Sophya Guimarães - Immigration Consultant

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

Where are you originally from?

I’m originally from Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais State, in Brazil.

What was your legal background and experience in your home country?

Back in Brazil, I had the opportunity to do internships in both the private and public sectors.

As an intern, I was exposed to commercial law, at the Minas Gerais court, and family law at a prestigious law firm in my city.

After completing my qualification, I helped an early-stage Startup with its first legal steps (terms and conditions, recruitment contracts, trademark registration, privacy agreements, etc).

TRANSITION TO NEW ZEALAND

What motivated you to move to New Zealand and practice law or work in the legal industry here?

I’ve always wanted to live overseas and try a completely new lifestyle, living on my terms. This big new adventure included, of course, the legal field.

I completed a post-grad in Business Administration, and, afterwards, I had the great opportunity to join an immigration law firm.

Currently, I’m in charge of the business development area. I can’t wait to get my Brazilian law degree assessed and be able to practice law in New Zealand (if life doesn’t point me in a different direction).

Can you describe the process you went through to become a lawyer or get your current role in New Zealand?

It is a funny story.  I met a friendly couple on a trip to Fiji a while ago and we kept in touch since then. One day, the husband invited me to meet his business partner.

It turned out that the business partner was an immigration lawyer, and after some casual meetings, he invited me to join his team at the law firm.

I can’t say it was just “luck”, but this current job showed up unexpectedly. (No complaints at all 😅.)

CURRENT ROLE

What is your current role and what are your main responsibilities?

My current role is business development manager, and my main task is to bring up creative ideas for new sources of income/expansion.

This involves meeting incredible people every day and exploring potential collaborations. Also, I’m regularly attending networking events and ensuring our marketing is up and running.

It’s a dynamic role that covers different fronts, which is quite exciting.

How does your current role differ from your previous roles in your home country?

My previous roles were “back-office”, so I didn’t go out there much. I was responsible for drafting the legal documents, and assisting the Judges/Public Defence Officers. Sometimes, I used to meet with clients, but it wasn’t a regular task.  

Not to say, another huge difference in my current role is performing all tasks in ENGLISH. It’s challenging for sure, but it brings lots of self-confidence at the end of the day.

CHALLENGES AND ADAPTATIONS 

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning to the legal field in New Zealand?

Even though I’m not currently working with law directly, adjusting to an overseas legal environment is a big challenge itself.

Getting used to how people operate and how things are done here takes time.

How did you overcome these challenges?

Observing and asking for help is a good way to overcome these challenges.

SUCCESS STORIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your legal career in New Zealand?

Yet not directly related, a memorable achievement was completing my post-grad in business. This course will pave the way for my future ventures in the legal field.

What do you consider your biggest success since moving here?

My biggest success is realising that I’m capable of managing my own life in a completely different country.

I've been successful in maintaining my mental and physical health, which is a significant accomplishment considering the challenges of being a migrant.

ADVICE FOR OTHER FOREIGN LAWYERS

What advice would you give to other foreign lawyers considering moving to New Zealand?

New Zealand is a small country, but full of opportunities. Migrants are an essential asset for the economy, so there’s always room for those who dare to put themselves out there and explore new possibilities. It’s not a walk in the park, but it’s worth it.

For lawyers, proper guidance is a must, which can save you time and money.  Connect with people that already mastered this path and have wise advice to share.

Are there any specific skills or qualifications that you found particularly valuable?

First of all, English, English, English. Mastering the language will open the doors. The more you practice, the more you improve (it’s a cliche, but it’s true).

In this country, soft skills are a must (sometimes more than qualifications). Work on your social skills and connect with people!

Study the legal terms of course, but don’t be too attached to books or theory. Experience real life and learn on the way.

It’s ok to start from the bottom, everyone needs to start somewhere, right? Conquer higher lands along the way.

Bonus: Keep a close eye on Immigration policies, come up with a plan, and have savings. Things do change in a second.

FUTURE GOALS

What are your professional goals for the future?

Once I get my residence, I intend to get my legal degree assessed and start the process of becoming a solicitor in New Zealand.

Further in the future, I want to set up my own business and create more freedom. It will be something related to helping migrants.

How do you see your career progressing in New Zealand?

Becoming a solicitor will be a visible progress. Also maybe working at a big law firm or in the legal department of a multinational.

I’m also open to opportunities in the public sector.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

How do you find the work-life balance in New Zealand compared to your home country?

What I noticed here is that people value simple pleasures. It’s very common to see people hiking, going for a swim at the beach, or walking a dog at a park.

These activities are generally free and always involve nature.  Connecting with nature is an amazing way to recharge from the daily routine.

Back in Brazil, I didn’t have the habit of walking in nature. I was more of an indoors person.

What do you enjoy most about living and working in New Zealand?

From the top of my head, the feeling of freedom. As a migrant living away from my family, it’s liberating to have the chance to manage my own life.

Although it’s scary sometimes, New Zealand has brought me so much joy so far – with some hiccups here and there tough-.

All the possibilities are open, the only thing I need to do is to pick up one.

New Zealand is a breathtaking country, with beautiful scenery everywhere. It’s safe and peaceful.

Location-wise, it’s far from my home country and areas like Europe, and the Americas. On the other hand, I can easily explore unique territories such as the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Australia.

Everything has its pros and cons, it’s up to us to decide the best perspective.