About Valerie
Valerie Da Gama Pereira: Leading Immigration Law Specialist in Australia
Valerie Da Gama Pereira is a distinguished and highly experienced immigration lawyer, serving as Principal Lawyer of Da Gama Pereira & Associates P/L. Recognized as an **Accredited Specialist in Australian Immigration Law (LIV)**, Ms. Pereira possesses an unparalleled depth of knowledge and a proven track record of success in navigating the complexities of Australian immigration law. Her dedication to providing strategic legal counsel and achieving favorable outcomes for clients has earned her widespread respect within the legal community and established her firm as a trusted leader in the field.
With over two decades of experience, Ms. Pereira’s expertise spans a comprehensive range of immigration matters, including **Global Talent Visas, Employer Nomination - Permanent Visas, Employer Sponsorship & Nomination – Temporary Visas (482), Short Term Work Visas (400), Regional Visas (491, 494), Individual (189, 190) Visas, Business (188, 888) Visas, Child Visas, Complex International Student cases, Health Issues, Citizenship applications, and Ministerial Submissions.** She expertly handles applications for **Merits Review – Administrative Appeal Tribunals** and **Judicial Review – Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia**, including Federal Court of Australia appeals and High Court of Australia cases. Ms. Pereira’s strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail ensure that clients receive the most effective representation possible at every stage of the process.
Ms. Pereira’s career is characterized by a commitment to excellence and a profound understanding of immigration law. She has been consistently voted by her peers as a **“Best Lawyer” (2019-2024) by Best Lawyers** for her exceptional work in Immigration Law. Notably, she has successfully secured three **Special Leave applications at the High Court of Australia**, demonstrating her ability to handle even the most challenging legal arguments. Beyond her courtroom successes, Ms. Pereira is deeply involved in shaping the future of immigration law, serving as a **Chair – June 2021 to June 2023 – Law Council of Australia – Immigration Section**, a role that allows her to advocate for meaningful reforms and access to justice within the industry.
Her contributions extend to the Victorian legal landscape, where she has served as an **Ex Deputy Chair of Administrative Law and Human Rights Committee and Ex Chair of the Migration Law Committee, both within the Law Institute of Victoria.** She is an active member of the **Accredited Specialisation (Immigration law) Education Advisory Committee, Law Institute of Victoria**, providing vital input on legal education and training. Furthermore, Ms. Pereira’s experience is augmented by her **Foreign Legal Consultant – Registered with the State Bar of California** status, enabling her to represent corporate clients in both the United States and Australia.
Key Highlights of Ms. Pereira's Career:
- Successfully managed the sponsorship of numerous conferences, including the 2015-2023 events, demonstrating exceptional organizational and logistical skills.
- Chaired conference sessions from 2014-2023, showcasing her leadership and expertise in the immigration law field.
- Actively involved in making submissions to the Law Council of Australia regarding government reforms and advocating for increased access to justice and consumer protection within the migration industry.
- Provides strategic legal counsel to a diverse clientele including corporate entities in the USA and Australia.
Education & Credentials:
Ms. Pereira’s legal foundation is built upon a strong academic record, including:
- Master of Law (Monash University Australia)
- Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law, NSW, Australia)
- Certificate Course in Citizenship and U.S. Immigration Law (Emory University School of Law)
- Master of Law (University of Bombay)
- Bachelor of Laws (University of Bombay)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Administrative Management (University of Bombay)
- Bachelor of Arts (Economics and French) (University of Bombay)
Bar Admissions:
Accredited Specialist in Australian Immigration Law (LIV) – Recognized by Best Attorney USA since 2019
Areas of Practice:
- Global Talent Visa
- Employer Nomination - Permanent Visa
- Employer Sponsorship & Nomination – Temporary Visa (482)
- Short Term Work Visa (400)
- Regional Visa (491, 494)
- Individual (189, 190) Visas
- Business (188, 888) Visas
- Partner Visa
- Child Visa
- Complex International Student cases
- Health Issues
- Citizenship Applications
- Ministerial Submissions
- Merits Review - Administrative Appeal Tribunal
- Judicial Review - Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Federal Court of Australia (Appeal)
- High Court of Australia
