Francesca Albert

Title:  Associate
Division: Dispute resolution
Location:  Moscow

I joined Herbert Smith as a trainee in September 1999 after taking the CPE and LPC at the College of Law in London.

I was attracted to Herbert Smith because it does not simply hire people from the "legal conveyer belt" but seeks quirky individuals with varying interests and different backgrounds. In addition, Herbert Smith had just opened its Moscow office, and I was keen to be part of its development.

My career has provided many highlights. These range from filming environmentally protected wetlands in Peru and submitting video evidence in an investment treaty arbitration taking place at the ICJ in the Hague; giving a speech in Russian on investment treaty arbitration to the Ministry of Justice of the Ukraine; and spending time in Tokyo, and nearly two years in my current position in Moscow.

Herbert Smith’s reputation for being a dispute resolution power house is fast being replicated in Russia. We are one of very few law firms with full service capability, including domestic litigation and international arbitration. In the current economic climate this is quite an asset.

The Moscow office is a great team where knotty legal issues can be discussed with peers and seniors alike in a relaxed atmosphere and jovial spirit. This means work is also an enjoyable social experience.

Working at Herbert Smith has provided me with challenges that have greatly increased my confidence and with opportunities to expand my horizons in ways I never expected. These experiences have changed who I am and made me a better lawyer.