.
Where does Tony Balkissoon live now and what does he do?
Tony lives in New York City with his wife and kids. He works at John Jay College, helping with legal work and justice programs.
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