Daphne D’Souza’s journey from the United Arab Emirates to Halifax shows how she rebuilt her career and found true work-life balance with the support of Cox and Palmer.
When Daphne D’Souza and her family made the decision to leave behind their life in the Middle East, they weren’t just changing jobs or countries—they were seeking a place they could finally call home. That search led them to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and eventually to a fulfilling new career path that reflects her resilience, skills, and deep commitment to growth.
Today, Daphne works as the Lead Legal Billing Specialist at Cox & Palmer, a role that places her at the core of the law firm’s client relations and billing operations. It’s a long way from where she began—but not unfamiliar territory for someone who has spent her life adapting and building bridges.
“I wanted to start with a good company,” she says. “And as I showed my skills, I was moved into a central billing process lead role.”
Daphne first joined the firm through a temp agency in November 2023, starting in an administrative support role. With prior experience in both administration and accounting, it wasn’t long before she stepped into a more strategic position—leading pre-billing for legal teams, liaising with clients, and ensuring smooth invoicing across departments.
“Now, I’m in direct contact with clients and lawyers,” she says. “It’s a big shift from doing reception and office services, but my earlier experience really prepared me for this.”
A Family’s Leap of Faith
Daphne’s journey to Halifax began long before she boarded a plane. Originally from India, she and her husband were both raised in the Middle East—she moved there as a toddler, and he was born there. Like many expatriates in the Gulf region, their families lived and worked in places like Oman and Dubai for over 40 years, always contributing, but never fully belonging.
“The thought of our parents working for over four decades and still not being able to call the place their own—it really stayed with us,” she reflects. “We wanted a future for our daughter where she could grow up with a sense of belonging.”
Their permanent residency process for Canada began in 2019, right before the pandemic disrupted everything. It wasn’t until 2022 that they received a provincial nomination from Nova Scotia—a place they knew little about at the time.
“All we knew was Toronto, where our relatives lived,” she says. “When we looked up Halifax, most of the videos were just frozen streets in winter! I’m so glad we didn’t let that stop us. We visited in September 2022 and absolutely loved it—it was peaceful, beautiful, and warm in every sense.”
After winding down their lives in the Middle East—including sending over 200 kilograms of household items back to India—the family landed in Halifax for good in July 2023. They bounced between two Airbnbs and a shared living space before a local church helped them find a long-term apartment in Dartmouth. That church remains their spiritual home to this day.
Building a Life, One Step at a Time
In many ways, Daphne and her husband’s Canadian story reflects the strength of immigrant families: navigating transitions, building community, and seizing opportunities wherever they appear. Her husband landed a full-time job at a bank just a few months after they arrived, and their daughter was accepted into a daycare just five minutes from Daphne’s office.
“It’s such a relief,” she says. “At any time, I know I can get to her in minutes. She’s happy, and she tells me how well the teachers care for her.”
While many newcomers struggle with transportation, Daphne says they managed without a car until late 2024—relying entirely on Halifax Transit.
“It wasn’t easy with a toddler,” she admits, “but the city is well connected. I never felt stranded.”
This June, they reached another milestone: they bought their first home. Now, with their daughter set to start primary school this year, Daphne says they’re focused on continuing to build the life they dreamed of.
“We are hoping and praying our experience here in Canada continues to be as blessed as it has been.”
A Workplace That Recognizes Potential
Daphne credits much of her career progress to the supportive and inclusive environment at Cox & Palmer.
“They always appreciate and recognize hard work and dedication,” she says. “Immigrants like me don’t always land in equivalent roles right away. But when people see your potential, it makes all the difference.”
Her story is one of resilience and renewal—of what happens when families commit to starting fresh, and when workplaces are ready to see them for who they are and who they can become.
“It’s been wonderful,” she says. “The work-life balance, the peace of mind—it’s all so different from what we were used to. We’ve come a long way, and it feels like home now.”
Daphne D’Souza’s journey is a reminder that new beginnings may take courage—but they also open the door to new possibilities, and sometimes, a better life than you imagined.
