Her Story
About Isabel
I began my legal career in Brazil, where I practiced as an attorney for 7 years. During that time, I had the opportunity to work on one of the biggest federal criminal cases in my state, which was a huge accomplishment, especially for a woman in Brazil where you really feel the difference and need to be better than others to get recognition. When I moved to the United States, I faced the challenge of not knowing English at all, and everyone told me that since I was an attorney in Brazil, I would never work in law firms here. But I proved them wrong. I started working as a paralegal about a year after arriving, learning English on the job every single day without going to school for it. I quickly moved up, and now I've been working as a paralegal for around 6 years. Currently, I work for a big company in personal injury law as a senior case manager, where I audit files and provide oversight for over 20 paralegals. Throughout my career here, I've gained experience in multiple areas including personal injury, tax returns, business corporations, and real estate, though personal injury is where I have the most expertise. People say I'm really good at problem solving - I love when they give me problems and issues because I enjoy researching new information, solving problems in general, and reviewing and updating files. I'm planning to pursue an LLM or JD to become an attorney in the U.S., as I'm super in love with law in general and want to continue growing in this field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Isabel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience. When I came to the United States, I didn't know English at all, and everyone told me that since I was an attorney in Brazil, I would never work in law firms here. But I didn't give up. I learned English by working every single day, without going to school for it, and I proved everyone wrong. I got better positions very fast, and now I'm proud to be pursuing my goal of becoming an attorney here in the U.S. through an LLM or JD program.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say do what you love, and trust in your strength. It's so important to believe in yourself and your abilities, especially as a woman entering the legal field. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve your goals, and stay focused on what you're passionate about.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
For my specific situation, the biggest challenge was the language barrier. When I came to the United States, I didn't know English at all, and I didn't go to school to learn it - I learned it by working every single day. English is my third language, so I'll probably be learning forever, but when you do the same thing every day, it gets easier through repetition. Despite everyone telling me I would never work in law firms here because I was an attorney in Brazil, I overcame that challenge and proved them wrong.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is treating others the way I want to be treated. I believe you should never do anything to someone that you wouldn't want them to do to you. These are the principles that you should always follow, no matter what, regardless of whether there's money involved or any other factor. Being ethical and maintaining these core values is essential in everything I do.
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