We have continued to strengthen our global relationships through the latest IAG Global staff exchange, partnering with Valencia-based law firm Andersen.
The exchange saw lawyers from our two firms spend time working in each other’s offices, sharing knowledge, experiencing different legal systems and building professional relationships that will support clients whose legal matters cross international borders.
We welcomed Andersen trainee lawyer María García Crespo, before our Family Law Solicitor, Grace Roberts, travelled to Valencia for a two-week placement with Andersen.
During her time in Spain, Grace worked alongside Andersen’s solicitors, gaining valuable insight into the Spanish legal system and sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues across the firm.
The placement also gave Grace the opportunity to experience life and culture in Valencia. Her visit included watching Valencia CF secure a memorable victory against eventual La Liga champions Barcelona, visiting the city’s renowned Oceanogràfic aquarium and sampling authentic Valencian paella.
Grace Roberts said: "The exchange has been an incredible opportunity, both professionally and personally.
"Working alongside lawyers in another country gives you a real insight into a different legal system, but just as importantly it helps you build connections that continue long after the exchange has finished.
"One of the biggest benefits is developing an international network of trusted contacts. If a client comes to me with a matter involving another jurisdiction, I now have trusted contacts I can turn to whenever a client needs legal advice in another jurisdiction.
"Everyone at Andersen made me feel incredibly welcome and I couldn't have asked for a better experience."
During her placement with us, María gained experience across several departments and spent time getting to know colleagues both inside and outside the office in Chester and Shrewsbury.
Her visit included trips to Storyhouse and Chester Zoo, as well as a range of social and professional networking events. María also joined colleagues at the Shropshire Tasty Trail, which we were proud to sponsor again this year.
Helen Watson, Vice Chair of IAG Global and our Senior Partner and Head of Employment Law, said: "The programme gives our lawyers a fantastic opportunity to experience legal practice in another country while building lasting relationships with trusted firms across our international network.
“Those connections ultimately benefit our clients too, helping us work seamlessly with overseas colleagues whenever legal matters cross borders.
"It's also a fantastic development opportunity for our lawyers, giving them experiences they'll carry with them throughout their careers."
The exchange programme forms part of IAG's commitment to strengthening collaboration between its member firms. By giving lawyers the opportunity to work in different jurisdictions, the programme supports the exchange of knowledge and helps establish lasting international connections.
This was the fifth IAG Global exchange in which we have participated, following previous placements with firms in the United States, France, Germany and Belgium.
Through our membership of IAG Global, we can connect clients with trusted legal professionals around the world, providing coordinated support when personal or commercial matters extend beyond the UK.
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