Camila Motta is the Principal Lawyer and Founder of Revive Law, where she primarily practices Family Law. With personal experience stemming from a childhood in a family affected by divorce, Camila naturally gravitated toward this area of law. From the age of six, she has been deeply attuned to the challenges faced by children of separated parents. Her passion for Family Law was further nurtured during her legal studies, where she frequently focused her academic work on this field. Camila’s own experience navigating a separation in Ontario while pursuing her legal license reinforced her desire to support clients in similar circumstances.

In addition to her Family Law practice, Camila also engages in estate planning, though on a more selective basis. This area of practice, while secondary, is one she finds equally rewarding.

To remain at the forefront of her field, Camila actively engages with industry developments through newsletters from respected law firms, and she utilizes resources such as WestLaw, accessible through law libraries. She also participates in professional Facebook groups that focus on her practice areas, ensuring she stays connected and informed.

Inspiration Behind Transitioning Her Legal Career from Brazil to Canada

Camila began her legal career in Brazil, where she earned her Law degree. Her move to Canada was initially driven by personal circumstances. Upon relocating, she worked as a legal assistant and then as an administrative assistant, using this period to thoroughly explore her career options in a new country. Through this journey, Camila made the decision to pursue her legal license in Ontario, recognizing that her passion for the legal profession transcends borders. Ultimately, she realized that the practice of law aligns perfectly with her personality and values, regardless of her location.

Key Differences Between Practicing Law in Brazil and Canada

In Brazil, Camila Motta held a significantly different role compared to her current practice in Canada. She worked as a clerk for the Attorney General, a prestigious position she earned through a competitive public examination while still in law school. Her career trajectory in Brazil was largely centered around the public sector.

In Canada, Camila’s professional experience has been entirely within the private sector. Nevertheless, she has observed some notable differences. For instance, Brazil imposes much stricter adherence to legal deadlines compared to the family courts in Ontario. Additionally, in Brazil, the court system takes a more active role in procedural tasks, such as serving parties. In contrast, in Ontario, lawyers are responsible for duties like drafting court orders—responsibilities that, in Brazil, are handled by the court rather than by lawyers.

These differences have provided Camila with unique insights into the legal processes of both countries, enriching her approach to her practice in Canada.

Influence of Her Brazilian Legal Background on Her Canadian Practice

Camila’s experience in Brazil has provided her with a strong foundation, especially in understanding the importance of meeting deadlines and navigating legal procedures. However, the transition to Canadian law has required her to adapt to new systems and practices, particularly in the private sector, where she now works.

Challenging Cases Handled in Canada

As a family law lawyer, Camila takes parenting issues very seriously. One of her first court cases involved an ex-parte motion (where the opposing party does not receive notice) because the mother had moved with the children without informing or getting consent from her client. They were successful in that motion, and the mother had to return the children to the court’s jurisdiction within days. The case later settled with a parenting schedule that met her client’s expectations.

There are many cases where a parent, often the father, is unable to see their children due to the mother’s actions. Camila is proud that most of her cases in these scenarios have resulted in a parenting schedule that benefits her client and, importantly, is in the children’s best interests.

Advice for Brazilian Lawyers Looking to Establish Themselves in Canada

Camila advises taking the first step without overthinking the road ahead. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on one step at a time and planning carefully, especially regarding deadlines for applications, exams, and other requirements, as missing one can seriously affect the timeline. She suggests preparing a timeline, but staying focused on the immediate challenge. Once it’s overcome, take a moment to celebrate, then move on to the next. The process is challenging but doable and rewarding.

When it comes to finding your first job, Camila underscores the importance of networking. She advises being active within the community, attending Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in your area of interest, and making connections with new people. She also suggests keeping an eye out for temporary positions. There is no shame in starting from the basics in a new country—it’s crucial to respect the local system and regulations, and to be willing to learn and grow in your new environment.

Overcoming Cultural and Language Barriers in Canadian Legal Practice

For Camila, the language barrier was more of a mental hurdle than an actual impediment. Initially, she felt self-conscious about her English, but over time, she interacted with other lawyers who also had accents and noticed that they were thriving despite this. She has come to view her foreign background as an asset, particularly since many of her clients are immigrants themselves. This shared experience as newcomers helps to build rapport and trust.

A fellow lawyer once told her, “We don’t think with an accent,” and that’s something she reminds herself of on challenging days.

Occasionally, particularly when dealing with aggressive opposing counsel, if Camila senses a lack of respect, she addresses this by staying objective in her communication, meticulously double-checking her legal positions, and reminding herself of how far she has come. This fuels her confidence and determination to persevere.

Balancing Professional Commitments with Ties to the Brazilian Legal Community

Camila maintains strong ties to the Brazilian community in Canada, with over 80% of her clients being Brazilian, often referred to her through word of mouth. While sharing a cultural background isn’t essential for effective legal representation, it certainly enhances rapport and communication. She is also a part of the Brazil-Canada Bar Association and does her best to support other legal professionals who are navigating their paths in Ontario. Life is busy with school-aged children, professional responsibilities, and no immediate family support, but she makes it a priority to stay connected with the Brazilian community whenever possible.

When hiring at Revive Law, Camila is mindful of providing opportunities to candidates who share her cultural background, as well as others. Currently, Revive Law has three employees, including Camila and another Brazilian, reflecting her commitment to supporting diversity within her community.

Pro Bono and Community Outreach Work

Although Revive Law is still a relatively new firm, Camila has already taken on a few cases that have essentially become pro bono. As her practice grows, she plans to establish specific guidelines for offering pro bono services, particularly to members of the Brazilian community.

Resources and Support Networks Instrumental in Her Journey

The Brazilian lawyer community has been invaluable to Camila. It’s more than just a referral network; it’s a source of inspiration and confidence. She believes that we go further when we’re not alone.

She has also had tremendous support from close friends who are lawyers in Ontario. Their assistance has been invaluable to her success, and she’s forever grateful. She is  committed to pay it forward whenever she can.

Career Aspirations and Goals Within the Canadian Legal Profession

Camila is deeply appreciative of being on the path she always aspired to follow. The journey to this point—starting with her move to Canada in 2010—has been anything but easy, and her daily routine remains challenging. However, for her, the journey itself is the reward. With Revive Law, she has created a platform that enables her to achieve her professional goals while supporting the Brazilian community, both as clients and as fellow professionals, in ways she has always envisioned.

Family Law will always be a central focus of her practice, but she is also open to exploring new opportunities to make a broader impact.

BCBA thanks Camila for taking the time to allow us to interview her. Stay tuned to our next Meet our Members issue.