CA Lawyers
- HKGCC Membership No. :
- IAA0019
Rising Star
“What distinguishes us is that we are the ones who do all the work,” said Jose Alvares, partner at the Macao-based CA Lawyers.
As it is a small firm, Alvares and his partner Barry Cheong must handle a broader range of day-to-day responsibilities than their peers at international firms. But they tackle all of these with a can-do spirit that is characteristic of their enthusiastic approach to life.
“We do the strategy planning. We do the heavy lifting. We do everything,” Alvares said. “We want to make sure that when people are hiring us, they are hiring the people they see on the door.”
Macao’s legal sector is based on the Portuguese system, so Alvares’ background is another strength that the firm offers.
“Being born and raised in Portugal gives me a full understanding of the legal system and culture. Considering the law system in Macao is built on the one in Portugal, I believe I am well prepared to interpret and apply the law,” he explained.
“On the other side, my partner, who was born and raised in Macao, understands more about the reality on the ground. We work together on all cases, so we offer a comprehensive knowledge of both the law and the local culture, which helps us come up with hopefully ideal solutions.”
Young talent
Alvares said that he experienced a few culture shocks when he arrived in Macao, but was pleasantly surprised that his initial status as an outsider did not create any problems in his career development. What has been a stumbling block is his youth.
“The legal sector is conservative, and sometimes people think age equals quality,” he said. As he is only 29, it is sometimes difficult for potential clients and other business contacts to appreciate the seriousness with which he takes all of his work.
But this factor cuts both ways. “We, as youngsters, bring new perspectives and the capacity to understand technology and changes in society,” explained Alvares. “I hope we can overcome this obstacle.”
In fact, it seems that he has already surmounted this hurdle, having been appointed to be a member of the Macao lawyers’ ethics board.
“Being the youngest member on the board really shows that even the more senior peers are willing to trust this youngster,” he said. “It also makes me proud that my colleagues within my profession trust me to become a guardian of integrity in this profession.”
Just six months after the launch of the firm, CA Lawyers won a gold award for new talent in the city. “Having successful people in Macao recognize the efforts we put in is just amazing,” said Alvares. “But of course, that comes with responsibility. We hope to show that we are worth this recognition.”
Before starting his own firm, Alvares worked in law firms large and small, which guided him to his current role.
“I started as an intern in large corporates. That showed me the very core of the corporate world: they are efficient, know their purpose and understand how to operate,” he said. “Then I worked in local firms, where I was closer to the decision-making process and was exposed to the entire process from top to bottom. I learned how to do business and most importantly, how to deal with people.”
Thriving in Hong Kong
About one-third of Alvares’ clients are in Hong Kong, so he comes here around three times a week, and often uses the opportunity to spend his weekends here as well.
“I always find Hong Kong interesting and it is my sort of environment,” he said. “I would say I thrive here because I can relate to the people and I’m fond of the entrepreneurial spirit here.”
His regular presence in Hong Kong also means that Alvares can be an active member of Chamber’s Young Executive Club, including playing on the YEC football team.
“It is a worthwhile experience,” he said. “YEC promotes youth empowerment and we have so many fun activities. Aside from the professional side, I have also made friends here.”
Besides the social aspect, Alvares also makes time for HKGCC’s other events. “The luncheons, seminars and all other activities are not only informative, but also help us build connections and grow.”
He believes dedication and confidence are key to success, and his career advice is: “Just work hard. Be curious but at the same time respectful. Go beyond duty and understand what is behind it. You also have to be confident and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.”
Alvares confessed that long-term planning has not been his strength, but he is ambitious that his work will make a difference.
“Like Apple or Alibaba – corporates that have changed the world while satisfying their business goals – I want to bring something to society as well.”
Seizing GBA opportunities
Alvares is among those seeing opportunities emerging from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Belt and Road initiatives.
“Our fortune can change in a heartbeat. Macao can achieve more success by diversification,” he explained. “By shifting our dependence on gambling to other activities, the entire city of Macao will thrive further.”
He believes that the GBA concept of leveraging the strength of different cities to achieve greater success will bring benefits to the whole region.
“Each city brings different things into the game. Macao, as a tourism centre, brings in families and tourists. We do not have much space so we cannot manufacture products, but we can focus on the service industry,” he said, adding that Macao can act as a link to the Portuguese-speaking countries in the Belt and Road Initiative.
When he first arrived in Asia, Alvares was fresh out of college looking for some international experience – probably for the short-term. Now, as the founder and partner of a local law office, he is proud to say that he has found a new home.
“This says a lot about Macao and Hong Kong,” said Alvares. “If you want to belong and are willing to adapt to the environment, you can find your place here.”
Company: CA Lawyers
HKGCC Membership No.: IAA0019
Established: 2018
Website: https://calawyers.mo/
