The “Top of Mind” awards night, held in London, shed light on the inspiring journey of Gabby Cardoso, a Brazilian lawyer who turned challenges into opportunities and became a reference in international law. The ceremony, marked by luxury and celebration, was attended by personalities such as the group Negritude Júnior and actor Oscar Magrini, who recognized professionals who stood out in their fields throughout the year.
A Journey of Dedication and Overcoming
Gabby Cardoso decided to move to the United Kingdom in 2005 with the goal of building a better life for her family and fulfilling her dream of working in international law. With a Brazilian husband and three children born in different countries – Brazil, Portugal and the United Kingdom – her story is an example of resilience and multicultural adaptation.
Upon arriving in the United Kingdom, she was faced with the challenge of learning the common law legal system, completely different from the civil law used in Brazil and Portugal. “Here, we don’t have a clear code that dictates the rules. Everything depends on the arguments and interpretations of the judges, which makes the system flexible but challenging for those coming from abroad,” explains Gabby.
Even in the face of barriers, she persisted. With dedication and study, she not only adapted to the British legal system, but also built a successful career.
Founding of ADVBRUk and Mentoring
After her adaptation, Gabby founded ADVBRUk, a law firm specialized in serving Brazilians and Portuguese in the United Kingdom. Based on her personal experience, she realized the need to create a support network for foreign lawyers. “I knocked on the doors of other Brazilian lawyers a lot and got no response, so I decided to open my own path,” she recalls.
In addition to the firm, Gabby offers mentoring through the “Advocating in England” program, where she teaches in a practical way how to navigate the British legal market. “My goal is to help other professionals achieve their dreams without having to go through so many difficulties,” she says.
Recognition with “Top of Mind”
The “Top of Mind” award came as recognition for the impact Gabby has generated in the legal community and in the lives of countless clients and colleagues. “This award symbolizes the effort of years of dedication and the support of everyone who believed in my work. It is more than a trophy; it is an incentive to continue helping more people,” said Gabby, excited upon receiving the trophy.
The presence of the group Negritude Júnior, with their music and energy, further enhanced the event, which highlighted the best professionals of the year in several categories. Gabby was also spotted with her husband posing with global actor Oscar Magrini, who was also present at the event.
Commitment to the Community: CALB
In addition to her work as a lawyer and mentor, Gabby is one of the founders of the Luso-Brazilian Support Center (CALB), a non-profit organization that offers support to people in vulnerable situations in the United Kingdom. CALB began as a legal aid initiative, but has expanded its reach to include psychological support, translators, therapists and job reintegration programs.
“It’s gratifying to see how we can transform lives, especially those of women who need support to start over,” says Gabby, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to meet the needs of the community.
A Reference in International Law
Gabby Cardoso is proof that determination and solidarity can open doors anywhere in the world. Her trajectory, which combines professional excellence, social impact and innovation, serves as an inspiration to lawyers and entrepreneurs around the world.
By being recognized in “Top of Mind”, Gabby further consolidated her place as a reference in international law. “My work is not just about advocacy; it’s about building bridges between cultures and helping people believe that it is possible to overcome barriers,” she concludes.
With the trophy in hand, Gabby continues her mission to transform lives, inspire colleagues and show that dreams can come true with effort, study and an open heart to help others.