When law meets heart, it can transform lives and no one embodies that better than Selenia Destefani, founder and leader of Nova Law Group. Named to The NYC Journal’s 40 Under 40 for 2025, Selenia blends strategic leadership, cultural fluency, and purpose-driven service to redefine the role of legal counsel in real estate and immigration law
Legal Foundation with Global Reach
Selenia earned her LL.D. cum laude from St. John’s School of Law in 2022 and is licensed in both New Jersey and Massachusetts (thenycjournal.com). In late 2022, she founded Nova Law Group, an immigration and real estate law firm that, within months, grew to over 25 professionals across the U.S.—a testament to her ability to scale with purpose and precision .
Multilingual, Multicultural, Multi‑Market
Born in Venice, Selenia speaks five languages (English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French), enabling deep connections across nationalities and client types With a strong bond to Brazil’s Brazilian community, she’s expanding Nova Law Group internationally—opening offices in Rio de Janeiro, with plans for Miami and Bridgeport, CT, by year-end 2024 .
Visionary Leadership Through Ethics & Equity
Honored as one of NYC Journal’s 40 Under 40, Selenia’s firm leads not just through business success, but ethical service. She delivers pro bono services through organizations like Mantena (NJ) and KIND (NJ/MA), personally handling cases and affirming her commitment to justice beyond profit .
With a “client-centered” ethos, Nova Law Group emphasizes personalized counsel, cultural empathy, and navigating immigration and real estate law with transparency and care—a rare combination in today’s landscape.
Leadership Values That Inspire Trust
- Accessible Expertise: Selenia balances firm growth with community-focus, ensuring excellence in both commercial and volunteer services.
- Cultural Fluency: Multilingual ability allows authentic communication and trust-building across diverse immigrant populations.
- Strategic Expansion: Thoughtfully scaling through new markets while maintaining high standards of service.
- Ethical Anchoring: Awards and recognition reflect not just growth, but principled leadership and social impact.
Why Selenia Destefani Stands Apart
Selenia exemplifies a new kind of legal leadership—one grounded in empathy, global sensibility, and real-world impact. Whether guiding clients through immigration law or real estate transactions, her vision is to serve as both legal expert and trusted advocate. She builds a firm rooted in integrity, cultural connection, and the belief that legal services can transform lives—not just resolve cases.
Want to explore further? I can share insights on Nova Law Group’s approach to real estate closings, best practices in immigration policy alignment, or her unique model of pro bono legal leadership.
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