I Just Want Normal People Problems

Since the mosque attacks it has been a real privilege to have so many victims share their experiences with me. I am humbled by the trust they have placed in me. When I look back, many victims had survivor guilt, and that going through lockdown provided an enforced period of reflection, with some realising that they aren’t ok, and that they needed help. There is a lot of trauma in the community, and for many that is only now coming to the fore.

I found the stories of the widows the most affecting. They have all wanted to remain in New Zealand and make sure their husband’s dreams for a life in New Zealand for their family are fulfilled, despite the fact that this country is where they were killed. Inheriting their husband’s assets under New Zealand law also posed problems for many widows, as in their culture that money would go to their husband’s parents. I have one widow who now has her sister in New Zealand with her as a temporary support and both have been under incredible pressure to marry, as they have very little freedom as unmarried women, even in New Zealand. My job was to put the case to the Minister of Immigration that the widow also needed her parents here for support.

She couldn’t make a choice between having her sister or her parents as she needed them both for support, and to ensure that neither woman was forced to marry before she was ready. My representation was successful, and the widow’s parents will be joining her soon. That was a real learning for me, that we are all the same. Yet culture is a powerful thing.

While many lawyers have to cope with the stresses of working with challenging material and situations, the aftermath of the mosque attacks came with their own layer of trauma. Living in Christchurch we have come to realise that the worst things can happen to us. That can make you feel very vulnerable, and that the world is a horrible place. I recall meeting a client at the Hagley Cricket Grounds and being admitted by a policeman with a gun, which I found quite confronting. I am a naturally empathetic person and so it is easy to relate to the suffering of others, but that can come at a personal cost. I am always learning and striving to be more accepting of my own efforts, however imperfect they may be, and prioritising self-care. I’m getting better the older I get.

When working in a law firm on difficult cases, it can be hard to admit that you’re struggling. To take care of her own health while working with the mosque victims, I had counselling. I haven’t shared that before. In a firm, you don’t want to show any sign of weakness, but I should have. I learnt very early on in my career working with refugees that it was important to be empathetic, but not emotionally invested. To help others, you have to put it in a bubble, and protect yourself. Despite this, I believe that being a lawyer is a caring profession, and that those who embrace that will be successful.

I have recently set up my own practice, Adele Mitchell Immigration Law. My family and friends had been encouraging me to take the step for a while, but I was conscious that practicing law on my own is not like setting up any ordinary business. Having all my professional networks in place before I made the decision helped, as did building trust and promoting my expertise through social media. If there are new policies coming out from Immigration New Zealand, I try to get some information out quickly.

As a small business owner I appreciate that employers have a lot to deal with both working in and on their businesses. I am acutely aware that many employers are struggling to find skilled staff with the border closed, and are keen to retain their existing migrant workers.

I find I can offer business owners a similar sense of relief that individual migrants feel, that their business is meeting immigration requirements and maximizing their success, with minimal time and effort from themselves.

I have recently helped a large supermarket in Auckland gain accreditation so that they can retain a key migrant staff member with a solid pathway to residence. I get the same sense of satisfaction from helping business owners as I do individuals. There are changes coming in the middle of next year that will require all employers of migrants to be accredited and be able to show that they are meeting employment and immigration law requirements. It will be important that business owners understand their obligations to ensure they can continue to employ migrant workers.

Growing up, I always thought I would be a teacher. But when I was at high school my father arranged some psychometric testing which indicated that I didn’t have the required patience to teach, but would be a good corporate lawyer. A year as an exchange student in Japan strengthened my interest in other cultures, leading to studying law and languages at the University of Canterbury. I worked part-time at an immigration advisory company while I was at university, and then landed a role in a specialist immigration law firm upon graduation.

Deep knowledge and advocacy skill are some of the main advantages offered by specialist immigration lawyers, as opposed to immigration advisors. There are many good advisors and some who have done law degrees, but as a specialist immigration lawyer I believe that we have the in-depth knowledge and legal advocacy skills that immigration advisors don’t tend to have. There is a lot more to the practice of immigration law than filling in forms. In addition, lawyers offer the extra reassurance of having to meet the high standards of good character and the extra obligations that come with being a lawyer. You have to be approved to practice on your own account, and there are rules around operating a trust account.

Like many others in Christchurch, my family home suffered earthquake damage, and it took many years for it to be properly assessed. With two small children, this was a difficult time, but made it easier to relate to my clients, who are stuck waiting for a decision on their residence application. I remember thinking I just want normal people problems and that’s what my clients want too.

To be given the chance to make a life in New Zealand, and only have to worry about paying their bills, being able to buy a house, or which school to choose for their children.

Written by
Adele Mitchell