One of the things we love at Sports Visa Lawyers 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 SVL’s finest!
Ahad Minto
Why did you become a lawyer?
I was bad at maths but still wanted to help people. In all seriousness, I wanted to channel my inner argumentativeness and curiosity towards something constructive and this seemed like a good fit.
The best part of your job at SportsVisaLawyers.com.au?
Getting the opportunity to meet/speak with elite athletes and media professionals. Closely followed by learning about new sports and becoming a fan.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
Reader discretion advised.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Bet on the North Queensland Cowboys to win a Premiership in 2015.
What sport did you play growing up?
I did Karate growing up. My signature move was the question mark kick and I represented NSW in 2010 for point-sparring. I’ve also played cricket all my life (poorly).
How do you stay fit?
Pub crawls (the walking part).
Who is your favourite sporting team?
Memphis Grizzlies.
All time favourite sporting moment?
Shane Warne taking his 700th wicket in the Boxing Day Test of the 2006/7 Ashes.
What’s one of your favourite sporting memory from the past year?
Tim Tzyu beating Tony Harrison via Knockout and becoming the Interim WBO Super Welterweight Champion.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
A young Johnny Depp.
Alexander Hatzikalimnios
Why did you become a lawyer?
I wanted to help people and my family has had an extensive history of law enforcement, which strongly influenced my career choice and why I continue to choose to help people.
The best part of your job at SportsVisaLawyers.com.au?
Being able to interact with athletes from all over the world. As an avid sports fan, it is great to learn the intricacies of what goes on behind the scenes of events.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
“Short-term pain, long-term gain”. As someone who has competed at the top level in multiple sports, I have learned that there are no shortcuts and that you benefit the most from pushing through the pain and fatigue, whether that is in the ring or behind the desk.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Don’t be too nice, it will only lead to people taking advantage of you.
What sport did you play growing up?
Basketball, water polo, swimming, cross country, athletics, tennis and more.
How do you stay fit?
Training every single day, no matter how I feel. Some days you don’t feel like training, but this is where you outperform and truly stand out, by training when the rest take time off or make excuses.
Who is your favourite sporting team?
South Sydney Rabbitohs.
All time favourite sporting moment?
Kyrie Irving cooking up Stephen Curry and sinking the game deciding 3 ball in the 2016 finals. Greatest comeback in NBA history to defeat the greatest basketball team ever.
What’s one of your favourite sporting memory from the past year?
Sparring with the boys at the gym. There is no better feeling than training hard with like-minded people who are looking to become the best at what they do.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Tom Cruise. A jack of all trades who seeks to become the best at everything he does.
Humairaa Haque
Why did you become a lawyer?
In all honesty, I went to Law School because I had that ATAR score to get in. Once I started studying, I realised I enjoyed the application of the law over the theory and decided it was the path for me.
The best part of your job at SportsVisaLawyers.com.au?
Watching the final sporting event and seeing all the contestants/players we assisted in action.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
What the Haque: A Memoir. With all the comical things that happen to me, I could actually write a sitcom.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Enjoy school holidays and semester breaks during Uni – you will never get that time to do nothing for a very long time (unless you’re unemployed).
What sport did you play growing up?
Basketball, cricket and rock climbing. And a bit of netball because my school didn’t have enough players and they randomly picked people from the basketball team to join.
How do you stay fit?
After years of going to the gym and creating my own workouts, I got bored, gave up and joined F45. I also play recreational mixed basketball with Urban Rec.
Who is your favourite sporting team?
Chicago Bulls 1995 – 1998. It’s the team I grew up watching and the reason I love the sport.
All time favourite sporting moment?
Daniel Ricciardo winning the F1 at Monza 2021, after months of struggle with his McLaren. Everyone loves an underdog story.
What’s one of your favourite sporting memory from the past year?
Nathan Lyon’s invisible wicket in the first Ashes Test. It was just hilariously unfortunate for Harry Brook.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Jennifer Lawrence. The level of clumsiness is the same.
Sports Visa Lawyers can help athletes legally compete in Australia
If you’re an athlete, coach, team, or league and are curious about sports-related immigration to Australia, Sports Visa Lawyers — as experts in Australian immigration — can guide you in identifying the best immigration pathways to bring people over.
Factors such as licenses, commission rules and local sporting body support can be challenging to coordinate, and that’s precisely where we come in. Through our contacts and expertise, we can escalate the processing of applications to ensure that all sportspeople can enter Australia comfortably and without issue, in time for their competitions and events.
With a personal passion for sports, we’re dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible whatever your speciality. If you have any questions about the above, contact one of our offices or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter!
