Article by Hugo Guedes – Lawyer at International Atlantic Services

Morning – Cat named Dior and coffee to have a beautiful day

The best part of living with a greedy cat is never knowing what time your day will begin, as it always depends on his desire to eat. On a good day, my routine starts at 6:45 AM. Before the sound of the keyboard and the phone ringing, I am required to feed my little grey friend and comfort him with affection, while trying to prepare my own breakfast, filled with coffee, fruit, and fresh water.

After this small challenge, I usually catch up on national and international current affairs and read a few opinion pieces, if time allows.

Between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, I arrive at the office and begin checking my inbox and organizing the tasks scheduled in my agenda for the day.

At 10:30 AM, I take a short break to top up my coffee levels with my colleagues, using the moment to follow up on pending matters and discuss more sensitive topics, or simply check in on how everyone’s life is going.

Afternoon – Clear pending matters, meetings, organizing case files and more e-mails

At around 12:30 PM, I have lunch with my office colleagues before we return to our respective desks — whether at the office, at AIMA, or at the Court, depending on the day of the week and each person’s schedule. The afternoon is then devoted to preparing documents, continuing to respond to emails and calls, and handling all the unexpected requests that inevitably arise.

The afternoons, no matter how well-planned or organized, are always the most unpredictable part of my day. Tasks, calls, and unexpected requests can come from any direction, keeping me on my toes and requiring constant adaptability.

Otherwise, I review all documentation ahead of AIMA appointments, as well as prepare court actions, applications, petitions, and pending matters, ensuring everything is accurate and complete — thorough preparation is crucial in immigration law.

Once a week, our team meeting allows us to discuss challenges, share workload, and align on procedures, reinforcing collaboration and support among colleagues.

End of the Day – Football with friends and recharge energy

From 6:30 PM, it’s time to head back home quickly to prepare for a training session with my amateur football team, where I play with friends. Around 9:00 PM, it’s time for dinner, to relax, watch some television, and, at best, catch a science fiction movie (or at least half of it).

Recharge my energy for the day ahead.

Why This Work

Immigration law is a daily challenge — constant, fast-paced, and ever-evolving. It requires continuous adaptability, resilience, and a deep understanding of a system that moves quickly and often unpredictably. While there is an inherent bureaucratic dimension tied to the documentary component of each process, the truth is that this area of law is in a permanent state of change and motion.

Every case represents far more than a collection of documents from different countries. It is an opportunity to understand each client’s culture, their background, and their perspectives on the world.

Working in immigration law is not only about opening the doors to what I consider to be the best country in the world to live, work, and invest in for those seeking a new place to call home. It is also about offering people the opportunity to find a place where they can feel happier, safer, and more fulfilled — a place where they can build a new life and provide a fresh start for themselves and their families.

In the end, immigration law is not just about procedures or paperwork. It is about people, courageous choices, and futures in the making. Being part of that journey, and helping someone find a place they can truly call home, is a privilege I am grateful for every day.