The journey into law…
Suelen Leonel’s passion for law started at a young age, inspired by her father, who worked as a civil servant in the House of Representatives in Brazil. During school holidays, she would accompany him to work, where he would explain the legislative process and how laws are created. Growing up in Brazil’s capital, surrounded by the High Court and Superior Courts, only deepened her interest in law. Her strong sense of justice, rooted in her Christian values, motivated her to help people and advocate for fairness from an early age.
While pursuing her law degree in Brazil, Suelen gained valuable experience working in the legal department of Brazil’s largest bank. She also worked in legal aid, assisting families who could not afford private lawyers. Upon graduating, she represented a law firm from another state in high court matters, specialising in bankruptcy and insolvency. This role further solidified her passion for law, and she later joined a prominent firm, working in commercial, civil, tax, and international law.
Realising the importance of expanding her skills, Suelen Leonel moved to Australia to learn English, initially planning to stay for eight months. However, she fell in love with the country and decided to make it her home. After becoming fluent in English, Suelen decided to resume her legal career, beginning the process of validating her Brazilian law degree in Australia. However, after the birth of her child, her passion for family law was sparked, motivating her to shift her focus. She began working in family law at the beginning of 2023 where she has found deep fulfilment in helping families navigate the legal system.
Experience in family law
As a paralegal currently in the process of completing her law Diploma in Australia, Suelen brings a unique combination of international legal experience and detailed knowledge of family law. Her background in law from abroad allows her to approach cases with a broader perspective, while her meticulous attention to detail ensures accuracy.
Suelen excels at drafting and filing court documents, reviewing disclosure documents, liaising with clients, and understanding their specific needs and goals. This enables her to provide excellent support to the legal team, offering cost-effective assistance while she completes her qualification. Her experience includes handling divorce applications, preparing and organising legal documents, and coordinating with counsel and process servers. She is always available to assist clients and committed to ensuring their needs are met throughout their legal journey.
Other areas of expertise
In Brazil, Suelen gained significant experience in commercial, civil, tax, and administrative law. She worked with prominent firms and represented major clients in these legal areas. Since moving to Australia, her focus has been in family law, but she has also worked in commercial law, further expanding her legal expertise.
The passion for family law
After becoming a parent, Suelen felt a strong desire to shift her legal focus. Family law captured her interest because she understands how emotional and overwhelming this period can be for families. She is passionate about helping clients navigate these challenging times with compassion and clarity, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout the process.
Suelen believes that with the right guidance, even the most difficult legal challenges can be faced in a more manageable way. Her goal is to help clients make informed decisions, offering a sense of stability when they feel most vulnerable. By providing clear communication and a calm, empathetic approach, she strives to make a positive impact on their lives during this critical time.
Our care for clients
Suelen is deeply focused on finding solutions and achieving the best possible results for her clients’ cases. Her proactive approach ensures that she always explores all options and advocates for her clients effectively, looking for opportunities to turn challenges into positive outcomes. She maintains a positive perspective on each situation, which helps her navigate complex issues and reach favourable resolutions.
Additionally, Suelen’s commitment to continuous learning means she stays updated on the latest developments in family law. This dedication allows her to provide clients with informed, innovative strategies tailored to their unique circumstances. She is passionate about helping families and strives to be a supportive ally throughout their legal matter.
Why Unified?
Suelen chose to join Unified Lawyers because it is a modern and innovative firm that stands out from traditional practices. The firm prioritises both clients’ well-being and the welfare of its employees, creating a supportive environment for everyone involved. She believes Unified Lawyers is ahead of the curve, as the leadership is committed to continuous growth and improvement, always seeking the best outcomes for clients. This forward-thinking approach aligns perfectly with her values and aspirations as a legal professional.
Passion outside of the law
Suelen is passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and healthy eating. She enjoys sports, adventures, and travelling, as well as trying new things that expand her horizons. Family is very important to her, and she cherishes the time spent with loved ones. Additionally, she is a lifelong learner and seeks to expand her knowledge on various subjects. Her faith in Jesus plays a significant role in her life, guiding her values and decisions.
Other languages
Suelen speaks Portuguese, which is her native language, and English. This bilingual ability allows her to effectively communicate with a diverse range of clients and provide tailored support to those who speak Portuguese.