Our Team
Our Team
At Avista Professional Corporation, our team is composed of dedicated legal professionals committed to providing expert guidance in Canadian immigration law. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of immigration policies, our team works closely with clients to navigate the complexities of obtaining second residency and Canadian citizenship.
We take pride in our personalized approach, ensuring every client receives tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. Our professionals are not only legal experts but also trusted advisors, fostering long-term relationships built on integrity, excellence, and results-driven service.
Victor Gogotz – Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public
LSO #47818K
Educational Background:
Victor holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Toronto and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Queen’s University, Kingston. His academic credentials also include a Certificate in International Human Rights Law from Central European University and a Master of Arts in Political Science. He completed his Bachelor of Civil Law with honors from Chernivtsi State University in Ukraine.
Professional Experience:
With over 20 years of legal experience, Victor has established himself as a leading expert in immigration and corporate law. As the Owner and Principal Lawyer at Victor Gogotz, Barrister & Solicitor, he specializes in complex immigration matters, including permanent residency applications, spousal sponsorships, and appeals with tribunals and courts of various levels, including the Federal Court of Canada. His expertise also includes a wide spectrum of corporate law matters, including corporate structuring, mergers, and governance.
Previously, Victor served as Director & Lead Lawyer at Avista Professional Corporation, where he represented thousands of clients in the Federal Refugee Protection Tribunal and the Federal Court of Canada. His early career included positions at major Canadian business law firms and financial institutions, where he advised on corporate transactions, securities regulations, and international investments.
Notarial Services:
Victor is a Certified Notary Public in Ontario, providing services such as drafting and notarizing affidavits, statutory declarations, and contracts.
Languages:
Victor is fluent in English, Ukrainian, Russian, and Polish.
His dedication to legal excellence and community service makes him a trusted advocate for individuals, families, and businesses navigating legal challenges in Canada.
Alisa Pavlenko – Immigration Specialist
Educational Background:
Alisa holds a Master’s degree in International Economics from Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Ukraine, where she gained a strong foundation in global business and international relations. She also headed an international immigration practice to Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Professional Experience:
With over 12 years of experience in immigration consulting and visa processing, Alisa has developed deep expertise in assisting clients with complex immigration matters. Prior to joining the Law Office of Victor Gogotz, Barrister & Solicitor, he was a CEO of Cruise Couture Ltd. and Visa CC, where she provided strategic guidance on visa applications, citizenship acquisition, and immigration appeals, specializing in Canada, the UK, and the USA.
She has worked closely with government authorities, ensuring compliance with immigration laws, including special measures under the CUAET program for Ukrainian nationals. Alisa is managing immigration practice at the Law Office of Victor Gogotz, Barrister & Solicitor, specializing in legal matters related to CUAET visa holders from Ukraine.
Her extensive experience in immigration and travel law, combined with excellent communication and problem-solving skills, enables her to provide exceptional support to clients navigating immigration processes.
Languages:
English, Ukrainian, Russian
Heidy Pineda – Law Clerk
Educational Background:
Heidy Pineda holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences at Michoacana University of San Nicolás de Hidalgo in Mexico. Her strong academic foundation in law, combined with years of professional experience, has equipped her with extensive expertise in corporate law, immigration law, and legal document preparation.
Professional Experience:
With over a decade of legal experience, Heidy has worked across multiple legal disciplines, including corporate law, contract law, and immigration services. Since 2020, she has been a Law Clerk at Law Office of Victor Gogotz, Barrister & Solicitor, where she specializes in drafting and preparing legal agreements, incorporating corporations, filing immigration applications, and managing legal correspondence with authorities such as IRCC and Ontario courts and tribunals.
Prior to her work at Avista, Heidy practiced as an independent lawyer in Mexico, advising clients on legal matters, representing them in tribunals, incorporating businesses, and drafting legal documents. As a legal counsel in Mexico, Heidy represented clients in court hearings, negotiated settlements, and handled corporate legal matters. Her experience includes working with financial institutions such as BBVA Bancomer, where she managed corporate and financial legal issues.
Her diverse legal background, strong negotiation skills, and ability to manage complex legal cases make her a valuable asset in both corporate and immigration law.
Languages:
English, Spanish.
Monique Marcaida – Legal Assistant
Educational Background:
Monique holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Human Resource Management, from Batangas State University - TNEU Lipa Campus. Her academic background has equipped her with strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills essential for managing legal processes efficiently.
Professional Experience:
As a Legal Assistant at Law Office of Victor Gogotz, Barrister & Solicitor, Monique plays a key role in legal administration, document preparation, and case management. She is responsible for organizing legal files, drafting and proofreading legal documents, managing correspondence, and ensuring compliance with legal procedures. Her attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality allow her to support legal teams with accuracy and professionalism.
Prior to joining Avista, Monique gained supervisory experience as an HR & Admin Supervisor at YTO Express Batangas, where she managed recruitment, conducted interviews, facilitated onboarding, and oversaw compliance with company policies. Her ability to handle multiple responsibilities while maintaining fairness and impartiality in decision-making reflects her strong leadership and organizational skills.
Monique's diverse background in legal support, human resources, and education has honed her ability to work efficiently in fast-paced environments while ensuring smooth operations and compliance with legal standards.
Languages:
English, Filipino
Charmaine Baria – Social Media Manager
Educational Background:
Charmaine earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Cagayan Valley, where she built a solid foundation in legal studies. Her rigorous academic training has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, ensuring that her communications are both accurate and insightful.
Professional Experience:
Before joining the Law Office of Victor Gogotz, Barrister & Solicitor, Charmaine worked as a Legal Assistant. In that role, she specialized in immigration assistance and legal documentation, gaining firsthand experience in navigating complex legal processes. This practical background in law, combined with her expertise in digital marketing, enables her to translate intricate legal concepts into engaging content across multiple platforms. Charmaine is dedicated to enhancing the firm's online presence and forging meaningful connections with clients seeking immigration services.
Languages:
English and Filipino
