What was your route into the profession?
My school in Australia encouraged me to study mathematics and sciences (which I did) with the slogan ‘maths multiples your choices’. This was good grounding, but as I enjoyed probing arguments to get to the facts, and public speaking, I thought law was a natural fit. I was fortunate to get hands-on experience early on which propelled my interest in international work and I jumped to London.
Thinking the English winter was not cold enough, I went to work in Moscow (an incredible experience working with fantastic colleagues), then back to Australia on a secondment with Clifford Chance to thaw out (wonderful weather with wonderful and supportive colleagues—why leave? Friends asked me). However, the pull of international disputes was too strong, and I moved to Dubai for another overseas posting to add some Middle East experience to my bow. A terrific experience working with people from different countries and cultures. Now, I’m back in the UK working with Keystone Law which provides me a brilliant opportunity for my international disputes work.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Looking back, arriving in Moscow with only a few Russian words, experiencing blistering cold winters and being one of the few female ex-pats who drove was challenging but I loved it. It was fun, exciting and rewarding.
I’ve seen guerrilla tactics and dealt with cross-cultural issues which can be challenging for clients. I enjoy having to think creatively in strategising a way forward, dealing with the moving pieces and solving the multi-jurisdictional puzzle.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I count myself lucky to have worked with inspirational lawyers throughout my career. In terms of English lawyers, Nicholas Munday (former head of litigation and arbitration at Clifford Chance), is a dynamic, commercial problem solver with an ability to predict where a case is headed and what the other side will do. He taught me how to anticipate where a matter was going and steer a clear course. Plus, he had a good sense of humour—important when the going gets tough.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
For fun and if I had the talent—a choreographer or song writer. More seriously, surgeon (medicine has interested me since school), helping disadvantaged women and young girls with disfigurements.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
There are too many—probably because lawyers make great protagonists!
What change would you make to the profession?
For traditional law firms, talent retention of mid to senior experienced female lawyers in particular is an issue.
How do you relax?
I took up polo when I moved to Dubai and was hooked. It is an addictive sport, like playing chess on horseback. It can be tough, demanding and challenging—as can a complex dispute—but thrilling, rewarding and satisfying at the same time. I’m looking forward to getting back into it when I’ve recovered from an injury.
International disputes lawyer Melissa Quai Currie has recently joined Keystone Law as a consultant solicitor.
