Elisa moved to Edmonton in 2015, leaving behind her career in Brazil, where she had just been called to the Bar in Goiânia, Goiás. At the time, limited job prospects in Brazil made the transition to Canada a natural step. “Moving to Canada was relatively easy,” she reflects, driven by the prospect of broader opportunities in a diverse legal environment.

Her first steps in the Canadian legal field began at Grant MacEwan University, where she enrolled in a two-year Legal Assistant Program. A summer student role at McLennan Ross during her studies led to a full-time position as a corporate paralegal, a role that gave her insight into the Canadian legal system and reignited her passion for law.

With the support of colleagues, Elisa pursued the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) process, completing it in 2021 and being called to the Alberta Bar in 2022.

Adapting to Canadian Law

Elisa acknowledges the significant differences between practicing law in Brazil and Canada. The most profound contrast lies in the legal systems: Brazil operates under civil law, where statutes and codes dominate, while Canada’s common law system offers greater flexibility. “In Canada, there is significantly less bureaucracy,” Elisa says, reflecting on the faster pace of the legal system and easier access to government entities.

Beyond the legal framework, Elisa found that Canadian work culture fosters better work-life balance and career stability. This supportive environment contributes to a higher quality of life for professionals.

Areas of Expertise: Corporate Law and Wills & Estates

Today, Elisa practices in Corporate Commercial law and Wills and Estates law. She has a strong passion for the corporate world, assisting clients with commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and business incorporation. Her work in this area helps companies navigate complex financial, developmental, and structural changes.

Her expertise in Wills and Estates law complements her corporate practice, assisting individuals with succession planning, business transitions, and wealth transfer. “Planning for change can involve preparation for succession,” Elisa explains, tying her work in estate law to the broader corporate context.

Staying Updated in a Dynamic Legal Landscape

Elisa emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. Her employer, McLennan Ross, encourages education through webinars and practice group meetings. Elisa is also an active member of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), which offers regular lectures and resources for legal professionals. She routinely discusses developments with her colleagues, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Contributing to the Profession

Elisa believes that Brazilian lawyers play a vital role in Canada’s evolving legal landscape, particularly in serving the growing Brazilian community. Fluency in both English and Portuguese, combined with knowledge of Brazilian and Canadian legal systems, allows Brazilian lawyers to assist immigrant communities more effectively. “Brazilian lawyers excel at adapting and integrating into Canada’s multicultural environment,” she notes, underscoring their unique contributions.

Moreover, the international perspective that Brazilian-trained lawyers bring complements Canada’s legal framework, especially in areas such as immigration and human rights. Elisa views this cross-cultural adaptability as essential to promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation in Canadian law.

Maintaining Ties with Brazil

Though Elisa has fully embraced her Canadian legal career, she remains connected to her Brazilian roots. Early in her journey, she shared her experiences through a personal blog, offering tips for fellow Brazilians navigating immigration and legal credentialing in Canada. While she no longer blogs, Elisa continues to participate in Brazilian community initiatives through the Brazilian Cultural Society of Edmonton (ABRE).

Her involvement with ABRE, as well as various social and professional events for Brazilians in Canada, allows her to stay connected with her heritage while contributing to the broader legal and immigrant communities.

Elisa’s journey from Brazil to Canada is marked by persistence, adaptation, and a deep commitment to both her professional and cultural identities. Her story serves as an inspiration to other internationally trained lawyers, especially those navigating the complex path of reestablishing a legal career in a new country. “Mastering communication and specializing in one area are key to success,” she advises, offering valuable insights for those following in her footsteps.

BCBA thanks Elisa for sharing her story. Stay tuned for our next edition of Meet Our Members, where we continue celebrating the inspiring journeys of Brazilian legal professionals in Canada.