When Valentina García first set foot in Australia, she couldn’t have imagined that one day she would be running her own law firm in Sydney. As a lawyer from Chile, the legal systems of both countries seemed worlds apart, but Valentina’s determination and love for the Aussie lifestyle drove her to take on the challenge of revalidating her degree and building a successful career. In this conversation, Valentina shares her story of adaptation, the challenges she faced, and the pivotal moments that shaped her journey. Her story is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the spirit of adventure that many expats know all too well.
THE INTERVIEW
VALENTINA, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE IN CHILE BEFORE MOVING TO AUSTRALIA.
My name is Valentina Garcia Cantolla, and I’m a lawyer admitted to practice both in Chile and Australia. I originally studied law at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and started out my career in a prestigious law firm in Santiago. With a promising career in law underway, the decision to move to Australia was a tricky one – the completely different legal systems were definitely a major factor to consider, as I didn’t want to waste all those years of study! But I was certain that I wanted to try out living here and make something work.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO AUSTRALIA? WAS IT PART OF A BIGGER PLAN, OR DID YOU COME MORE SPONTANEOUSLY?
My first time in Australia was straight after finishing my law degree in Chile, for a well deserved summer holiday after sitting my final exam. I was visiting my brother and sister in law, who had already been living in Sydney for a few months. I very quickly realised that Sydney resonated with me more than any other place I had visited, and I instantly fell in love with the lifestyle by the beach, the outdoors and the relaxed atmosphere. I made it my plan, there and then, to come back. So I went back home, worked in a law firm in Santiago for about a year, and the next summer I got my Work and Holiday Visa and off I went for my “gap” year.
FAST FORWARD TO TODAY, WHAT'S YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE LIKE HERE IN AUSTRALIA? I am a fully qualified and practicing Australian lawyer, working for Soutthern Connections Law. This is a firm that I have founded myself, with a focus on assisting clients from Chile with their legal needs in Australia. I was excited to
embark on this journey, as it allows me to make full advantage of my skills in both countries. HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO ADAPT AND FIND YOUR WAY INTO THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN AUSTRALIA? To become a lawyer in Australia, I practically had to study almost a second law degree. The issue with law is that the legal systems between Chile and Australia are completely different, so all my studies in Chile were only recognised as electives here! So, that was a tough journey and a lot of hard work whilst supporting myself working evening hospitality jobs.
After graduating from the Juris Doctor, I applied for several roles however most law firms were adamant that they did not take people without permanent visas. I was never going to let that stand in my way, and before
long secured an opportunity as paralegal in one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in Sydney. During my time there, I was able to prove myself and was offered a permanent lawyer position – which I was absolutely stoked about. While I was in that firm, I applied for my
permanent visa and the rest just fell into place. I am now a citizen and have worked for the last 8 years in two major law firms in Sydney, and have just now opened my own boutique firm, Southern Connections Law.
THAT SOUNDS LIKE A HUGE ACHIEVEMENT. WAS THERE A PARTICULAR MOMENT THAT STANDS OUT AS A HIGHLIGHT IN YOUR CAREER HER? The pivotal point of my career was when I got admitted by the Supreme Court of NSW in 2016. The years of multiple side jobs and full time study finally paid off – I was being recognised as an Australian lawyer, and with that, multiple opportunities were now on the horizon. The admission ceremony here is quite
spectacular as well, all the judges are wearing their wigs and gowns, and it’s a really formal process where you are “moved” or in other words, “invited” by another lawyer to join the profession. My brother attended the ceremony with me, and he thought it was like something out of a movie!
Valentina's admission to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2016 represented a significant milestone in her career, showcasing the culmination of years of dedication and effort. The formal ceremony felt like a scene from a film, reaffirming that her sacrifices had been worthwhile. This achievement opened the door to numerous new opportunities, demonstrating that with determination, challenges can transform into impactful moments of success.
ON THE FLIP SIDE, WERE THERE ANY TOUGH MOMENTS OR SETBACKS THAT YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
The hardest part was being filled with hope towards the end of my postgrad, and looking for jobs as a newly graduated lawyer from overseas. Not only for my language (and accent), but also for my visa status. Law firms are not known to take risks, and hiring a Chilean lawyer without permanent residency was surely one! I received many rejection letters from many graduate programs, just telling me they don’t consider overseas students, which honestly was very heart-breaking at the time. In any case, I kept trying and finally got a casual paralegal position at a top-tier firm, which then transformed into a permanent role, and from graduate to lawyer.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU? WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS MOVING FORWARD?
I have now recently opened my own boutique law firm. After years of working in big law firms in Sydney, I decided to take the leap and try something new. Southern Connections Law (SCL), as the name suggests, focuses on the relationship between Chile/ Latin America and Australia. There are lots of entrepreneurs and business owners in Australia who would benefit from having a straight-forward discussion and legal assistance in their own language. Having the dual background, and languages, gives me the option to provide this. SCL is also now associated with a major Chilean firm, LMA | Lagos Maclean Abogados, giving our clients the presence in both Chile and Australia for all their legal needs.
LOOKING BACK, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'D DO DIFFERENTLY?
I think sometimes that I should’ve worked in smaller law firms while studying here. I only worked as a paralegal/receptionist in a small suburban family law firm during my work and holiday year. However, I have to say, the experience of shifting careers and taking a break from professional life was an absolute gift. I worked in cafes and restaurants, where I met many locals and some of my best friends until today.
ANY STORIES OR EXPERIENCES THAT STAND OUT, SOMETHING THAT MIGHT INSPIRE OTHERS?
In my first year in Australia and during my very first waitressing job, I met my husband – who used to come to the restaurant, and he still remembers how I mispronounced “receipt” every time I gave him the bill. He was kind enough to tell me that the “p” is supposed to be silent! I was so grateful and felt so embarrassed as every other customer used to look at me funny when they came up to pay. Little did I know, he would be saying how endearing he found that mispronunciation during his vows years later on our wedding! The point is – our English is not perfect, and never will be. But Australians really don’t care – they are used to so many other cultures, nationalities and accents, that the fact that we mispronounce some words (or even make up others!) are just details. Even in the professional world, I can count only a few situations where the fact that I am not a native speaker has affected any negotiation or client relationship.
Valentina not only built a career here, but she also built a family, proving that with patience, humor, and an open mind, new beginnings can lead to unexpected and beautiful outcomes.
LASTLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE IN CHILE DREAMING OF COMING TO AUSTRALIA?
Just do it! Try it out – Australia is such a friendly and open nation. The nature and the outdoors are unreal, and the active lifestyle it provides is truly amazing. I’m so proud to be part of this incredible country which is full of opportunities. In my experience, if you try hard, you will most certainly find a path towards fulfilling your expectations. Worst case scenario, you get to live a few months or years in the most amazing and beautiful country – or who knows, maybe you are like me and decide you are never leaving!
Valentina García Cantolla’s journey from Chile to Australia is a powerful example of resilience, adaptability, and the rewards of taking bold steps toward new opportunities. From overcoming the hurdles of revalidating her degree to starting her own law firm, Valentina’s story reflects the courage it takes to rebuild and succeed in a new country. Her experience is not only inspiring for those in the legal field but also for anyone considering a leap into the unknown. For Valentina, Australia has become much more than a place to live—it’s where she’s built a thriving career and a fulfilling life, proving that with determination and passion, anything is possible.
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