Mauricio Kimura – Solicitor at Gaze Burt Lawyers, Auckland

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Where are you originally from?
Mauricio: Hi Maria, thank you for this opportunity to share my story in New Zealand! I was born in 1973 and raised in São Paulo, Brazil and proud to say that I’m a third-generation Japanese descendant, as my grandparents immigrated from Japan nearly 90 years ago.

What was your legal background and experience in your home country?
Mauricio: I have a diverse legal background, having worked in both small law firms and the legal departments of larger companies in the last 25 years. My main focus has been on contract negotiations, which included revising, drafting, and litigating contracts, as well as handling some civil and employment litigation. Academically, I have pursued several postgraduate studies, including a Master of Laws (LLM) in States, an MBA, and I started a PhD at the University of Waikato, which I did not complete. Recently, I obtained a Certificate of Proficiency from the University of Auckland, enabling me to sit for the New Zealand bar exam.

TRANSITION TO NEW ZEALAND 

What motivated you to move to New Zealand and work in the legal industry here?
Mauricio: Coming from Brazil, where violence and a saturated legal market pose significant obstacles for lawyers, I was motivated to move to New Zealand due to its reputation as a safe and transparent society with a strong commitment to the rule of law. Additionally, my studies in the USA exposed me to common law, which equipped me with a global perspective and enhanced my proficiency in English. 

Can you describe the process you went through to become a lawyer or get your current role in New Zealand?
Mauricio: In New Zealand, there are two main paths to becoming a lawyer: enrolling as a regular student and completing a four-year program at one of the five law schools, or completing six mandatory core papers and achieving at least a C- grade. I chose the latter route, submitting an application to the Council of Legal Education along with the necessary documents. After a review process that can take up to four months, I was able to begin my studies. A significant advantage in my journey was that, during my time as a PhD candidate at Waikato, I completed two core papers, allowing me to complete the remaining four papers in just one academic year.

CURRENT ROLE 

What is your current role, and what are your main responsibilities?
Mauricio: I am currently a solicitor, working primarily on commercial, trust, and conveyancing matters. 

How does your current role differ from your previous roles in your home country?
Mauricio: While my core responsibilities remain largely the same—ensuring thorough checks and caring for our clients—one notable difference is how law firms here manage trust accounts. Clients deposit funds for transactions, and lawyers handle tasks like registering land transfers, paying mortgages on behalf of clients, and certifying documents. There’s a strong emphasis on good faith and maintaining a solid reputation, which I find to be more robust compared to the legal culture in Brazil.

CHALLENGES AND ADAPTATIONS 

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning to the legal field in New Zealand?
Mauricio: One of the biggest challenges I faced was being a mature student while balancing full-time work and caring for my three children. Another hurdle was starting from scratch and building connections with influential professionals who could help open doors for my career. I volunteered at a small law firm, which I was able to join through a friend’s introduction, working under the understanding that I would only be paid if I brought in my own cases. This experience was crucial for gaining practical insights. Later on, I applied for a legal assistant role at a larger firm, and my volunteer work helped me secure that position because the lawyer I worked with had connections within the firm.

How did you overcome these challenges?
Mauricio: I firmly believe in the power of networking. My successful transition into my current role was greatly facilitated by the connections I built. Like I mentioned above, having some ties with other firms were instrumental in helping me get my foot in the door and advance my legal career.

SUCCESS STORIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS 

Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your legal career in New Zealand?
Mauricio: One of my most memorable achievements was helping a client successfully sell his hospitality business to a demanding buyer. I meticulously organized all necessary due diligence, addressed the buyer’s specific concerns, revised all contracts, and ensured a smooth transition that left our client thrilled. This case reaffirmed my passion for making a meaningful impact in my clients’ lives. Additionally, I take pride in being recognized as one of the few Brazilian lawyers actively assisting fellow Brazilians with their legal issues in New Zealand, allowing me to bridge cultural gaps and provide tailored support.

What do you consider your biggest success since moving here?
Mauricio: My biggest success has been establishing a solid professional network within the legal community. Initially daunting, I found that volunteering and engaging in legal forums enabled me to connect with seasoned professionals and mentors. These relationships have led to valuable job opportunities, new clients, and collaborations, empowering me both personally and professionally. I take great pride in the connections I have fostered in New Zealand.

ADVICE FOR OTHER FOREIGN LAWYERS 

What advice would you give to other foreign lawyers considering moving to New Zealand?
Mauricio: My advice is to be prepared to take a step back in your career at first and to manage your expectations with humility. Even with extensive experience, your initial role may be that of a junior lawyer or legal assistant. While you have the skills to attract clients, you may face challenges due to the lack of New Zealand-specific work experience. Focus on leveraging your unique background—like I do with the Brazilian community—and don't underestimate the value of bilingualism, as it can enhance your ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts. Additionally, I often remind fellow lawyers that not every issue is resolved through the courts; various dispute resolution mechanisms are available. It's also crucial to note that, unlike in Brazil, legal fees in New Zealand are typically paid upfront regardless of case outcomes, which can be a significant adjustment.

Are there any specific skills or qualifications that you found particularly valuable?
Mauricio: Language skills and cultural awareness are fundamental in helping my clients navigate the legal landscape in New Zealand. Additionally, understanding that New Zealand's legal system is less judicially intensive than Brazil's—and honing my negotiation abilities—has been invaluable for securing new clients and effectively engaging across various legal contexts.

FUTURE GOALS 

What are your professional goals for the future?
Mauricio: My future professional goals include expanding my legal practice by building a diverse clientele, continuing my education and training to enhance my skills, and eventually taking on leadership roles within my organization. I remain committed to providing exceptional support to clients, especially within the Brazilian community in New Zealand and beyond. Additionally, I aspire to leverage technological tools within the legal industry to improve processes, increase productivity, and consequently boost revenue.

How do you see your career progressing in New Zealand?
Mauricio: I envision my career progressing in New Zealand as I grow my clientele and embrace new opportunities and challenges that provide valuable exposure, ultimately leading to a natural recognition of my efforts and contributions to society as a whole.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE 

How do you find the work-life balance in New Zealand compared to your home country?
Mauricio: Having lived here for the past seven years, I can confidently say that work and personal life are distinctly separate. It’s uncommon to receive work-related calls after 5 PM, especially in typical office settings. Many workplaces offer hybrid environments with reasonable deadlines. Companies here prioritize their employees' well-being, providing sick leave and accommodating vacation requests. However, working in a law firm requires meeting billing minimums each day, which can create pressure to exceed expectations to be perceived as productive.

What do you enjoy most about living and working in New Zealand?
Mauricio: I most enjoy the stunning nature and the active lifestyle. I have a passion for martial arts, particularly Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and I dedicate the majority of my evenings to practicing. Weekends are perfect for family time, which often involves taking short walks, visiting the beach, and socializing with friends. The schools here are well-equipped and welcoming to foreign students, often featuring large recreational and sports areas. Dining out is another favorite pastime of mine; I appreciate the wide variety of ethnic restaurants that offer fantastic food to suit every taste.