Nata Ghibradze im Porträt

Nata, you have been working as a lawyer in International Arbitration, first in your home country Georgia, later in Germany. What do you particularly enjoy about your job and what do you dislike?

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Let us start with the fun part: I generally enjoy advocacy, which is probably the reason I did many Moot Court competitions in law school. That is how I came to International Arbitration, too. I particularly love oral advocacy and pleadings, cross-examination of witnesses and experts, and the entire hearing procedure. One of the most captivating aspects of my job is the international nature of it: working and collaborating with people from different cultural and legal backgrounds. Another aspect of this internationality is the chance to learn about the intricacies of different legal systems, industries and technical issues. This makes the cases fascinating and helps to constantly expand the knowledge and skills. Finally, of course, I like the international arbitration community, which is very connected and engaged. There are just so many brilliant people around who are invested and interested in making the field and the community more diverse and inclusive.

 

What I "dislike" about my job is likely something many might agree with: its demanding nature. When dealing with multiple complex arbitrations, we have to comply with various strict timelines that sometimes conflict. Additionally, the complexities of each case depend on numerous factors, including the behavior of the opposing counsel, the organization of proceedings by the arbitral tribunal, and the number of participants involved. It can be challenging to juggle everything while also making time for family, friends, and hobbies. But the bottom line is that it can be done with correct prioritization and time management.

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In Georgia, you initially wanted to work in Human Rights and Public International Law. What led your transition to International Arbitration?​

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I actually did start working in the field of Human Rights at the Chief Prosecutor's Office of Georgia and briefly at the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. The switch to International Arbitration came as a result of my participation in Moot Court competitions. After participating in several competitions, I did the famous William C. Vis International Arbitration Moot competition in my final year of law school. That was my first encounter with International Arbitration and served as the stepping-stone to my future career in this field. During this competition, I already realized that this is what I really liked and enjoyed.

 

In the years following my graduation, while still practicing in Georgia, I dedicated time to learning more about International Arbitration. Recognizing the limited opportunities to practice International Arbitration in Georgia at the time, I decided to move to Germany. There, I completed my Master's degree in Hamburg, and began my professional career. The rest is history.​

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What do Human Rights and International Arbitration have in common?

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That is a really good question. I would say they have quite a lot in common. To keep it short: while at a first glance, Human Rights and International Arbitration might seem to serve different purposes, they are very much interconnected in their goals of promoting justice, ensuring access to justice, facilitating fair resolution of disputes, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms on an international scale.

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In 2023, you became Counsel at Hogan Lovells as one of the first foreign qualified lawyers in a big German law firm. What is your recipe for success?

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Thanks for this question. I am not sure if I am one of the first foreign qualified lawyers in a leading position in Germany, but if that is the case, I am sure and hope that many more will follow suit. I know there are other foreign qualified lawyers, both in our firm and in other firms, who hold senior positions. There is a definite trend towards the market becoming more international.

 

I am afraid I do not have a recipe for success as such. I believe success is a highly individual matter – it depends how you define it for yourself. Various factors can influence one's success, including some beyond your control, such as the legal system or industry you work in. However, there are also factors within your control that you can influence to maximize your chances of success.

 

My personal "recipe for success" consists of several factors: hard work and being good at what you do; passion for your profession; taking initiative; being a good team-player. They are all interconnected. 

 

First and foremost, hard work and striving to excel at what you do are crucial starting points. We all learn a great deal on the job. Hard work helps you learn, improve, absorb information, develop and refine your skills, learn from your mistakes. In the beginning, you might not know everything, but you can continuously improve your skills. 

 

Another important factor is having genuine passion for your profession. When you enjoy what you do, work becomes more enjoyable, leading to greater personal happiness and fulfillment. This passion also motivates you to take initiatives and go beyond your regular tasks. Activities such as writing articles, getting involved in various organizations, organizing events, and speaking at conferences are all important for establishing your reputation and contributing to your success. 

 

Last, but not least, it is important to be a good team player while also possessing a sense of leadership. I find it important to enjoy working with people, caring for team members, sharing experiences, and mentoring younger colleagues to help them improve their skills. Additionally, it's crucial to show genuine interest, take ownership of the cases you're working on, and demonstrate initiative.​

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How important is mentoring for you, from the perspective as a mentee as well as a mentor?

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Mentoring is very important at every stage of your career. At the beginning of the career, a mentor can provide valuable insights, knowledge and experience to guide you through the challenging period. For me, for example, it was not just about the work as such, but also about adapting to a different culture and environment, which presented its own set of challenges. Mentors can help you find your niche, allowing you to brainstorm and understand your personal unique selling point(s). Additionally, mentors can provide you access to their network, opening up opportunities such as co-authoring articles, suggesting ideas for publications, organizing events, and assisting with the first speaking engagements. 

 

Then as a mid-level lawyer, you encounter different challenges. You begin asking yourself and your mentor questions about your personal and career development, such as taking more responsibility within your workplace and managing expectations, defining business development strategies, or considering broader questions like career progression, transition to an in-house or other roles, etc. 

 

From a mentor's perspective, being a mentor is extremely enriching and valuable. I find great fulfillment in sharing my experiences and perspectives with my mentees and offering them assistance in any way I can. It is also incredibly enlightening for me. We often overlook the challenges we faced to reach our current positions – navigating through various cultures, different law firm environments, diverse personalities, and the sheer workload, among other factors. When my mentees pose certain questions, it often triggers memories of similar situations I encountered, allowing me to empathize with them and reflect on my journey. This process fosters a deeper appreciation for where I am today. I believe that gratitude and appreciation is a valuable virtue, and serving as a mentor significantly contributes to cultivating it. 

 

I am happy to see that there are so many mentorship programs out there.

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What differences do you see between the German and Georgian lawyers' world?

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There are certain differences. It starts with legal education system. In Georgia, the system is akin to many post-Soviet systems, with four years of study before graduating. In my view, Germany offers a more solution-oriented education, focusing on the perspective of a judge. In Georgia, the approach is more theoretical and scientific, so that you have to find your own solution. 

 

The qualification process is also different. In Georgia, the university exam serves as the final assessment, whereas in Germany, a state-exam is required. In Georgia, the state exam to be admitted to the bar is necessary for individuals seeking to become "advocates", meaning to act before Georgian courts. So many lawyers in Georgia do not have a "bar admission". This discrepancy can complicate matters when moving to another jurisdiction, as they often require a bar exam. 

 

Furthermore, Georgia is a relatively small country, with even the largest law firms having around 30 lawyers. Consequently, narrow specialization is challenging, as most law firms handle a wide range of legal matters. In contrast, Germany offers better opportunities for specialization, driven by market demand. I have to admit, however, that in the recent years, the situation has changed a bit and there are more and more senior lawyers in law firms who do have a particular specialization and expertise.

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You share connections with Eastern Europe and West Asia, many of your clients come from these regions. You also lived some time in Russia, and you are fluent in Russian. Since you started as a practicing lawyer, the tension in this region increased over the years. Do you notice any differences regarding this region as a lawyer situated in Middle-West Europe now? ​

 

To be honest, I might not be the best person to speak about the differences, as many Ukrainian lawyers have experienced the impact firsthand, with their lives being changed forever. Many companies and law firms have been affected, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes and jobs to start anew. For those who stayed, life has undoubtedly changed.

 

Personally, my work has not changed much because I focus on the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe in general, and I have not done much Russia-related work. However, for many who did, things have certainly changed. Many Russian practitioners have also been impacted, especially those who decided to leave Russia after the invasion and had to restart their lives in other countries. 

 

Economically, Russia's actions have obviously significantly impacted the region, affecting various sectors and economies. Some key examples include the disruption of energy supplies, trade routes, and supply chains, heightened inflation, and increased economic uncertainty.

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Did you ever have the impression that you were treated differently to your male and/or German colleagues? 

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This is a tricky question. My experiences compared to my male colleagues varies depending on the context. I have encountered situations where a senior male manager of a company or an elder technical expert has directed their conversation more towards my male colleagues. However, these instances were not always solely due to my gender but also because I was a junior lawyer at the time, while my male colleagues were more senior. Within the law firm itself, I have never noticed any differences in treatment based on gender. 

 

Regarding differences with my German colleagues, yes, I have had such experiences. Particularly at the beginning of my career, I faced several rejections due to my foreign qualifications. Once I got to Hogan Lovells, things were different though. They were very flexible. It was up to me to prove myself, and once I did, I enjoyed the same freedoms and treatment as everyone else in the firm. Having said that, I know that this is not necessarily the experience of many people practicing in Germany. As I said earlier, I see the market changing though.

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You are a member of numerous networking communities, including ArbitralWomen and the Young International Arbitration Group. You are also an ambassador of the VIAC for Georgia. What does networking mean for you? 

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This is my favorite question. Networking means a lot. 

 

First, it is an opportunity to meet and get to know your peers, like-minded individuals, mentors, future colleagues – who may open doors for you in terms of future career opportunities, collaborations, arbitrator appointments, referrals, etc. At the same time, you meet people who you may want to appoint as an arbitrator, co-counsel with them, appoint as an expert, invite to your event as a speaker, and the like. 

 

Second, it provides a chance to learn, share knowledge and exchange information and best practices. 

 

Third, networking, if done properly, allows you to establish your name by showcasing your skills, accomplishments, and knowledge, thereby increasing your visibility. 

 

Finally, for me personally, networking is an opportunity to create a circle of colleagues / friends and like-minded individuals who become your support system. It is invaluable to receive encouragement, motivation, or even advise from people facing similar professional or personal challenges.

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How to network properly? 

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This question ties in quite well with the previous question. Here is my personal take on this: 

 

First, be attentive, genuine and truly interested in people. Focus on building meaningful relationships. It is better to leave a networking event with a few strong contacts and relationships than simply many business cards lacking meaningful connections. Follow up and stay in touch to nurture these connections. 

 

Second, get involved in various organizations or mentorship programs. Take an active role and show initiative within these groups. Your involvement and contributions will definitely be noticed. 

 

Third, it is important to increase your visibility and credibility by writing articles, organizing events, and speaking at conferences. Always be well-prepared for these opportunities to make a positive and lasting impression on your network.

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Which advice would you give women who are interested in arbitration and stand at the beginning of their career? 

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That is also a good question and ties in with what I mentioned earlier. Some additional pieces of advice: 

 

First, anticipate setbacks, disappointments, and obstacles. Let these experiences serve as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. Be resilient – learn from your mistakes, and pursue your goals with unwavering dedication and hard work. 

 

Don't be afraid to take on and embrace challenges. Challenges are opportunities for personal and professional growth. They push your boundaries and reveal your true potential. And of course, as I said already – show initiative, and create your own opportunities. 

 

In the context of International Arbitration, remember that it is a procedure and a manner of dispute resolution. Before diving into International Arbitration, gain practical experience in substantive law or a specific industry, such as construction projects, contract drafting, or M&A due diligence. This will provide you with the necessary knowledge and substance for arbitration. For example, I started by practicing commercial law, M&A, and due diligence, and drafting various contracts. 

 

Finally, I cannot skip something that is very important to me and what I would say to my younger self: do not forget to take a break, to savor life and special moments in life. Enjoy time with your family, friends and loved ones. Appreciate the people who support you throughout your career and be grateful for every opportunity. As you progress in your career, remember to pay it forward to younger colleagues. 

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Which female lawyer would you like to nominate as a role model for breaking.through? Why? 

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The historical figure would be Sandra Day O'Connor, renowned as the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. She paved the way for women in the legal industry in the U.S. and broke the glass ceiling. Her influence extends beyond the U.S., inspiring many women lawyers worldwide. 

 

The contemporary figure is Amanda Lee. She is well-known as an independent arbitrator and the founder of Careers in Arbitration, a platform that has helped numerous young lawyers find jobs and opportunities in international arbitration. Mandy has tirelessly dedicated her time to several organizations, such as ArbitralWomen, Racial Equality for Arbitration Lawyers, ARBalance, and many more. She is at the forefront of initiatives striving to make the field of international arbitration more diverse and inclusive. I am constantly in awe of her work and dedication. She very deservedly received CPR's 2022 "Outstanding Contribution to Diversity in ADR Award."

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Thank you very much for this interview!

 

Munich / Miami, 12 April 2024. The interview was conducted by Mara Alin Brinker.

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