Elena Vasilyeva

What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?

Finding solutions for clients with complex matters, has been a pleasure and fulfilling. Where lawyers from various departments from across the firm put their heads together and work as a team. Being involved in a project like this gives the greatest satisfaction as it shows that together we can navigate the client through cross discipline and cross border matters to find the best possible solution for them.

What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?

Constantly try to expand your area of expertise. Your clients will come to you with real life questions, which are complex and complicated (as life is) and quite often not limited to personal tax or succession only. Be prepared to identify red flags from neighbouring areas of law (corporate tax, family, immigration etc.) and involve other experts, in order to avoid solutions which are technically correct but have the potential to create problems for the client when other aspects of their position have not been taken into consideration.

What is your favourite quote?

Brought up with Russian literature, a quote from the world famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, comes to mind. With his tribute to things which really matter - “There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth” (Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace).