“…the most successful lawyers are those who combine strong legal foundations with a genuine desire to understand the world around them before choosing a path of specialisation.“- Mayara Matsinhe Cossa
Mayara Matsinhe Cossa is a Mozambican lawyer who obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Degree in 2018 and a Master’s Degree in Political and Legal Sciences in 2025. She is a registered member of the Mozambican Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados de Moçambique)and a volunteer with theVodafone Foundation’s Instant Network Emergency Response (INER) Programme, which deploys trained Vodafone employees and portable, solar powered mobile networks to restore communications during natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
As Senior Legal Advisor at Vodafone M-Pesa, Mayara provides legal and regulatory support across digital financial services and business operations. She works closely with internal stakeholders, regulators, law enforcement authorities, and external partners to support business objectives, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and navigate complex legal and regulatory matters. Her expertise includes commercial contract drafting and negotiation, legal advisory, stakeholder management, governance support, risk assessment, and the provision of legal guidance on strategic business initiatives. She is passionate about leveraging the law to support innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable business growth.
1. What ignited Mayara’s passion for the legal profession, and what continues to make the practice of law a deeply fulfilling pursuit for her?
For Mayara, the passion for the legal profession began at a very young age. Growing up with a father who is a lawyer, she was introduced early to the world of law and justice. As a child, many of her favourite games revolved around court scenarios, where she would invariably assume the role of lawyer. What began as childhood imagination gradually evolved into a clear sense of purpose and a career aspiration.
This passion continued throughout her school years. In secondary school, Mayara was often the student who volunteered to express opinions, represent her peers, and speak on behalf of those who were reluctant or afraid to do so. She actively participated in initiatives aimed at improving student experience and was naturally drawn to advocacy, leadership, and problem-solving. Looking back, these experiences reflected many of the qualities that later shaped her legal career.
What continues to make the practice of law deeply fulfilling for Mayara is the opportunity to solve complex challenges, support informed decision-making, and contribute to initiatives that create meaningful impact. For her, the legal profession is a unique combination of service, leadership, and continuous learning, allowing her to create value while helping others navigate challenges and opportunities with confidence.
2. In Mayara’s opinion, what qualities define a truly exceptional lawyer in today’s world?
In Mayara’s view, a truly exceptional lawyer combines strong legal expertise with integrity, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to serving others. While technical knowledge is essential, she believes that the ability to understand people, navigate complexity, and communicate effectively is what truly distinguishes outstanding legal professionals.
For Mayara, integrity is the foundation of the legal profession. Clients, colleagues, and stakeholders must be able to trust a lawyer’s advice, judgment, and commitment to ethical standards. She also believes that resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning are indispensable qualities, particularly in an environment where laws, industries, and technologies are constantly evolving.
From her experience as a Legal Advisor, Mayara has learned that legal professionals create the greatest value when they move beyond identifying problems and actively contribute to solutions. She believes that lawyers should strive to understand the broader objectives behind every matter and help stakeholders navigate challenges responsibly and effectively.
Ultimately, she considers empathy, professionalism, and a strong sense of purpose to be among the defining characteristics of exceptional lawyers. These qualities enable legal professionals not only to interpret the law but also to make a meaningful impact on the organisations, communities, and individuals they serve.
3. What is the next groundbreaking project or initiative that Mayara is or would be working on and what impact is she hoping it would make?
For Mayara, the future of the legal profession lies in its ability to adapt to an increasingly digital world. As technology continues to transform the way people live, work, and interact, she hopes to deepen her expertise in emerging areas of law and contribute to the development of legal and regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while protecting rights and promoting accountability.
She is equally passionate about mentoring law students and young legal professionals. Having experienced the challenges and opportunities that come with building a legal career, she believes that guidance and mentorship can play a crucial role in helping aspiring lawyers make informed decisions about their professional paths and unlock their full potentials.
Looking ahead, Mayara hopes to contribute to a more innovative and future-ready legal profession while supporting the development of the next generation of legal leaders. The impact she seeks is to help shape a legal landscape that is both responsive to technological change and committed to creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed.
4. Which legal minds and books have shaped or are shaping Mayara’s thoughts and perspectives?
For Mayara, the person who has had the greatest influence on her legal journey is her father, who is also a lawyer. Watching his father’s dedication to the profession and his commitment to helping others navigate legal challenges played a significant role in shaping her values and ultimately influenced her decision to pursue a legal career.
In terms of books, “Today Matters” by leadership expert John C. Maxwell has been particularly influential. The book’s central message, that long-term success is determined by the choices we make every day resonates strongly with her approach to the legal profession. It has reinforced the importance of discipline, continuous learning, and ethical decision-making, qualities that she believes are essential for building a successful and impactful legal career.
Mayara also believes that some of life’s most valuable lessons come from experience. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has drawn inspiration from mentors, colleagues, and the diverse individuals she has encountered, continuously learning from their perspectives, experiences, and leadership styles.
5. What advice or guiding principles would Mayara offer young legal professionals and advocates trying to find their place and purpose in the legal terrain?
According to Mayara, one of the most important lessons for young legal professionals is understanding that the legal profession extends far beyond the court. She believes that many law students are conditioned to view litigation as the primary career path for lawyers, when the profession offers diverse opportunities across corporate law, financial services, technology, telecommunications, public policy, governance, regulatory affairs and so on.
She encourages aspiring lawyers to explore different fields of practice before deciding where to specialise. Exposure to various areas of law not only broadens professional perspectives but also helps individuals discover where their interests, strengths, and long-term career aspirations truly lie. She also encourages aspiring lawyers to be intentional about their career choices and to seek mentors who can provide guidance and perspective along the way
Mayara believes that lawyers should strive to develop a broader understanding of the industries and environments in which they operate. A good legal professional is not only knowledgeable about the law but also seeks to understand areas such as business, finance, technology, and emerging trends. This broader perspective enables lawyers to provide more practical, strategic, and impactful advice.
Above all, she encourages young professionals to remain curious, embrace continuous learning, and never stop investing in their growth. In her view, the most successful lawyers are those who combine strong legal foundations with a genuine desire to understand the world around them before choosing a path of specialisation.
Click here to read our previous millennial, Mohamed Abayazid
