Ilia returns to Blakes as an Articling Student after completing a summer term with the Firm in 2022. He recently received his JD from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. During his studies, Ilia received the Robert T. Donald Memorial Prize for the highest standing in Corporate Transactions. During his time in law school, Ilia volunteered at the Dalhousie pro bono legal clinic where he assisted clients on immigration matters and citizenship applications.

Prior to law school, Ilia worked at a boutique private equity firm in Vancouver where he was involved in raising capital and assisted in transitioning private companies to public markets. Ilia earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of British Columbia where he played rugby and graduated on the Dean's list.