The Signature Litigation partner reveals her passion for animal welfare
Solicitor Natalia Chumak has recently joined Signature Litigation as a partner.
What was your route into the profession?
I originally studied law in Russia, then with my father’s encouragement I moved to the UK in 1994 to study English law. Moving here from Russia was a big culture shock, I was one of the first few Russians to go overseas to study, I spoke little English and there was no internet at that time. I had no idea how the legal profession in England worked, so it took me a while to work it out. Once I did, I realised that I was about to become a qualified English lawyer and therefore I would probably have to remain in the UK to practice. So there was not a lot of long term planning at the early stage. From the start of my career I got involved in Russia/CIS related work for obvious reasons—there were very few people who could do it. The good thing about my career is that I enjoy it more and more every year— I think this is how it should be.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
To find a way to sleep less—I am still working on it!
On a more serious note, one of the most memorable challenges was trying to obtain evidence from an oligarch, who was the main witness in a case. However, I was given only two hours of his time instead of two full days, which would have already been a concession, he was on the move and I had no access to any documents. It tests one's knowledge of the case and ability to regroup and focus on key matters.
More generally, I work for very demanding, bright clients on large and technically complex cases. In every new case it is a challenge and a privilege to gain the trust and confidence of my clients, to sense what their commercial needs and requirements are and to deliver the best possible result for them.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I do not have a role model in the legal profession but if I had to pick one, it would be Lord Hoffman. He has a razor sharp mind, he is sensible, personable and does not lose his sense of humour.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I founded my own animal welfare charity in early 2013—LAPA (Helping animals in Russia). I strongly believe in social responsibility, so as an alternative to my legal career, I would run my charity on a full time basis if I could afford it. As a secondary choice, I would go for choreography, psychology or professional sport.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Judge John Deed. Putting aside the improbable scenarios in this well-known TV drama series, he is bright, proactive, innovative, decent, fair and doesn't take 'no' for an answer and he is handsome too!
What change would you make to the profession?
I would introduce a mandatory test and training at the university stage for commercial and management skills—it is not easy to find a lawyer, whether solicitor or barrister, who is technically competent, commercially sharp and knows how to run his practice. I joined Signature Litigation because that is the sort of lawyers we are and encourage our new lawyers to do the same.
How do you relax?
I spend most of my so called free time running my charity but I would not call that relaxing. I enjoy hard fitness training and I love walking my dogs at weekends, especially if it is not raining.
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