One of the things we love at Gilton Valeo is knowing that we are responsible for shaping the careers of our team members. The employee/employer relationship is of utmost importance and we strive to provide a caring and innovative environment that fosters teamwork, excellence and personal evolution.
On that note, here’s a little Q&A with some of our newest recruits!
Marvin Quevedo
Why did you become a lawyer?
Both of my parents studied law but interestingly, they never forced me to study law and instead encouraged me to go pursue a career that will make me happy. Growing up though, I always knew that I will be a lawyer. I love helping people and would go out of the way to take care of their needs. I didn’t study law because of the honour and prestige that it brings. I decided to be a lawyer because I want to be remembered as someone who lived his life genuinely making a difference in the lives of other people.
The best part of your job?
The best part of working at Gilton Valeo is knowing that every day, I am doing something that helps our clients and their families achieve their dreams of living in Australia. It makes me feel really excited knowing that I am playing a small part in their journey. They may forget about me later on, but I will always remember the satisfaction that I felt when I delivered the good news that their visas were finally approved!
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
It would have to be titled Be Happy Now. Whilst growing up, I thought I needed to accomplish a couple of things like finish a degree by this age, get married by this age, get a house by this age… the list goes on, before becoming truly happy. I realised that it is one big lie and happiness should be felt in the present and not depend on what is going to happen in the future. Life is uncertain so why wait to be happy?
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Travel more, meet new people and cultivate relationships, eat good food, party until the next day and live your best life.
Favourite food?
It would have to be pork sinigang. It’s a Filipino tamarind-based pork soup and it’s the perfect comfort food that I eat whenever I miss home.
What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
I would go for a long walk then spend hours in a bubble bath and just clear my head.
What energizes you outside of work?
Spending time with family and friends. Just catching up with them and go to the beach, discover new restaurants, and travelling.
What’s a trip that changed you, and why?
I have been fortunate enough to be able to take countless overseas and domestic trips whilst growing up. Although I appreciated every country and city that I visited, marvelled at new sights, and enjoyed their finest cuisine, I knew that the Philippines will always be my home because honestly, life is more comfortable there for me. I never thought of myself going overseas to live until I came to Australia with my mum in 2015. I came to Sydney for a holiday and on my second day, I already decided that I wanted to live here. I knew it’s not going to be easy but I asked myself why would I ever want to settle in my comfort zone and not discover what I can achieve. I went to law schools and enquired about requalifying my degree, travelled around Sydney and Melbourne, caught up with family friends who call this amazing place home, went back to Manila for a few months and the rest is history.
What’s one of your favourite memories from the past year?
Being able to spend more time with my family and contemplate life in general. The past year gave me so much time to just sit back and enjoy each moment. I wasn’t scared at all last year because I know that the situation will be better and someday we will just look back, smile, and say we’ve endured this pandemic.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Ryan Reynolds, he’s hilarious and I try to think that I am too.
Amit Maharaj
Why did you become a lawyer?
Gaining an understanding of where my family came from and our historical cultural identity was the main motivating factor in my pursuit of a career in the law. I feel that historically and continuing till this day, different people have been marginalised due to a lack of understanding of the law and access to appropriate legal resources. Playing my part in helping all kinds of people navigate and understand the law is a huge step towards achieving just outcomes for all people and beginning to heal the deep wounds of historical injustice. I’ve developed a personal view that every person should have at least a rudimentary understanding of their rights and obligations under the law, helping all kinds of people achieve this every day brings me a great deal of personal satisfaction.
The best part of your job?
The best part of working at Gilton Valeo is being able to assist a wide range of companies, from some of the largest multinational corporations in the world to small family-run businesses in mobilising global talent to continue to build their business in Australia and to contribute to the economy. Being part of a family-owned business growing up, I have a personal appreciation for the importance of having the right talent in your company in order to achieve growth. Facilitating this process for other businesses and allowing the Australian economy to benefit from the skills and expertise of some of the most talented and qualified people in the world is an honour and privilege.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
“What a time to be alive” because I constantly find myself being so thankful for how lucky I am to be surrounded by family, friends and opportunity.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
BUY BITCOIN. But on a serious note, it would be to do every single thing, exactly the way you did it because every mistake and every hurdle led you to the life you live today and you wouldn’t swap that for anything.
Favourite food?
Zinger box. Don’t even argue or try and be all classy, we all know this is peak dining.
What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
You’re taking one down, sing a sad song just to turn it around. You say you don’t know, you tell me don’t lie. You work at a smile and you go for a ride.
What energizes you outside of work?
Zinger boxes.
No, but in all honesty it would be going for a drive with my friends, playing basketball and going to the gym.
What’s a trip that changed you, and why?
A month before I started at GV I went on a trip to the Whitsunday Islands in North Queensland. It reminded me that despite its faults, Australia is by far the greatest country in the world.
What’s one of your favourite memories from the past year?
This is a tough one, it’s been a big year. It would probably be getting the news that I had passed my final exams and was going to graduate law school (and of course the celebratory after-party).
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Jamie Foxx, although we look nothing alike. I have never seen that man not put in an Oscar-worthy performance, I’m sure he’ll nail it.
Zierralee Khaov-Noveda
Why did you become a lawyer?
I knew I wanted to be a lawyer since I was in high school and back then my reason was that I wanted to be in a high-paying job with a fancy title. When I graduated from law school and over the years, that obviously changed and now I know I wanted to be a lawyer because I wanted to be in a job that challenges me and enables me to be a part of my client’s journeys in a special way. Immigration law as all of that and more.
The best part of your job?
Getting to know my clients and sharing their successful outcomes at the end of the journey.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
Straight Outta Law School – My career path and life have been straightforward ever since and I have always known where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. It is only in the last 3 years that I have allowed myself time to explore life outside of my studies and work.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
I never had a break between school, studying at University, and landing my first job in a law firm. I would tell myself to enjoy my studies more and complete the university exchange program at Harvard University as it has always been something I dreamed of but never had the funding or the chance.
Favourite food?
Chocolate – I love all things sweet, this is probably influenced by my Filipino heritage.
What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
I always go back to the basics. Take a walk and have a hot chocolate or coffee giving myself some time to breathe and recentre.
What’s a trip that changed you, and why?
My 1-month honeymoon in the USA. I learned a lot about myself and life. It was the first time I had travelled without my parents for so long and it opened my eyes to the real world.
What’s one of your favourite memories from the past year?
My dogs having puppies, it was definitely a new life experience taking care of 6 puppies plus my 2 dogs all at the same time.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Jennifer Lawrence.
