Article by Diana Soares Ribeiro  - Lawyer at International Atlantic Services

A day in the life of Diana Soares Ribeiro

Morning - A Global Start

My day begins early, at 8:00 AM, sitting at my desk in the Porto office, coffee in hand and inbox already buzzing. Because our clients come from all over the world, spanning multiple time zones, the first order of business is to scan open issues and prioritize what needs immediate attention. Some replies are urgent and must be handled immediately; others set the tone for how I’ll structure the day.

Mornings can be the busiest part of my schedule, often filled with external appointments. Whether it’s biometrics appointments at AIMA, visits to banks, or executing public wills at the Public Notary, this is when legal plans start taking tangible form. This can be also part of the day when I meet with clients, sometimes virtually, sometimes in person, to clarify procedures, give updates, and ensure they feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Afternoon - Documents, Details, and Dialogue

While meetings continue into the afternoon (especially internal team catch-ups or follow-ups with clients), this part of the day is often reserved for preparing the building blocks of our legal work. From preparing and submitting residence permits applications to assembling documents for nationality applications, attention to detail is key. Each file reflects a real story, a life in motion.

This time also allows for quiet reflection and legal analysis. Strategic analysis takes center stage here: examining how each case aligns with the law, recent updates, and best practices.

End of Day - Reset and Reflect

As the day winds down, I like to take stock. What’s been achieved? What’s pending? What needs to be prioritized tomorrow? In immigration law, deadlines and accuracy matter and every detail counts. That final review helps keep everything aligned and lets me finish the day with clarity.

Why This Work Matters

For me, being a lawyer is fundamentally about helping people. That’s always been my motivation: to provide legal support that’s practical, human, and focused on the client’s best interests. I believe in clear communication and personalized guidance, so our clients never feel lost in the process.

The most rewarding part of this job is not just solving legal issues; it’s building relationships across cultures and learning from every person who walks through our doors. No two cases are the same. No day is the same. And that’s exactly what makes this work so exciting.

Because at the end of the day, we’re not just processing paperwork, we’re helping people start new chapters in their lives.