Written by Julia Day
In some ways Raquel Martinez Acatitla is a typical #UNELaw student. Like many of our students, before she commenced her law degree she had already completed a degree and was engaged in an interesting career. Raquel is perhaps unique though as she is trilingual- she speaks English, Spanish and French.
Raquel as a child
Raquel’s dad practising as a solicitor in Mexico
I was interested to find out how Raquel found herself at #UNELaw. As often happens her interest in law was piqued in her childhood. Raquel’s dad was and continues to be a practising solicitor in Mexico. He primarily practices in civil litigation, employment law and commercial law. When Raquel was a little girl and her dad’s receptionist was otherwise occupied, Raquel used to help him draft documents and undertake other administrative tasks.
At the same time, Raquel’s mum encouraged her to speak and learn a selection of languages. Raquel attended a trilingual school in Mexico. She notes her knowledge of languages ‘has been a very useful skill to have- it has provided me with better insights into different cultures and perspectives and mind sets. I have a better understanding of why people behave as they do!’
One of Raquel’s workplaces
Upon leaving school, Raquel decided to undertake a degree in Tourism in Mexico. Interestingly, during this degree her interest in law again surfaced when she was required to undertake two legal units. But she again resisted enrolling in a law degree ‘as I was concerned there would be too much reading involved.’ Instead she worked at resorts in Cancun in Mexico- honestly who could really blame her?!? She then decided to move to Australia where she secured positions in teaching and project management. Being trilingual also helped her find jobs working with refugees in the Spanish community and she also undertook work with legal aid.
When we were chatting, I asked Raquel about the differences in the legal system between Australia and Mexico, and her answer was enlightening. The Mexican legal system is based on the French Civil Law system. This means that instead of the adversarial system us Aussies are used to, it is more inquisitive in nature. The other significant differences relate to Mexican law being more insular. In other words, generally in Mexico only Mexican laws are relied on, unless the issues are new or innovative in nature. In comparison in the common law system, we often rely and access laws and cases form other jurisdictions.
Raquel with her dad
Raquel is currently working with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Within her current role she supports two tribunal members who specialise in migration law. Raquel assists them with research and case management.
Raquel’s favourite units at #UNELaw were those with a practical slant, generally with Paul Akon acting as the Unit Coordinator. ‘Paul is still practising as a legal practitioner so he understands what is happening in the profession. He bases his assessments on current issues in legal practice which makes the content we are learning topical and interesting.’
On the eve of her graduation (and her admission into practice) Raquel hopes her dad will be able to make the trip from Mexico to help her celebrate. Of course, this will depend on Covid restrictions, but I am confident they will have a massive celebration when the family comes together again!
