Jo Morton, trainee, talks about her experience of working in Moscow and what made her choose our firm.
How did you come to work in Moscow?
I’ve always been fascinated by Russia. My cousin lives over there, and he was always saying that it had an incredible culture that was really different. When I found out that there was a seat available there, I was really keen to get on it. It was my first choice – so I had a chat with graduate recruitment, as everyone does, expressing as to why I wanted to go. I was fortunate enough to be given it, and I’m very grateful for my experience.
What was the work like?
I was a real estate trainee. But the legal system is completely different over there, so things became very interesting pretty quickly. Of course, there was a fair bit of proofreading to be done. But I also got to go on site visits. One was to a plot where they were going to build a hotel, a beautiful setting about four hours out of Moscow. I was the only English person there. Fortunately, my colleague was there translating for me. Everyone was very good in getting me involved because I’d already been working on the project.
So you had real involvement?
Yes. I was really impressed with the support I was given, but also the responsibility. They weren’t afraid to let me get out there and do things on my own. One time I had to take a taxi to the other side of Moscow, to get about fifty contracts signed by this powerful businessman – a real Russian oligarch. I had to go through quite a lot of checks to meet him. He had his personal guards with him, so I was little nervous as to what he might be like. But he was absolutely brilliant and he was really positive about the fact that I was working over here.
How did you get into law?
When I was 16, I did a work experience placement with a local high street branch of solicitors. From then on I knew it was something I was interested in, although I actually went on to read Theology at Durham University. I first heard about CMS Cameron McKenna on campus. I went to their presentation and met their trainees. They were really charismatic and made the firm sound really interesting. On the back of that I applied for an internship. It was, by far, the place that suited me best. Primarily, it was the people. They took the time to explain things to me. And there was the European dimension too. I knew I’d get the opportunity to work abroad.
How did you settle in to the firm?
This is a nurturing place and very supportive, but not in a “cotton wool” way. When you get there, they’re good at letting you find your feet. My confidence grew immensely in the first few months as I was gradually given more responsibility – I think they get the right balance, as soon as you’re confident and capable they’re happy to offer you more responsibility.
Have you any advice for a new trainee?
A lot of people are nervous about embracing the opportunity to live in another country for six months. But, if it’s at all on your mind, don’t waste that chance because it will become one of the best six months of your life. This idea of embracing things filters onto other aspects of working too – so make yourself available, wander around the department, ask if there’s anything you can do to help. Even if there isn’t to start with, people will remember you and get you on board later on. Being enthusiastic pays off.