I wanted to contribute to the development of legal services provided by Russian law firms, leverage my extensive experience accumulated over 12 years of work at the international law firm Baker & McKenzie at a leading Russian company and also build up an employment law practice that offered a level and quality of services in line with the most stringent international standards.  

  

Fr om the very outset I realised that I felt comfortable to work at Pepeliaev Group; in fact I felt even more comfortable than I had at an international law firm. After the first few months in 2009 I was surprised in a good way by the professionalism of my new colleagues, the high level of organisation of all working processes, the adherence to the most professional standards of quality, the very friendly and positive atmosphere and thoughtful attitude of management towards all the firm’s employees. 

  

Despite the difficult economic situation in Russia, I managed to attain far better results than I could have expected to achieve even in the pre-crisis years. My department more than doubled in one year. Growth was driven by the abundance of challenging new projects. I am happy with the results and look forward to the coming years with renewed optimism. 

  

I would cite in particular dynamism, independence, a professional approach at all levels (including a significant number of real experts in all branches of law), friendly atmosphere among colleagues, and a very positive attitude and concern for client needs. In addition, decisions are taken quickly, as the centre of decision-making is located in Moscow, at the company’s office, which tends not to be the case at international firms. 

  

Pepeliaev Group offers excellent career growth opportunities. The company holds a vast array of diverse training courses and invites the best experts. The firm also applies a system of semi-annual performance appraisals, which makes it possible to assess an employee’s progress twice a year. When such a system is employed, the commitment of high-performing employees is patently visible.  

  

While working at Pepeliaev Group, I have always enjoyed the diligent and dynamic support of the firm’s PR, marketing and business development departments. In terms of personal career growth, at Pepeliaev Group I have managed to fully utilise my leadership skills and strengthen client relations. Thanks to the variety of high-profile projects implemented by the employment practice, my professional skills have also improved. Above all, however, Pepeliaev Group has given me a real opportunity to develop and improve as both a professional and individual. 

  

The joy and pride I felt when I represented Russia’s leading law firm at an international conference of law firms, wh ere the national law firms of many countries were represented.