December 2022 | Zefy Souvlakis | Lawyer, Ethos Migration Lawyers

 

 

December 2022 | Zefy Souvlakis | Lawyer, Ethos Migration Lawyers

 

 

A typical work day for me is…

I usually like to start my day with a 5’ breathing or meditation practice, followed by a walk or gym session. I find that a regular exercise routine has improved my mood and performance at work significantly over the years. From there, I will go over my schedule for the day and generally tackle the harder tasks first – I’m a morning person so I’m generally more productive during the first half of the day. The afternoon is usually busy with client and staff meetings, calls and other similar tasks. I will normally have a coffee break and chat with colleagues around 3-4pm when in the office or take my dog for a walk if working from home, and Melbourne’s weather permitting. Later in the evening, I might plan for the next day or work on other projects such as business development or networking.

The best advice I have received is…

In life and at work, every experience is either a lesson or a blessing.  Especially in the legal field, coming across challenging situations is the norm. Building a habit of learning from each challenge and using it as a tool to improve has been extremely beneficial in developing my skills, not only as a legal professional but also as a colleague, friend, and family member.

The most rewarding part of my job is…

Having the ability to learn and understand the law, and applying it in situations where it provides a solution for individuals in often vulnerable situations is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an immigration lawyer. Australian immigration law is unique in that it allows for people from all over the world to seek better opportunities in Australia or be reunited with their loved ones in the country. However, the Australian immigration system is notoriously bureaucratic, as its processes are some of the most arduous in the world. Being able to make the journey simpler or provide clarity and solutions for our clients is extremely rewarding.

My favourite fictional character is…

As a 90s kid, Harry Potter is my favourite fictional character. Growing up, I read the books multiple times in both Greek and English. I found and still find the magical world in these books fascinating, and in particular Harry’s bravery, kindness and ability to problem solve. Although at I times, I definitely identified with Hermione Granger, Harry remains my favourite as he is far more vulnerable and realistic as a character compared to others in the book. As a lawyer, I find his commitment to serve the greater good in any situation inspiring to this day.

 

 

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