ANA MARTINS
Travancore,VIC
Summary
Senior Associate (Overseas qualified) with over 15 years of experience across Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia. Currently head of the immigration team at Fisher Foley, advising and representing clients in complex immigration matters including deportation, character and medical waivers, ministerial interventions, and special directions. Drawing on a strong background in litigation and diverse practice areas, I deliver strategic, client-focused solutions tailored to each case.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Associate (Overseas Qualified – Awaiting Admission in New Zealand)
FISHER FOLEY BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS
10.2021 - Current
- Manage a diverse caseload of complex immigration matters, including Appeals to the IPT, deportations, ministerial intervention, section 61 requests, and character/medical waiver submissions.
- Provide accurate and strategic legal advice to clients in line with New Zealand immigration laws, policies, and case precedents.
- Conduct legal research, draft submissions, and prepare detailed supporting documentation for lodgement with Immigration New Zealand, the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, and other authorities.
- Act as the primary point of contact for high-value and complex clients, building trusted relationships and ensuring clear communication throughout the immigration process.
- Represent clients in correspondence and negotiations with Immigration New Zealand and relevant tribunals.
- Provide guidance on immigration strategy, compliance, and long-term residency pathways tailored to client circumstances.
Licensed Immigration Adviser
IMMIGRATION CHAMBERS
06.2021 - 10.2021
- Drafted several Appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) against liability for deportation and/or cancellation of residence.
- Prepared compelling arguments and submissions in a wide variety of cases, including responses to Potentially Prejudicial Information letters and Ministerial Appeals to the Associate Minister of Immigration New Zealand.
- Immigration Consultancy in a wide range of immigration matters.
- Mentoring and supervising interns and law clerks in-house.
Solicitor (Brazil qualified)
ADINA THORN LAWYERS
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Acted extensively on claims relating to construction and property disputes across New Zealand.
- Led the discovery team in two large-scale construction class actions involving several hundred plaintiffs. Responsibilities included overseeing document review, managing disclosure processes, and ensuring compliance with procedural requirements.
Litigation Support Team Leader
MEREDITH CONNELL
07.2017 - 11.2020
- Led large-scale discovery processes in complex, high-profile litigation, including the largest case before the New Zealand High Court.
- Designed and implemented Meredith Connell’s eDiscovery and Electronic Casebook protocols to ensure compliance with High Court rules, Senior Courts Protocol, and best practices.
- Oversaw production schedules, tranche preparation, database management, and objective coding guidelines. Supervised and trained teams of solicitors and law clerks in eDiscovery platforms and practices.
- Transitioned the firm from legacy eDiscovery software (Summation) to LawFlow. Regularly reviewed new technologies to ensure efficient, cost-effective solutions.
- Assisted in preparing affidavits of documents, precedents, practice notes, and legal research to support complex litigation.
- Maintained strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and external processors, ensuring effective communication across all stages of discovery.
- Completed management training programmes focused on leadership and team development.
In Secondment as Tax Litigation Coordinator
BICHARA ADVOGADOS, in secondment at NATURA COSMETICOS S.A.
08.2016 - 03.2017
- Drafted substantive arguments in a highly complex tax dispute involving a multi-million reais (Brazilian currency) assessment issued by the State of São Paulo.
- Acted on numerous tax assessments and enforcement proceedings at both state and federal levels, including matters before the Court of Appeal.
- Demonstrated capacity to manage files and deliver high-quality legal work with minimal supervision.
- Conducted extensive relevance reviews in large-scale, high-value Brazilian tax cases.
- Researched and prepared legal opinions, memorandums, and submissions on a wide range of tax law issues, including compliance matters.
- Reviewed motions and precedents, prepared legal argument summaries, and assisted in the preparation of court submissions.
Tax Litigation Coordinator
PHILIPS DO BRASIL LTDA.
08.2014 - 04.2016
- Responsible for the internal management of more than 750 tax assessments and enforcements at Philips Brazil.
- Wrote and edited compliance guidelines for the tax department in order to reduce risks of failure to comply with the company’s internal rules.
- Participated in monthly internal committees to discuss tax matters.
- Gained solid managerial skills whilst coordinating a team of solicitors and interns.
- Expanded negotiation skills when handling contracts with external counsel.
- Assisted due diligence of tax cases.
- Fortnightly meetings with the CFO to discuss cash flow opportunities arising from the tax litigation department.
Tax Attorney
BICHARA ADVOGADOS
12.2013 - 07.2014
- Successfully represented clients in complex litigation matters challenging the legality of State VAT/GST assessments.
- Conducted comprehensive relevance reviews in matters involving a wide range of tax regimes.
- Led numerous consultations and advisory meetings, presenting legal opportunities and strategic pathways to clients.
- Strengthened organisational and prioritisation abilities through the management of multiple complex files.
- Built and maintained strong professional relationships with clients, ensuring trust and effective communication.
- Conducted initial interviews with prospective clients to assess merits, gather instructions, and develop litigation strategies.
Lawyer
NOGUEIRA E ADVOGADOS ASSOCIADOS
07.2010 - 12.2013
- Gained substantive knowledge across multiple areas of law through active involvement in diverse legal matters.
- Effectively managed significant responsibilities while simultaneously pursuing further legal education.
- Supervised and mentored two interns, developing teamwork, delegation, and leadership skills within a professional setting.
- Drafted, prepared, and filed key legal submissions in advance of trial.
- Participated in pre-trial proceedings, gaining practical advocacy and litigation experience.
Education
Certificate of Proficiency -
University of Auckland
11.2025
Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice (Level 7) - undefined
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
11.2021
Tax Law Post Graduation Certificate - undefined
IBET- Brazilian Institute of Tax Studies
Salvador, Bahia12.2013
Legal English Specialist - undefined
UCSD – University of California San Diego
San Diego, California12.2011
Law Degree (LLB) - undefined
UNIVERSITY RUY BARBOSA
Salvador, Bahia07.2010
Skills
- Complex Case Management & Legal Strategy
- Advocacy & Representation
- Client Advisory & Relationship Management
- Policy & Legislative Expertise
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
English: Fluent/Native
Portuguese: Native
Spanish: Intermediate
Hobbies and Interests
I have a strong passion for languages and am currently improving my Spanish through online study. Outside of work, I maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy exploring new sports and activities whenever possible.
Training
- Management and Development
- Effective Delegation
- Unconscious Bias
- Interview Skills
- Understanding Resilience
- Leadership Development Training
Timeline
Senior Associate (Overseas Qualified – Awaiting Admission in New Zealand)
FISHER FOLEY BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS
10.2021 - Current
Licensed Immigration Adviser
IMMIGRATION CHAMBERS
06.2021 - 10.2021
Solicitor (Brazil qualified)
ADINA THORN LAWYERS
11.2020 - 05.2021
Litigation Support Team Leader
MEREDITH CONNELL
07.2017 - 11.2020
In Secondment as Tax Litigation Coordinator
BICHARA ADVOGADOS, in secondment at NATURA COSMETICOS S.A.
08.2016 - 03.2017
Tax Litigation Coordinator
PHILIPS DO BRASIL LTDA.
08.2014 - 04.2016
Tax Attorney
BICHARA ADVOGADOS
12.2013 - 07.2014
Lawyer
NOGUEIRA E ADVOGADOS ASSOCIADOS
07.2010 - 12.2013
Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice (Level 7) - undefined
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Tax Law Post Graduation Certificate - undefined
IBET- Brazilian Institute of Tax Studies
Legal English Specialist - undefined
UCSD – University of California San Diego
Law Degree (LLB) - undefined
UNIVERSITY RUY BARBOSA
Certificate of Proficiency -
University of Auckland
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