Meet Tony Balkissoon: Laura Jarrett’s Husband and a Voice for Justice

You may have heard of Laura Jarrett, the well-known TV anchor and legal expert on NBC. But have you ever wondered who her husband is?

Meet Tony Balkissoon — a smart, kind, and deeply thoughtful man who spends his days working to make the world more fair and just. While his wife is often seen on-screen, Tony prefers to stay in the background. But his story is just as inspiring.

He’s not just “Laura Jarrett’s husband.” He’s a powerful legal mind, a dedicated father, and a man with strong values. Let’s take a closer look at who Tony Balkissoon really is.

Tony Balkissoon Quick Bio

Who Is Tony Balkissoon?

Tony Balkissoon is a respected lawyer and civil rights advocate. He is also the loving husband of journalist Laura Jarrett, one of the most familiar faces on NBC.

Even though Tony doesn’t appear on camera, his work makes a big difference. He’s been part of important legal cases, he works at a leading college in New York, and he’s a proud father of two.

What makes him special is how humble and private he is. While others chase attention, Tony focuses on helping people and building a good life with his family.

Where Did He Grow Up?

Tony was born and raised in Scarborough, a neighborhood in Toronto, Canada. It’s a busy, diverse place where many families from around the world come to start new lives.

His parents moved to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago in the 1970s. They worked hard to give their children better opportunities.

Growing up, Tony saw how important public service was. His father was involved in politics and worked to help people in the community. This had a big influence on him.

Tony is proud of his background. His family is of Indian descent, and they lived in Trinidad before moving to Canada. His roots are important to him. They remind him where he comes from and guide how he raises his own children today.

Even though Tony now lives in the U.S., his heritage plays a strong role in his values—things like fairness, education, and community service. These are the same values he now teaches his kids.

Meet Tony Balkissoon’s Parents, Bas and Tahay Balkissoon

Tony’s father, Bas Balkissoon, is well-known in Canadian politics. He served as a city councilor for many years, then later became a Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) in Ontario.

Bas worked hard to fight for fairness, better taxes, and safer neighborhoods. He was known as someone who truly listened to people.

Tony’s mother, Tahay, stays more out of the spotlight. But her name is very special in the family. Tony and Laura even named their daughter June Tahay to honor her.

You can tell that both of Tony’s parents had a strong impact on who he is today.

Tony Balkissoon’s Education

Tony started his education at the University of Toronto, where he studied Engineering Science. But later, he followed a new path and went to one of the best law schools in the world — Harvard Law School.

He graduated in 2010 and did really well. He even won awards for his work in trademark law and gender equality.

While at Harvard, Tony also worked with the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, helping to make the campus safer for everyone. That shows how early he started standing up for what’s right.

How Tony Met Laura Jarrett

Tony met Laura Jarrett at Harvard Law in 2008. They were both second-year students at the time.

They connected quickly, not just because they were smart, but because they both cared deeply about fairness and making a difference in the world.

They got married in June 2012 in a beautiful wedding in Chicago. It wasn’t just any wedding — Barack and Michelle Obama attended, along with their daughters, Malia and Sasha.

That’s because Laura’s mother, Valerie Jarrett, was one of President Obama’s top advisors at the White House. But even with such big guests, the wedding was all about love and joy.

Tony Balkissoon’s Career in Law and Civil Rights

After law school, Tony began working at a major law firm in Chicago, dealing with intellectual property cases. But soon, he decided to follow a more meaningful path — civil rights.

He joined Loevy & Loevy, a well-known law firm that fights for people who have been treated unfairly by the justice system.

Tony worked on cases where innocent people had been sent to prison for crimes they didn’t commit. He helped one man who spent 30 years in prison for a crime he didn’t do. Tony stood by him and even helped file a lawsuit to hold the police accountable.

His goal has always been the same: help people who don’t have a voice and make sure the system treats everyone fairly.

Major Cases and Legal Wins

Tony Balkissoon has handled some truly life-changing legal cases. One of the most powerful stories came in 2018, when he helped a man who had spent 30 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

Even though the man was released in 2016, Tony didn’t stop there. He helped him file a civil lawsuit against the police, claiming they gave false and misleading statements. For Tony, it wasn’t just about winning in court. It was about helping someone get justice, even after years of pain.

That’s the kind of lawyer Tony is. He listens, he fights hard, and he stands up for what’s right. These are the stories that make Tony Balkissoon so respected in the civil rights world.

Tony Balkissoon’s Role at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Today, Tony works at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. He is the Vice President and Executive Counsel, which means he helps lead the school and gives legal advice on big decisions.

John Jay is one of the top schools in the U.S. for studying justice, policing, and law. Tony plays a big part in that mission. He works closely with the president of the college and helps plan special events like the Smart on Crime Conference, which brings together leaders from all over the country.

Even though Tony no longer works at a law firm, he still uses his skills to make a real difference. His job at John Jay lets him shape the future of justice by supporting students, staff, and important ideas.

Private Life and Social Media Presence

Tony Balkissoon is not the kind of person who shares his life online. In fact, he has no known social media accounts. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t active behind the scenes.

He often appears on his wife Laura Jarrett’s Instagram, where you might see him on a walk with their kids or reading a book in the park. These quiet moments show a very different side of Tony — gentle, calm, and family-focused.

He doesn’t need fame. He cares more about his work, his family, and doing the right thing. That’s what makes Tony so admirable in today’s fast-moving world.

Meet the Balkissoon Kids, James and June

Tony and Laura are proud parents of two adorable kids. Their first child, James Anthony Balkissoon, was born in 2019. James is now a curious and smart little boy who loves puzzles and Sudoku.

Their daughter, June Tahay Balkissoon, came along in 2022. Her name honors both grandmothers — Valerie June (Laura’s mom) and Tahay (Tony’s mom). June is full of joy and energy. According to Laura, she squeals with excitement every time her mom walks into the room.

Together, this little family of four shares love, laughs, and a lot of learning. Tony and Laura waited before starting a family so they could enjoy time as a couple first, and it clearly helped them build a strong foundation.

Tony Balkissoon and Laura Jarrett

Even though Laura Jarrett is the one seen on TV every weekend, she always gives credit to her husband, Tony Balkissoon. She says he’s her biggest supporter and the one who gave her the confidence to switch careers.

Back when she was still working as a lawyer, Laura started wondering if she wanted to try something different. Tony encouraged her to follow her heart. That’s how she ended up at CNN and later at NBC News.

In one interview, Laura said:

“Tony would say, ‘You’re so happy. You’re so excited about your work — and it makes you a better partner.’”

That kind of support is what makes their relationship so strong. They cheer each other on, and they face life’s ups and downs together.

Tony Balkissoon’s Net Worth and Success

Tony Balkissoon may not be a celebrity, but his success speaks for itself. His estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million. Most of this comes from his career as a lawyer and his leadership role at John Jay College.

He and Laura live a comfortable life, but they are not flashy. They focus on what really matters — their family, their work, and helping others.

Their financial stability also allows them to spend quality time with their children and stay grounded, even with such busy schedules.

Final Thoughts

Tony Balkissoon is a perfect example of someone who lets his actions speak louder than his words. While many people chase the spotlight, Tony chooses a life of purpose and quiet strength.

He’s a lawyer, a teacher, a husband, and a dad. He’s helped free the innocent, shaped important justice policies, and supported one of America’s most beloved news anchors — all while staying humble.

Tony’s story reminds us that you don’t need fame to make a difference. Sometimes, the most powerful people are the ones working quietly behind the scenes, changing lives one step at a time.

So the next time you see Laura Jarrett on TV, remember there’s someone incredible cheering her on at home — Tony Balkissoon, the voice for justice.

(FAQs)

Is Laura Jarrett Married?

Yes, Laura Jarrett has been married since 2012 to Tony Balkissoon, a civil rights lawyer. Shockingly, Barack and Michelle Obama attended their wedding!

How Old Is Tony Balkissoon?

Tony Balkissoon was born in 1985, which makes him 40 years old in 2025. His calm and wise presence often surprises people for his age.

Who Are Tony Balkissoon’s Parents?

Tony’s father is Bas Balkissoon, a well-known Canadian politician. His mother, Tahay, stays out of the spotlight — but their daughter is named after her, showing how deeply valued she is.

When Did Tony Balkissoon Get Married and to Whom?

Tony married Laura Jarrett in June 2012, after meeting at Harvard Law. Their wedding wasn’t just romantic — it had presidential guests like the Obamas.

What Is Tony Balkissoon’s Height and Net Worth?

Tony Balkissoon is about 5 feet 10 inches tall, and his net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million — all built quietly through law and leadership.

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